REPORT ON THE TEZPUR LUNATIC ASYLUM.
11
ated and
inmates,
1
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lied from
I tabular
iirk*.
. rapid 8UCCCS-
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St mortem.
entorutes, ca-
terated, lungs
urge intestiuo,
ir.
lght disease,
ilney.
of colon, liver
ditto.
liver, ulcer ol
itines.
is both lungs,
ver.
mod, nicer of
of lungs.
! dura mater,
lnut, left side,
ii parietal con-
atrophy of
mditis (adlie-
>leural
•tern.
If, havin
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January,
presume
found bv
which led
were dull,
se in most
The only
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other dis-
as greatly
been very
i in either.
portionate
omparison
id.
The increase on the cost of establishment has arisen from the necessity of employing a night
watchman and a mehter. The charges otherwise remained nearly the same as in 187(5.
More than half this charge is incurred for superintendence.
The average cost of diet shows a decrease to a small extent (13 annas 3 pic), though the cost of
tice was higher than in the previous years. This diminution is more than accounted for by the saving in
the cost of vegetables grown in the Asylum, and in the price of fuel,—the old materials from the outer
fenem 0 " and barracks, perfectly useless otherwise, having been used for this latter purpose during
|ix months.
In the average cost of clothing and bedding there has been a marked reduction. In part, this no
doubt depends on the fact that in 187(5 everything had to be purchased new, and the same remark
applies to contingencies, which included furniture, nearly all of which had to be purchased new in 187(5,
and very little in 1877.
The clothing supplied has been of good quality, and is sufficient, and is made up specially in
the jail.
48. Sanctioned Establishment {Statement X).—The chief alterations in this have been the entertain-
ment of a night watchman from 22rd May, 1877 (Secretary to the Chief Commissioner's letter
No. 1,335, of 6th May, 1877), and of a gardener on Rs. 10 per mensem, instead of a keeper on Us. 8
/Secretary to the Chief Commissioner's No. 2,96(5, of 20th November, 1877). For six months, a
gardener was maintained on the extra establishment (Secretary to the Chief Commissioner's letter
No. 702B., of 14th May, 1877. A sweeper was entertained from 28th August (Secretary to Chief
Commissioner's letter No. 232B., of 21st February, 1877).
The proportion of keepers to lunatics during the two years has been—
1870
Male.
1 to 6-3
Female.
1 to 47
1877
...
...
...
...
...
...
ltoG9
1 to 3-8
The variation in the case of the females depends on the diminished average numbers, and on the
fact that, whatever the number, two keepers are required.
49. The behaviour of the keepers has been, on the whole, good. Five, however, were fined for
allowing lunatics to escape, and apparently with the happiest results. In each instance, there was
neglect of duty on the part of one of these subordinates.
50. Garden, manufacture, SfC (Statement XL).—No manufactures have been attempted, for full
employment has been found for all the lunatics willing and capable of working in and about the
Asylum precincts and garden. The distribution has been—
Clearing the compound, and clearing away jungle
In the garden
Cooks...
Miscellaneous light work
Sweeper
Repairs of huildings
Unahle to work ...
Sick in hospital ...
Total
Daily
average
y-G7
4-10
3-
2-55
2-04
1-98
(5-03
G-
35
Total.
2343
12-03
51. The value of the outturn has been Its. (55-8-6, chiefly represented by the saving to
Government in cost of vegetables.
On taking charge, I found the place a perfect jungle, and it has taken all the year to get it into
the order in which it is now,—clean and neat in every corner. Of course, this represents a large amount
of labour, for which no cash credit is taken or allowed by Government. There are two circumstances,
•however, that militate against very successful gardening at present, the inferior nature of the
soil in great part, and the difficulty of getting water in the cold weather. I tried the cultivation of
cotton, but it turned out of inferior staple, with but a poor outturn altogether. I have recently sown
tea on a part of the grounds.
52. The conduct of the lunatics has been very good, indeed, it is astonishing how very few of
them have shown the character for violence with which so many come into the Asylum.
An orderly life, absence of excitement, good food, and kind treatment have a most marked benefit
in this respect, so marked as occasionally to be delusive.
53. Five escapes occurred during the year, and were duly reported. Four were re-captured, and
one is still at large. I am in hopes that the increased security of the Asylum, from the new fencing,
and greater vigilance on the part of the keepers may tend to prevent escapes for the future.
54. In conclusion, I would record my favourable opinion of the conduct and qualification of the
overseer, Nibaron Chundra Banerjee, who has shown zeal in the performance of his numerous arduous
duties, and discretion and kindness in his treatment of the lunatics.
A. GARDEN, M.D., Surgeon-Major,
Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum,
P.
4
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