Resolution on the Report of the Tezpur Lunatic Asylum.
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Extract from the Proceedings of the Chief Commissioner^/Assam, General Department,
No/tyJdated Shillong, the/ May 1881.
READ-
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The Annual Report on the Tezpur Lunatic Asylum for the year 1880.
Also letter No. 65S., dated Shillon£, the 30th March 1881, from the Deputy-Surgeon-General
Eastern Frontier District, to the Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Assam, forwarding
the above Report.
Also Resolution on the Report of the Tezpur Lunatic Asylum for the year 1879.
RESOLUTION.
1. THE Report submitted by Dr. Warburton shows that the Tezpur Lunatic Asylum
has been successfully administered during the year under review. The inspection of the
Asylum lately held by the Chief Commissioner confirmed this view, and Mr. Elliott then
expressed himself as well satisfied with the management of the Asylum.
2. It was proposed in Sir Steuart Bayley's time to abandon the present site of the
Asylum, and to transfer the patients to a ward about to be vacated in the jail. Mr. Elliott
however, after inspecting the locality, decided that it would not be advisable to enclose the
lunatics within the solid and gloomy walls of the jail buildings, and that the present
situation is far more suitable for this class of patients. The site is high, and the place
bright and airy. The dormitories are well planned, with dry floors and plenty of ventila-
tion above. The hedge encircling the enclosure has been completed, and the drainage
is good. The Asylum, therefore, will not be moved from its present position.
o. One alteration, however, in the existing arrangements must be effected ot once :
the criminal and non-criminal lunatics are not at present separated from each other, and if
any of the criminals were violent and homicidal, a serious catastrophe might occur. It is
absolutely necessary that a stockade should be made similar to that by which the female
ward is now surrounded, to separate the two classes of male patients, and to provide means
of secure confinement for those who are dangerous to others.
4. The general health of the inmates of the Asylum was much better than last year)
but there were more deaths. The explanation given of this is that there were a few cases
of chronic illness last year, and that during the present year these patients died.
5. The lunatics are employed on gardening and basket-weaving, which are very
suitable employments. The women only are found difficult to manage in this respect,
as they cannot be induced to spin. Further efforts should be made to teach them this
easy art.
6. In paragraph 9 of the Report an account is given of the escape during a storm in
the night of a non-criminal lunatic who had recently recovered his reason. Four lunatics
in all escaped, and particulars of the escapes of the other three lunatics should have been
furnished in the Report.
7. In conclusion, the Chief Commissioner commends the management of the Asylum
during the last year, and thanks Dr. Warburton for the care and skill with which he has
watched over the welfare of the institution.
By order of the Chief Commissioner of Assam,
C. J. LYALL,
Offg. Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Assam.