ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
21
in lieu of increase, an actual decrease of Rupees 769-12-6, to which must be added
Rupees 550-15-0, the value of the stock of thread on hand, making the total Rupees
,326-11-6. The greater portion of this saving has been effected in the clothing
and bedding, in which items of expenditure a decrease of Rupees 3,131-5-0 is shown.
A portion of this is apparent only, the thread which is now used in the
manufacture of the cloth in the asylum coming under the head of contingencies.
This amounts to Rupees 508-6-8, leaving a clear saving in the clothing and
bedding of Rupees 2,622-14-4.
Comparing the expenditure under this heading with the year 1873-74, at the
lose of which I took charge of the asylum, I am able to show the following
mazing difference:—
1873-74 ... ... ...
1877-78
...
...
...
Difference ... ... ...
RS.
11,048
1,572
9,476
(actual cost of clothing and bedding).
At the same time the clothing now in use is of infinitely better material than
that worn in 1873-74, and it is woven and made up by the patients themselves.
A considerable decrease is shown in the diets, amounting to Rupees 1,277-7-6.
This is in part owing to the lesser number of admissions elsewhere accounted for,
and also in part due to the increased care and supervision which can now be
exercised since the appointment of a Head Steward. One of the Head Sergeants is
now always present at the cook-room to see the food given out, cooked and distri-
buted, and the results are most satisfactory. Both the Apothecary and Assistant
Apothecary are also present when the patients take their meals. These savings, as
before pointed out, have been more than sufficient to meet the very heavy increase
the cost of the establishment owing to famine batta issued to all servants whose
may is under Rupees 16, thus including the writer, the whole of the warders (except
the two head attendants), all the ayahs, and the male and female sweepers.
The Steward's pay was also an additional charge in the establishment. There
is an increase under the heading of medicines of Rupees 155-7-0, which was incurred
providing air-beds, a stomach-pump and surgical pocket case, much needed for
the hospital, and also a large quantity of bromide of potassium, essential for epileptic
and other cases, and opium for those suffering from diarrhoea.
The cost of wines and spirits is Rupees 324-2-0 in excess of last year owing to
the large amount of sickness and the number of delicate patients to whom stimulants
were necessary.
The increased expenditure under contingencies is only apparent, the thread for
weaving operations coming under this heading and amounting to Rupees 1,065-6-0,
which Rupees 508-6-8 have been shown in the analysis of the clothing expenditure
and Rupees 556-15-4 remain in stock to be woven into material during the ensuing
year.
Arrack also falls under this heading and cost Rupees 551-9-6, being much
eeded by many of the weakly and dying patients. A further sum of Rupees 298-4-0
was expended in furnishing the new cottages for superior female patients. With
ese heavy outlays it is satisfactory that the expenditure of last year has not been
suceeded, and that even a reduction as before detailed has been effected.
17. Mr. Apothecary Hardaker has worked hard and rendered me all the
asistance in his power.
Mr. Assistant Apothecary White is a zealous and painstaking subordinate, and
certainly deserving of credit for the manner in which he has conducted his duties,
during a very trying and sickly season, by most constant and unremitting attention
wards the weakly patients.
The Matron, Mrs. Hennan, continues to perform her duties in the same satis-
factory manner as hitherto. She is exceedingly kind and attentive to the patients
is evidenced by the liking they all have for her. She induces them to work, and
as the entire management of the tailoring department, which duty she has
performed in a manner highly creditable to her. The two head European attendants,
6