REPORT ON THE TEZPUR LUNATIC ASYLUM.
10. It is unnecessary to enter into any detail regarding the dormitories. The area and space is
ample, and there has been no overcrowding. In the last report it is mentioned that, originally, each hut
had four doors in front and four windows behind, and that two of the doors in front were replaced by
windows owing to the cold being too great and to the necessity of doing away with doors as much
as possible, for the sake of security. The effect of this change was most unfortunate, as the substitution
of small windows for the doors destroyed in the main the power of properly ventilating and drying the
huts, whilst in the hot weather and rains this reduction of the entrance of fresh air to the minimum made
the heat in the huts unbearable, and added unnecessarily to the sufferings of the inmates.
To shut out all possible ingress of air, in order to keep the huts warm, is a most insanitary plan,
whilst the same object could have and has been attained by moveablo shutters, or jhamps, which can be
raised or lowered as required. Owing to the condition of the huts above named, I had to replace all
the windows with bamboo-latticed gratings reaching to the ground, to the greatly increased comfort
of the patients.
11. The outer fencing is made of pointed bamboos 12 feet high, and is as much as is required, as,
in my opinion, more lunatics, as is the case with prisoners, escape through negligence on the part of
the guards than from imperfections in mere brick and mortar, or such physical modes of restraint.
12. Any suggestions as to the improvement of the Asylum as it now stands would bo thrown
away. The buildings are really but makeshift in the main, and to lay out any great sum on them, in
fact, to do more than make them as secure and watertight as possible, with attention to sanitary
requirements, would be a waste.
What is required is—
(1) Properly-built, well-ventilated, dry, secure dormitories, with floors of asphalt impervious
to damp, for the various classes of insanes:—
(a) Criminal.
(b) Quiet non-criminal.
(c) Violent
ditto.
(d) Dirty
ditto.
(2) Separate cells, well ventilated and lighted, with separate enclosures or yards in front for
the seclusion of violent patients or others whom it may be necessary to keep apart
from the rest without depriving them of air and light.
(3) A hospital with an impervious waterproof floor and a dispensary.
(4) An office.
(5) Overseer and compounder's quarters.
13. In mentioning these points I have not gone into any detail, which will be better considered
when the places for the permanent Asylum are finally discussed.
It has been proposed to make use of the outer wall when built, as one of the Avails of the
dormitories, the roof being lean-to on the inner side of the wall. This proposition is based on tin 1
ground of economy, and, if thorough ventilation, &c, can be secured, there is no great objection to it in
my opinion, though I prefer much the plan of separate dormitories, on the pavilion plan.
14. Water-supply.—There are two wells, one in the centre of the Aslyum, and one under the
partition that separates the women's from the hospital yard. The water is good, but fails during the
hot weather, so that it has to be brought from a distance. The depth of the wells is 45 feet, and they
are both masonry lined. Hound the main well a masonry platform has been built during the year, to
keep the precincts from being soaked with foul water. The insanes are made to bathe daily. As long
as there is sufficient water in the well, ablution is carried on within the Asylum; but at other times they
are taken to the Mora Borelli to bathe. This is the opposite to objectionable, as the exercise and
change have a favourable influence on the patients.
15. Conservancy.—There are four latrines in the Asylum, but it is most difficult to keep them
sweet and clean, or even to get some insanes to use them at all. They are small thatched buildings
with reed walls and raised earthen floors. The excreta are removed and buried in trenches outside
the Asylum walls. At first, the trenches were dug about 100 feet from the fence, but this has been put
a stop to, and they are now some 200 yards off. So that there is no chance of foul air entering the
place from them. Up to July, the conservancy was carried on by the insanes somewhat inefficiently,
and with difficulty. Since then, a permanent mehter has been placed on the establishment.
10. Drainage.—This is now in efficient working order. Outside the fence on all four sides is :'
drain 3 feet deep, and inside the fence is another 2 feet deep. These latter collect the water from tin'
inside of the enclosure by numerous channels of greater or less depth, and from them the water passes
into the larger drains outside. 1 propose deepening all the drains, so as to leave nothing, if possible, to
|,e desired on this score.
17. Cleanliness.—The whole precincts are kept scrupulously clean. Much difficulty has bee"
experienced in clearing and keeping down the grass jungle, which is so marked a feature, and .->'
persistent an enemy in this part of the world. This has been done more or less effectually by meal'"
of the insanes themselves, affording them light and healthful work.
18. Pop
Remaining...
Admitted ..
Re-admitted
Average popula
Discharged cure
Died
Remaining
As the A
remaining fro
the Dacca Lu
Assam, as un<
The
19
less than half
are natives of
This din
useless meml
rather than t<
the considera
1870, and 14
20. Th
Hie end of th
return embra
21. Th
of voluntaril
having shov
The fourth c
22. Th
jpu-ed
Wade over to J
Discharged ot
Itii'd per cent.
Tin ia pr
fourteen wi
f 5 no better;
P)8anes shun