41
21. It is mentioned that the fine new well has been successfully com-
pleted at an outlay of Rs. 1,147. The estimated cost was Rs. 2,400, and the
saving, equal to Rs. 1,253, is due to the labour of the insane—a gratifying
result, particularly since it is added that the entire expense was defrayed
from the garden profits.
22. I have refrained from entering so fully as I otherwise would have
done on the questions of management and employment as pursued here, con-
scious that I could add nothing to the remarks given in the superintendent's
report, which I beg accordingly to refer to. One point, however, the neces-
sity of alloting funds for extension, I venture to re-advert to, because if
that be postponed much inconvenience will certainly result. The amount
required to provide suitable separate accommodation for 30 females need not
certainly exceed Rs. 12,000. But if the superintendent's suggestion of
utilizing the labour of the lunatics, and employing them in making the
bricks on the ground be adopted, then the sum required would be very con-
siderably reduced.
24. The total monthly cost per patient was Rs. 8-14-2 against
Rs. 9-12-4 in the previous year. The decrease is explained by increase of
population and more favourable rates for rations. Next report promises
to show a more marked reduction in the fact that an advantageous contract
has been entered on for provisioning from this date, instead of the former
system of purchasing direct from the bazar.
25. As relative to the cost, it should be mentioned that while magis-
trates are usually careful to ascertain the ability or otherwise of friends to
defray the costs of maintenance, it occasionally happens that this is overlook-
ed, and an instance occurred lately in which payment was offered but declined.
It would, therefore, appear that this matter should have stricter attention. I
am of opinion also that some ruling should be made as respect lunatics sub-
jects of His Highness the Gaekwar. At present it is sufficient that such be
brought within British territory, and an application made to a magistrate
who, in due course, orders the lunatic's reception, without any attempt being
made to recover the costs of maintenance. Whereas, in the case of patients
received from the petty States of Kattywar, &c., the political agents invari-
ably arrange for them beforehand, and the whole cost is recovered.
26. Dry-earth conservancy has been in constant use since the asylum
was opened, and answers satisfactorily. The poudrette is turned to good
account as a fertilizer in the garden, and the resulting crops, whether cereal
or vegetable, are excellent, particularly as regards cabbages, some of which at
this date weigh 40 lbs. But it is necessary that it be matured by keeping at
least eight or ten months; for employed comparatively fresh it has a caustic
effect on most vegetation. The fluid sewage is received in iron tubs placed
outside the enclosure walls, and it also is utilized in the garden.
27. The superintendent commends the conduct of his establishments,
and makes particular mention of the obligations he is under to Second Class
Hospital Assistant Joseph Solomon, General No. 397, whose duties are
highly responsible, comprising, in the medical officer's absence, details of
management, diet, clothing, &c., as well as the allotment and distribution of
labour, all of which he performs to the entire satisfaction of his superior.
28. In taking leave of this subject, I beg to append the annual report
of the superintendent, together with statements and registers numbered
from 1 to 14, accurately filled up so far as that is now practicable. Nos. 3, 7,
8, 12, and 13, have been slightly supplemented to meet particular cases, but
otherwise the forms have been strictly adhered to.
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