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(viii) Musical and other entertainments.—Except during the latter
part of 1929 patients were entertained daily by turn in the male and
female sections by a musician. During the triennium under report more
than 24 dramatic performances were given by the Kanke Dramatic
Clubs, Ranchi Dramatic Clubs, Ranchi Oriya Club and the Kanke
Mohila Samity. Patients also enjoyed Comic sketches of Prof. Chitta-
ranjan Goswami and others. During one of the musical soirees in 1928 in
which some patients also acted, several kind-hearted philanthropic ladies and
gentlemen including the Hon'ble Ministers of Education and Local Self-
Government Departments, Sir R. N. Mukherji, KT., K. C. I. E., Lt.-Col
N. P. Sinha, I. M. S. (Retired), Mrs. Willmore, Rai Bahadur Doctor Chuni Lal
Bose, C. I. E., M. B., F. C. S., I. S. O., Mr. S. N. Mozumdar, I. C. S., graced the
occasion. I take this opportunity of tendering my best thanks to the organi-
sers of these entertainments most of which were either given free or at reduced
rates for the patients, and also to the ladies and gentlemen, who were kind
enough to give the benefit and enjoyment of their company in this connection.
A few excellent English and Indian pictures (Cinema) were shown to the
patients in 1928 and 1929, which were immensely enjoyed by them. During
1929 about 200 patients were taken to Ranchi daily for a week to a circus.
A few magicians also entertained the patients occasionally.
In 1929 an 8 valve Radio Set with a Loud speaker was installed in the
male section of the Hospital out of special donation made for the purpose by
Raja B. D. Birla. Patients enjoy immensely listening to Calcutta and
Bombay music both instrumental and vocal. Owing to great distance from
the Broadcasting Stations it is particularly clear and enjoyable only during
the winter months when atmospheric disturbances are minimum.
The Concert party of the hospital which was only organised in 1928
continued to be a source of great pleasure to the patients. The standard of
music has improved considerably under the able guidance of Sub-Assistant
Surgeon Dhaniraj Choudhury It is only through his unflagging zeal and
persistent encouragement to the attendant staff who have volunteered for
this extra work that the Band Party has been successful. A few more
musical instruments were purchased in 1929.
At present one of the wards of a block is temporarily used as an Amuse-
ment Hall where entertainments, etc., are held, but owing to its very limited
space, a large number of patients cannot be accommodated.
(ix) Feasts.—Asis customary all patients had special feasts during Pooja,
Holi, X'mas and Id festivals every year which they thoroughly enjoy.
The religious feeling of the patients are respected as far as possible and special
facilities are given to Hindu, Muhammadan and Christian patients for due
observance of their respective festivals.
Pic-nics.—During the fine weather patients were taken out to the nearest
hills, riversides, gardens, etc., with the hospital concert party and pic-nicked
out. These outings were greatly appreciated by all those who took part in it.
(x) Parole.—Patients who are convalescing or otherwise dependable and
also nondependable patients were allowed throughout the triennium under report
to go out daily for morning and evening walks—the former without and the
latter with attendants. The number of patients on parole, specially without an
attendant, increased considerably in 1928 and 1929. The effect on the health
of patients has been striking.
Motor Cars.—During the period under report the hospital Motor Bus,
Ambulance and Lorry have served the hospital well. They were a source of
considerable enjoyment to the patients for drives.
(xi) Libraries.—(a) Patients' Library.—A few more English, Bengali,
Hindi, Oriya and Urdu books were purchased according to the Budget grant
of every year.