( 2 )
5. The recoveries from purely private sources, i.e., from the lunatics,
or their friends, on account of the cost of maintenance during the year under
review show an increase to the following extent: —
Lahore
...
Delhi ...
Amount recovered in
1886.
Rs.
600
4
A.
14
12
P.
4
0
1887.
Rs.
951
25
A.
6
0
P.
5
0
Increase.
Rs.
350
20
A.
8
4
P.
1
0
This is satisfactory in so far as the Lahore Asylum is concerned, but
His Honor observes that more might perhaps be done to obtain recoveries from
relatives on account of the inmates in the Delhi Asylum. The only private
payment made during the year 1887 seems to have been one of Rs. 25 by the
husband of a female lunatic. I am to invite your attention to paragraph 9 of
Mr. Young's letter No. 345, dated the 7th of July 1887, in which it was observed
that the paucity of paying patients in the Delhi Asylum was remarkable, and
a report was asked for as to what steps are taken to recover the cost of mainten-
ance. This report is awaited.
6. With regard to the falling-off in the profits from manufactures at
both the Asylums, the Lieutenant-Governor accepts your view that the employ-
ment of the lunatics on trades and occupations is a curative rather than a
financial measure.
7. Two lunatics escaped from the Lahore Asylum during 1887, one
being recaptured. I am to invite your attention to paragraph 4 of the
letter from this office, No. 345, dated the 7th of July 1887, in which enquiry
is made in regard to the escape of a lunatic from the Delhi Asylum. No reply
has yet reached this office.
8. With reference to the reported indifferent water-supply of the two
Asylums , a scheme for the connection of the Lahore Asylum with the Munici-
pal water main is under consideration in the Public Works Department. It
is also under consideration to connect the Asylum at Delhi with the jail water-
supply system.
To Inspector-General of Civil Hospi-
tals, No. 345, dated 7th July 1887, para. 5.
9. The Lieutenant-Governor observes with regret that the year was
an unhealthy one at both of the Asylums. It is alleged by the Superintendent
of the Lahore Asylum in paragraph 15 of his report that the buildings are
unsuitable, being ill-constructed and badly ventilated ; and he recommends the
construction of an entirely new Asylum on a proper plan. This proposal
meets with your support, and it may be made the subject of a separate represen-
tation if you are of opinion, with reference to the pressing need for economising
provincial finances, that the expenditure must, sooner or later, be incurred.
On the receipt of your report, which should contain full reasons for the
proposal, the Lieutenant-Governor will give it his best consideration with
due regard to other claims on the provincial finances , but he cannot promise
that funds will be provided at any early date. In the remarks by the
Lieutenant-Governor on the Annual Report of the Lahore Asylum for the
year 1886, enquiry was made whether any cause
could
be
assigned for the prevalence of ophthalmia
and ulcers in that institution. As these complaints appear to be still prevalent,
I am to repeat the enquiry.
10. In paragraph 18 of his report, Surgeon-Major Massy says that the
Conservancy establishment of the Lahore Asylum is not strong enough to
carry out efficiently the duties required of it, and that the pay of the sweepers
is too small. I am to observe that a separate report should be made on this
matter if remedy is really required.