ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
17
property. There were many changes in these attendants during the year involving
a deal of trouble in training the new men.
The matron Mrs. Fellowes has performed her duties fairly well.
The Superintendent does not speak favourably of steward Anna Chetty, who,
with his twenty-five years' experience in the asylum, is reported to have caused
much trouble. He is said to be against every improvement in the steward's
department—slow, untidy, irritable and rude. He has been often reprimanded, but
seems to have done his duties fairly well.
Store-keeper Moothia Pillai, who filled the post up to November, was found
guilty of theft and sentenced to six months' rigorous imprisonment by the Chief
Presidency Magistrate. When his connection with the appointment ceased, a
thorough stock-taking took place, several irregularities were discovered; none, how-
ever, being of a serious nature, most of the non-perishable articles being found in
excess.
Native attendants.—The Superintendent reports that these men have constantly
given trouble. To get a better class of men the Superintendent suggests that the
pay of these men, who are constituted under three grades, should be increased from
]{s. 12, 10 and 8 to Rs. 15, 12 and 9, respectively. In this opinion I fully
concur with the Superintendent. The-Superintendent again suggests also that these
attendants should be supplied with free uniform by Government, this being essen-
tial for the discipline and well-being of the asylum.
The ayahs are reported to have worked indifferently. To ensure the services
of good, honest women for these places, the Superintendent proposes more liberal
pay and free uniform.
The eoohs seem to have worked indifferently well. One of them was dismissed
on account of theft.
The toties seem to be more satisfied since their pay was augmented by a rupee
a month, but the Superintendent considers the number too small.
Calicut Asylum —First-class Hospital Assistant D. Rajaratnam, No. 90, was in
subordinate charge until 3rd September, on which date he died from disease of the
heart. The Superintendent remarks that this Hospital Assistant was doing his
work satisfactorily, and that his sudden death was a great loss to the asylum.
From 3rd September to 10th October the asylum was looked after by Hospital
Assistants ordered to do temporary duty. First-class Hospital Assistant Muhammad
Ibrahim, No. 307, for whose services the Superintendent had specially applied,
assumed charge on the 10th October, and the Superintendent hopes to show better
results than previously with his help.
There was no other change in the establishment of the Calicut Asylum. Clerk
H. Taveira and Store-keeper P. Kunhi Ohandu are reported to have done their
work to the entire satisfaction of the Superintendent. The keepers in general are
also said to have done their work fairly well.
Vizagapatam Asylum.—Hospital Assistant Anantayya, No. 326, was promoted
to the First class from 1st July. The Superintendent is glad to be again able to
express his appreciation of the Hospital Assistant's steady work and interest in
everything connected with the asylum. In accordance with CO., No. 1271, Public,
<lated 3rd December 1896, he now draws Rs. 10 per mensem as a personal allowance
in consideration of the work done during the past 4J years, during which time he
was not absent even for a day. He is assisted in the management of the stores
PJid in the office work by the store-keeper. This latter official was known until
November 1892 as head-keeper, in which capacity he drew Rs. 25 per mensem.
From that time he has been store-keeper on Rs. 20 per mensem. His conduct is
reported to have been satisfactory.
The male and female attendants are said to have done their work indifferently
with few exceptions. One temporary male attendant was employed during the year
owing to increase of strength. The tcties are reported to give trouble continuously*
(b) Hospital.—In the Madras Asylum Mr. Noronha was Junior Apothecary
lor the first six months and Mr. Jones for the second half of the year. Both have
done their work with care and diligence and to the Superintendent's complete
Batisfaction. Second-class Hospital Assistant Doraisamy Pillai was working in
5