ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
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The committee did not find that any increase of the number of European
warders was essential, but recommended that the pay of two of them should be
increased, and that they should reside on the premises; also that the Native warders,
on whom the immediate custody of the patients depends, should be graded and
better paid, so as to ensure continuance of service, and, if possible, more trustworthy
agents.
20. The orders of Government in regard to the recommendations of the com-
mittee will be passed in due course, but I may state that I am quite satisfied of the
necessity of improving the condition of the warders, as recommended by the com-
mittee, so as to ensure better supervision. The Madras Lunatic Asylum, from its
construction on the detached cottage system, and the wide area over which the
buildings are spread, is one very difficult of supervision and management, and
requires great care and intelligence on the part of all the administrative staff.
21. Although these two accidents have occurred during Dr. Leapingwell's
administration, I am satisfied that he has devoted his time and energies to his
charge with great zeal and intelligence, and I have much pleasure in bringing to the
notice of Government that the interests of the patients have been well cared for
under his management. Dr. Leapingwell's report is carefully drawn up, and testifies
to the interest he takes in the important duties committed to his charge. I have
visited the asylum on several occasions during the year, and have had ample
opportunities of observing his management of the insane. I trust that the hands
of the Superintendent may be strengthened in the direction pointed out by the
committee.
The Subordinate Medical Establishment consists of Apothecary Hardaker and
Civil Apothecary Jones, who, as a rule, have performed the duties satisfactorily.
Mr. Hardaker has, since the end of the year, been relieved by Apothecary Watts.
The Matron has conducted her duties to the satisfaction of the Superintendent.
22. Waltair.—The patients in this asylum were as follows: 37 remained at
the end of the previous year, 31 were admitted during the year, making a total of
68 patients treated. Of these, 12 were discharged cured, 15 died, and 41 remained
in the asylum on 31st March 1881.
The mortality in this asylum was very high, and is accounted for by the medical
officer in charge, who states that only hopeless and incurable cases are detained in
the asylum, many of whom are the subjects of organic disease.
23. Buildings.—The
buildings have been kept in repair. There is ample
accommodation, but no special ward for female criminal lunatics, and as only one
of that class was under detention, the want of a special ward is not urgent. Better
accommodation for noisy and violent patients has been sanctioned.
24. The asylum has been under the charge of Surgeon-Major James Smith
for a portion of the year and of Dr. Rogers-Harrison for the remainder.
Assistant Apothecary White has conducted the subordinate medical duties,
and the behaviour of the warders, &c, has been satisfactory. The institution has
been managed on humane and intelligent principles, and has been periodically
inspected by the official visitors.
25. Calicut.—The following is a summary of the number of lunatics treated at
Calicut:—
Forty-seven remained in the asylum on 1st April 1880, 29 were admitted in the
year, total 76. Of these, 14 were discharged cured, 7 died, and 55 remained in
the asylum at the end of the year. The mortality was higher than in the preceding
year, but is accounted for by the state of health of patients on admission.
Two
patients were actually received in a dying state.
The health of the inmates is reported to be generally good. Of 55 remaining
in the asylum, 44 had gained in weight since admission.
26. Buildings.—Are maintained in a fair state of repair. Rs. 310 were received
departmentally for repairs. Two new wells are under construction, and it is hoped
that the water-supply, hitherto defective in dry seasons, will be sufficient.
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