ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
11
Rupees 8 to 10 were asked per head by parties willing to board harmless insanes.
The question merits further consideration. Dr. Smith speaks highly of Mr. Apothe-
ary Morris but with reserve of his warders.
16. Calicut Lunatic Asylum.—The report for last year has been submitted
y Surgeon H. D. Cook, M.B. Of this report, which is a brief one, the following is
summary. The official year opened with 46 insanes in the asylum and 18 more
were admitted during the year; of this aggregate 13 were discharged cured, one
was cured and detained in the asylum and 6 died; there remained at the close of
the year 45. The percentage of cures to average strength was 27.53 and to admis-
tions 72.44. These results compare very favorably with the discouraging report of
the preceding year which, in the words of the former Superintendent, was " a sad
ear; the mortality, chiefly owing to cholera, very great; the cures few." A special
enquiry as Government are aware was made into the health state of the asylum
and into the health state of its inmates and all matters open to correction have been
corrected. During the year under report nine rooms have been added to the buildings,
six in the male and three in the female enclosure, for the reception of violent insanes.
The water-supply of the asylum is very deficient especially during the hot weather,
and as the well is about 500 yards from the asylum the inconvenience to the insti-
tution is considerable. Dr. Cook advises that a well be dug in the compound, a
suggestion I readily endorse. The health state of the inmates during the year has
been good; the average daily sick in hospital did not exceed 1.98. Most of the
nsanes gained weight during the year and only six casualties occurred; of these one,
female, died of cholera, two of atrophy, two of dropsy and one of general debility.
three of the six were in bad health when admitted to hospital. The occupations of
the inmates consist of gardening, weaving, cotton-spinning &c, but no notice is
taken of amusements. It would be well were other employments added to the list
and were the recreation of these poor creatures regarded as a necessary element of
heir special treatment. The provision of a band once a fortnight is a good move
n this direction. No report of any trial having been given to the boarding-out
system has reached this office from the Calicut Asylum. The Superintendent is not
ltogether satisfied with his subordinate staff.
Receipts.
Madras.
1877-78.
Rs.
76,867
A.
11
P.
7
1876-77.
RS.
76,703
A.
10
P.
5
Vizagapatam.
1877-78.
RS.
7,929
A.
8
P.
6
1876-77.
RS.
7,273
A.
9
P.
0
Calicut.
1877-78.
RS.
7,956
A.
7
P.
3
1876-77.
RS.
7,936
A.
0
P.
11
Total.
1877-78.
RS.
92,753
A.
11
P.
4
1876-77.
RS.
91,913
A.
4
P.
4
This table gives all details connected with the receipts of the several asylums and
contrasts these receipts with the corresponding amounts of the previous official
ear. The necessary details of receipts and expenditure will be found in Statements
X, X, XI of the Appendix. The excess of receipts of 1877-78 over the preceding
ear amounts to Rupees 840-7-0. The excess appears chiefly under the following
eads. Cash on account of dieting civil insanes, cash from manufacturing depôt
and cash from paying patients.
The annexed table shows the expenditure in the three asylums during the last
two years:—
Expenditure.
Madras.
1877-78.
RS.
76,867
A.
11
P.
7
1876-77.
RS.
76,703
A.
10
P.
5
Vizagapatam.
1877-78.
RS.
7,897
A.
4
P.
7
1876-77.
B8.
7,273
A.
1
P.
0
Calicut.
1877-78.
RS.
7,956
A.
7
P.
3
1876-77.
RS.
7,936
A.
0
P.
11
Total.
1877-78.
RS.
92,721
A.
7
P.
5
1876-77.
RS.
91,902
A.
12
P.
4