8
ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
the previous year; this is accounted for by the new standard of comparison, the
admission weight being taken as the standard for two years only.
(2) Clothing.—In the Madras, Vizagapatam and Calicut Asylums the clothino-
was satisfactory.
(3) Industries and employments.—The chief employments for the native
insanes were gardening, weaving, dairy farming and working in tin. They were
also employed on labour for which no profit is shown, such as helping in grinding
and preparing the rice, ragi, and other grains, carrying w r ater, sweeping the
premises, and assisting the tailors, blacksmiths, carpenters, dhobies and cooks. 'In
Madras the European and Eurasian female insanes were employed in needle-work
and knitting. The profits on the out-turn of garden produce for the past year
show a great improvement on the previous year.
(4) Amusements,—In Madras out-door games, sucli as foot-ball, croquet, etc.,
were provided. Chess and drafts helped to pass away time in-doors. The asylum
library provides daily papers, periodicals and books for the better educated class.
Periodical treats consisting of bands, sports, jugglers, acrobats, performing bears,
etc., were provided. There was a special treat at Christmas, including a Christmas
tree, when small and useful presents were distributed to those capable of appre-
ciating them. At Vizagapatam, the annual treat was, as usual, given by Sri
Maharajah Gr. N. Gajapati Rao, O.I.B., and included an acrobatic performance,
display of fireworks and gifts of fruit. Entertainments were also given by the
Rajah of Kurapam, Babu Nandi Lai Grhosani, a Zemindar of Sirampur in Bengal,
and M.R.Ry. Motamarry Sanyasi Chetti Garu or Vizagapatam sent a present of
fruits to the inmates. Throughout the year every Saturday after-noon a Brahmin
priest and a barber amused the inmates by playing and singing. Tom-toms,
cymbals, cards and chess were also provided, and some selected patients were sent
to see the town, and witness a native drama, and travelling troupes of acrobats
and jugglers, and native dramatists amused the inmates by their performances.
At Calicut cards, chess and native games were provided. Annual treats
were also given and several of the inmates were taken out to witness acrobatic
performances given by a touring troupe—and on one occasion they went out on a
boating excursion and enjoyed themselves by singing, playing, and listening to the
music provided for the occasion ; sumptuous meals were provided and altogether a
most pleasant day was passed. A gymkhana was got up and the public admitted
on payment of a small fee to witness the sports given by the inmates. Several of
the inmates are allowed to rear domestic pets and others take interest in the flower
garden.
His Highness the Zamorin of Calicut and M.R.Ry. C. M. Rarichen Mooppen
Avargal interested themselves in the cause of the lunatics by giving them treats
at their own expense. The Managers of the ' West Coast Spectator,' * Kerala
Patrika,' and ' Kerala Chandrika' each very kindly gave a copy of their papers
for the use of the inmates.
II.—MEDICAL.
5. Statistics of Health and Treatment of the Sick—»
(1) Sickness and its causes.—The following statement shows the number of
sick treated during the year, and contrasts the figures with those of 1899 :—
13
no
111
V
|
J9
3
1
§
0)
■X3
«
<
1 o
Results.
n3
9
Bo
>- •
S3
j B
T3
0)
£
'3
1 o
o
bo
B .y
K 'S
Muilma
Vizutfaputam
Caliout
.
Total
r looo
u:>
382
1S99
39
36S
r 1900
a
58
1S99
s
54
r looo
s
88
[lS99
13
60
riooo
[1S99
70
472
55
4*2
4+7
407
(il
57
40
73
518
537
129
134
40
44
18
39
108
£17
222
41
55
15S
50
65
7
4
4
8
2
3
7
4
11
i>0
6
8
2:10
49
70
186
58
76
P.2-22
6170
4'11
5-43
7-89
1411
74-22
81-34