18                     ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

Recreation.—There is little in the way of recreation, except the regular
morning and evening walks in the grounds. Those whose friends can afford it
are allowed occasional drives on the beach. The Band of the 39th Regiment
N.I. used to play here every fortnight, and was a great treat to the patients, but
this has been discontinued for some months as the regiment has been ordered
away. When the "Marionettes" were in Madras, some of the European and East
Indian men and women were sent to see them, and enjoyed themselves immensely,
There is a small asylum library and newspapers are provided for those who care
to see them. The proprietors of the Athenæum and Daily News very kindly send
two copies of their paper daily to the patients.

                                          Financial Statement for the Year 1879-80.

The financial statement is very satisfactory. There is a decrease under every
heading, except that of European medicines, which exceeds that of the preceding
year by Rupees 174. This increase is accounted for by some new instruments
having been supplied and a large expenditure of quinine and some other expensive
medicines.

The decrease under Medical Officer's salary is explained by the difference of
pay drawn by a Surgeon and a Surgeon-Major.

Servants' wages are less, the famine batta having been discontinued.

There is a decrease of Rupees 860 in diet and Rupees 626 in wines and spirits,
though the average daily sick for the present year is 246½ compared with 230¾ last
year.

Perishable articles show a decrease of Rupees 1,065-6-7. The average
monthly cost of a European patient, including everything except Superintendent's
salary, has been Rupees 26-1-1, and for a Native patient Rupees 14-7-11.

Dr. Nanney speaks very highly of all the subordinate officials.

Mr. Hardaker's knowledge of the office work has been of the greatest assis-
tance to me.

Assistant Apothecary Sungevee has worked well and given me satisfaction.

Mrs. Hennan's work is very heavy, but she does it cheerfully and well, and is
much liked by the patients.

I am not at all satisfied with the way in which the two Head European
Attendants, Bruce and Coleman, have performed their duties.

The two First-class Keepers, Muriel and Fowler, have worked steadily and well.

The Steward has performed his duties well.

The Assistant Steward I have found very careless.

The Writer has done his work well; he writes a very neat hand. At times the
work is heavy. His pay is small, being only Rupees 15.

The Warders (with three exceptions) are a very indifferent lot of men, careless
and untrustworthy. For many years they have been unfavorably reported on.
Their duties are irksome and the hours long, but the pay is small (Rupees 7).