LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.                                                       21

                                                REMARKS ON THE SEVERAL ASYLUMS.

                                                                  STATEMENT No. 13.

The Dullunda Asy-
lum.

Population grow-
ing;

Effect on discharge
and death-rates.

34. Dullunda.—The statement on the margin, which gives the event of this Asylum in
relation to its strength during the
years 1866-70, confirms the con-
clusion stated by Dr. Payne in para-
graph 8 of his excellent report. The
asylum population continues to grow,
and the events of successive years
show smaller ratios to population; the
difference between the admission and
discharge rates is not so marked as
in previous years. It is satisfactory
to note that notwithstanding the
occurrence of 4 fatal cases of cholera
the death-rate is very nearly the same
as that of 1870, and considerably below the average of the five years preceding.

New buildings.

Increase of estab-
lishment.

35. The new buildings have been completed. This will somewhat relieve the over-
crowding, but Dr. Payne has represented that the whole accommodation which the new addition
has rendered available will not suffice for more than 250 lunatics, which number he thinks on
other grounds should not be exceeded. The massing together of lunatics certainly imports
difficulties into the question of their proper control and treatment, especially when space is
limited, or has only been intended, or is adapted, for comparatively small numbers. It became
necessary in November, in consequence of an event which brought the weakness of the asylum

establishment into prominent notice, to obtain sanction for a
temporary increase to the extent marginally noted (Bengal
Government letter No. 3763, dated 18th November 1871;) the
permanent increase in the strength of the asylum population
compelled the Superintendent to submit proposals for a per-
manent increase of establishment, which were under consideration at the close of the year.

H. A. Cockerell, Esq., President;
Deputy Inspector. General of Hos-
pitals G. Saunders, Surgeon-Major
A. J. Payne, Surgeon H. C. Cutcliffe,
H. A. Mangles, Esq., Members,

System of supply
and account.

A committee ap-
pointed to con-
sider the subject.

36. The system of supply and account of the asylum has been under discussion
during the year. Circumstances led to a special inquiry by the visitors into the system
hitherto in force, with the result that present arrangements were considered unsatisfactory.
In submitting the special report of the visitors for the orders of Government I recommended

that a committee should be appointed to take the whole
subject of supply and account into consideration. A committee
composed of the gentlemen marginally named was appointed
(Resolution dated 14th December 1871) and instructed to—

Instructions.

(1). Draw up a complete system of accounts and returns for the asylum and frame
rules for the guidance of the Superintendent in all matters of financial administration.

(2).    Consider the question of crediting fines to Government.

(3)     Consider the subject of the pre-audit of establishment bills.

(4).    Report on the disposal of industrial funds.

(5).    Report on the proper system of obtaining supplies, &c.

The results of the deliberations of this committee belong to the year now current, and
will be discussed with the order thereon in next report.

The industrial sys-
tem.

37. Dr. Payne's estimate of the value of the system of industry which he has initiated
and developed is perfectly true, and very great credit is due to him for these results.

Conduct of subor-
dinates.

38. Dr. Payne has reported that the Overseer, Mr. Bancroft, sustains his previous
good character. Certain anonymous representations affecting his probity were made during
the year. These were carefully inquired into by the visitors, and were not substantiated.

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