12
ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
10. The subject of occupation in a Lunatic Asylum must be looked upon as
a remedial measure of the greatest importance. To afford work of a light and
interesting kind must be the object aimed at, remuneration being a very secondary
consideration. The weaving, which is now carried on, both affords a variety of
occupation suited to different classes of patients, and is also a source of economy,
making the cost of the clothing and bedding almost nominal. Gardening opera-
tions are also a healthful form of occupation, and these with cleaning, sweeping,
drawing, and filling the water carts, cutting roads and trimming hedges, afford
employment to all the inmates.
11. Recreation does not form so prominent a feature as I would wish to see.
There are many difficulties to be encountered. The distance from the various
places of amusement preclude their being visited by any of the inmates. The Band
of the 39th Regiment played for some weeks, but the corps being ordered off this
treat was discontinued.
12. The weekly services were continued regularly by the Chaplain of Vepery.
13. The sanitary condition is very satisfactory, and the dry-earth system
works well and is carefully carried out. The various means taken to ensure cleanli-
ness and health have been so frequently detailed in former reports that it is
unnecessary to comment further upon them. The present sanitary condition of
the asylum leaves little or nothing to be desired.
14. No improvement has been effected in the lighting of the asylum.
15. It is most desirable that the cottages for better-class patients should be
furnished in a more appropriate manner.
16. The financial statement for the seven months as compared with the same
period of the previous year is very satisfactory, as the expenditure is less by nearly
Rupees 1,300, although the admissions are more numerous.
Medical Officer's salary ... ... ...
Do. Subordinates' Salary ... ...
Servants' wages ... ... ... ...
Clothing and Bedding ... ... ...
Dieting Sick ... ... ... ...
Wines and Spirits ... ... ...
Perishable Articles and Contingencies ...
Total ...
Average Expen-
diture for seven
Months in the last
Year.
Rs.
5,551
2,275
5,978
126
16,417
1,141
3,360
34,848
The Actual Expen-
diture for seven
Months of this
Year.
Rs.
5,705
2,212
5,821
81
18,387
877
2,637
35,720
The above table shows great reduction under all the headings with the excep-
tion of the Superintendent's salary and the diets. The latter owing to the increased
number of admissions, more especially amongst Europeans, and to the issue of extras,
such as broth, bread, and milk to patients admitted in a weakly condition.
17. I cannot give over charge of the asylum without placing on record the
high opinion I entertain of Mr. Hardaker, who in a very trying post rendered me
all the assistance in his power and carried out my orders with care and attention.
Assistant Apothecary Sunjeevee has worked well during the short time he has
been under me. He is very attentive and painstaking and kind and considerate to
the inmates.
The Matron, Mrs. Hennan, during the 4½ years that she has been in this asylum
under me has done her work well, and by the careful manner in which she has
carried out my orders and directions has done much to improve the condition of
the female patients. She treated the patients with great kindness and induced
them to work and employ themselves as they had never done before. I entertain
a very high opinion of her character, which is thoroughly reliable and trustworthy.