10            ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

            ANNUAL REPORT

                                          OF THE

LUNATIC ASYLUM, MADRAS,

FOR SEVEN MONTHS ENDING 31ST OCTOBER 1879.

In giving over charge of the Madras Lunatic Asylum I have the honor to
submit the report for the seven months ending 31st October 1879.

2. No new buildings have been erected since last report, but the two latrines
in the criminal enclosure and that adjoining were removed from the main wall
10 feet, as it was found that they facilitated escapes, and since this was done none
have occurred in the criminal jail.

In vacating my post as Superintendent I think it only right to allude to the
great necessity that exists for strong cottages for violent patients which have been
sanctioned by Government, but not as yet erected for want of funds. Whenever
these may be available the secure wards for violent patients and the upper story for
the Superintendent's quarters should be put up. My experience of five and-a-half
years at the asylum convinces me that these are much wanted for the security of
the Superintendent's family and of the officials and inmates generally.

3.  General condition of the asylum and its inmates is satisfactory.

The number of admissions appears to be on the increase, exceeding by 6 the
admissions during the corresponding period of last year, which was the highest
hitherto recorded, with the exception of 1871-72, when the transfer of insanes from
Trichinopoly and the Monegar Choultry took place.

The death-rate is less by 13 than that of the preceding year.

No epidemics have visited the asylum, although such were prevalent in Madras
and its suburbs. No accidents of any moment have occurred, and I am happy to
state that during the five and-a-half years I was in charge no homicide or suicide
occurred. There has been only one escape during the seven months under review,
and that of a quiet and harmless patient. The usual steps were taken to recover
him, but he has not been recaptured; however one of the two patients who escaped
last year from the criminal enclosure was brought back by a warder; as he had
recovered he was discharged.

4. The number of patients remaining under treatment on the 31st October
1879 was 246. There were 15 deaths during the seven months. Of this number
7 were above one year's residence in the asylum. Four of them were over 50 years
of age, and of these one was 80.