ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS,
25
The lunatics are not allowed to sleep during the day and they are engaged in
one thing or another.
A very interesting case of paralysis of the bladder was treated with great
success. The patient is an old-standing case, having been in the asylum ten years.
The bladder suddenly lost its contractile power and the urine had to be drawn
off daily by the catheter. This was very hard to do, as the patient resented it very
much, but by the patient coaxing and kind persuasion of the Hospital Assistant,
the difficulty was overcome. The treatment consisted in the administration of
tincture of nux vomica in 10 minim doses ter in die with the electro-magnetic
machine and hot hip-bath. He eventually recovered.
(l.) Occupations.—Out-door gardening, cultivating and levelling. The country
vegetable garden has been much improved this year and the profit credited to the
Government.
Fifty young cocoanut trees were planted and are thriving fairly. Twenty-four
graft mango plants were got from Madras and planted in rows in front of the office.
Of these four died, two remain in an indifferent state, and the remaining eighteen
are in a flourishing condition and will probably bear fruit next year.
In-door Occupation.—Weaving, coir-rope making, fibre spinning, tailoring, &c.
The weaving department is entirely removed to the criminal enclosure, where it is
carried out under the supervision of a first-class warder. 954½ yards of good
dungaree were manufactured, valued at Rs. 298-4-3. The lunatics weave as much
as possible their own cloths, and the value is credited to the asylum accounts.
(m.) Amusements.—All the Malabar festival days are observed, and a treat is
generally given on those days without any distinction of caste.
The annual treat for the inmates was given on the 11th February 1885. There
was a grand "tamash." The wards and grounds were neatly adorned with
various decorations. Pictures of various kinds and sizes were hung up in con-
spicuous places. Many of the European and native gentry honored the occasion
with their presence and assisted with subscriptions.
The grounds were tastefully illuminated at the close of the evening. The
patients had a substantial meal along with sweetmeats, biscuits, fruits, &c.
Fireworks were very satisfactory, and the letting off of three balloons caused
much surprise among the unfortunate patients.
III.—FINANCIAL.
The following tables are given below under this heading :—
(a.) Expenditure and receipts—
—
Expenditure ...
Receipts ... ...
1883-84.
Rs.
12,881
2,124
A.
0
14
P.
5
11
1884-85.
Rs.
13,512
2,610
A.
2
8
P.
9
2
(6.) Financial statement, abridged, showing the increase and decrease of
expenditure under various heads during the years 1883-84—1884-85 :—
—
Superintendent's allowance ...
Medical Subordinate's salary ...
Servants' wages ... ... ...
European medicines ... ...
Clothing and bedding
...
...
Dieting ... ... ... ...
Wines and spirits ... ... ...
Perishables and contingencies ...
Total ...
1888.84.
Rs.
600
660
2,660
109
18
7,242
68
1,521
12,881
A.
0
0
9
9
7
2
4
15
0
P.
0
0
2
6
0
5
6
10
5
1884-85.
Rs.
600
907
3,081
151
* 633
5,977
41
2,119
13,512
A.
0
4
1
9
4
15
3
11
2
P.
0
8
11
10
0
5
4
7
9
Increase.
Rs. A. P.
...
247
420
42
614
4
8
0
13
8
9
4
0
...
...
597
1,922
11
6
9
6
Decrease.
Rs. A. P.
...
...
...
...
...
1,264
27
3
1
0
2
...
1,291 4 2
* Includes this year the thread purchased for weaving.
7