( 4 )
The following table is a detailed statement of the present accommodation in
the asylum :—
Number of cottages and cells.
10
76
1
3
1
10
How occupied.
Civil lunatics ..
Criminal lunatics ..
For Europeans ..
For females ..
Hospital
..
Civil lunatic cells ..
MEASUREMENT.
Length.
Feet.
36
10
36
36
36
11
Breadth.
Feet.
18
8
18
18
18
9
Height.
Feet.
15
16
15
15
15
12
Superficial area.
6,480
6,080
648
1,944
648
990
Cubic measurement.
97,200
97,280
9,720
29,160
9,720
11,880
Number to accommodate at 54
superficial feet.
120
112
12
36
12
18
Number in occupation on the
31st December 1884.
72
73
3
13
11
10
Superficial space per man.
90
83
216
149
58
99
Cubic space per man.
1,350
1,332
3,240
2,243
883
1,188
Special means of ventilation.
Ridge ventilation : by
doors and windows in
criminal cells, a large
central passage run-
ning between the cells,
and having grated doors
at each end.
A glance at this table will show the number of cottages and cells, how occupied,
give the measurement of each, the superficial area, the cubic contents, the number
that can be housed at 54 superficial feet per inmate, the actual number in occupa-
tion, superficial space per man, the cubic space per man, and special means of
ventilation.
After an accident which happened in 1879, it was then ruled that a cell was
never to be occupied by more than one criminal, so that really, although I show
that 112 criminals can be accommodated, under present rules the Government
will only allow that there is accommodation for 76 criminals only.
I myself see no objection to cells being occupied by two inmates; with care-
ful selection and supervision there can never be any danger of accidents.
On referring to table No..2 it will be seen that there are only 57 criminals in the
asylum, whereas it is shown in the above table that the criminal cells are occupied
by 73 persons. The reason is this. There being 26 dangerous civil lunatics in the
asylum, and there being only 10 cells to accommodate them, we are obliged to
make use of 16 criminal cells to house 16 surplus civil dangerous lunatics. It
would seem, therefore, that there is not sufficient accommodation for this class,
and such would be the case were the criminal cells fully occupied ; and as there is
every prospect of increase in the criminal population, perhaps it would be just as
well to construct 10 more civil cells.
Water-supply.—Beyond stating that in quality and quantity it is supposed to
be good and sufficient, there is nothing on this head to comment upon.
Conservancy, Cleanliness.—The dry-earth system is enforced as far as practica-
ble. Some of the older inmates quite understand that they are expected to use
earth whenever they visit the latrines, and they do use it; on the other hand
others defecate anywhere, and a few have no control over themselves in this way,
and great difficulty is, therefore, experienced in making them go to one place for
this purpose.
Occupation.—The employment of the patients has been continued as before;
perhaps it has been more extended and varied in character. A carpenter's shop
was established under the supervision of the Overseer, Mr. Goodwin, who is by
trade a carpenter. Articles of furniture, &c, have been made giving a good mar-
gin of profit, thus adding much to the receipts as will hereafter be shown. All
the petty carpentry, painting, ironwork, &c, required for the ordinary use of the
establishment are now performed in this workshop; thus combining economy with
these medical agents so useful in alleviating the maladies of insanes.