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1897.
VICTORIA.
HOSPITALS FOR THE INS1~NE.
REPORT
OF THE
INSPECTOR OlT I.UNA1-,IC ASYI..;U);lS
FOH THE YE.AU ENDED 31sT DEOEMBEH,
18 9 6.
PIU~SB~TED '1'0 BOTH HOUSES 01!' PARLIAMENT PCRSUANT TO ACT M VICT. Ko. 1113, Sl<:CTIO:N i9
13!1 lautboritn: ROBT, S. lHI.AlN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MELBOUHNE,
No. 17.-[ls. ]-3959.
PreparJ.tion-Not given. l'rinttng (840 copieo)
A.PPROX!~U.TE: COST OF UEPORT. £ B. d.
13 0 0
REPORT.
HosPITALS FOR THE INSANE,
Inspector's Office, Melbourne, 5th May, I 897.
Sm, I have the honour to submit herewith, in accordance with the requirements of
the Lunacy Act, a Report on the Lunatic Asylums of Victoria for the year I 896. In Table I. will be found the number of the registered insane, and their
distribution throughout the Asy I ums on 3 I st December. The general results during I 896, as compared with I 895, are as follow ;
There is a total addition of 6 I persons registered as insane, 56 of these being on the asylum hooks, and 5 in the lunacy wards. The actual asylum population, however, at the end of the year was only increased by I 2, as the patients who had been taken out on trial by their friends, and those boarded out, were 44 in excess of the number for the corresponding period of the preceding year.
The daily average number of patients resident was 3,970, showing an increase of 41 to be provided for throughout tbe year.
TABLE I.-Showing the Distribution of the Insane on 3 I st December, 1 896.
Mnl<JS. Females. Total.
----~-~-~-~----------------------------------------i--------------------
In the Public Lunatic AsylumsYarra Bend Kew Kew Idiot Asylum Ararat Beech worth Sunbury •.. Ballarat •.•
Out on probationYarra Bend Kew Kew Idiot Asylum Ararat Beechworth Sunbury ... Ballarat
Boarded out fromYarra Bend Kew Kew Idiot Asylum Ararat Beech worth Sunbury ... Ballarat
Total number of registered lunatics on the books of the Public Asylums
In the lunacy ward at-Castlemaine Bendigo Geelong ...
In licensed house
Total number of registered lunatics in the colony
---·-·----~·-·~--
A.2
417 521 II4 390 356 215 IZ3
21 52 4 2
4
2
3 2
5 3
2,234
6
363 780 436 957
78 192 281 671 261 617 313 528 102 225
21 f2 73 125
2 6 4 6 8 12
I
4 6
4 + 13 16
3 3 3
6 4
2 8
4
TABLE H.-Showing the Admissions, Re.admissions, Discharges, and Deaths in Asylums during the Year ending 3 I st December, 1896.
In the Asylums, Ist January, I896
Cases admitted:-:First admissions Not first admissions
Tot0;l cases admitted during the year
Total cases under care during the year ; ..
Oases discharged:-
... 1 Recovered Relieved ... .; .. . .. Not improved
bied ... ... ... \
Total cases uischarged and died during the year l Remaining in the .Asylums1 3 Ist Decem het,
I 896 (including those absent on trial and boarded out)
Average niiiriber i:esi<lent during fhe year Per~ons under enre during the year Persons admitted ::: I Persons recovered 1
Transferred from one Asylum to another
i I4 I9 6g
23i
Eil'eaped ... • .. ReUdten ... • ..
339 43
96 37 77
129
!
l
I
I
Total.
...
715 II3
...
...
ZIO )6
q6 J60
•• c
...
! ! )Jalcs. J :Fcmnlcs. Total.
2,22 I I,927 4,If8
446 382 828
Z;667 2; ~tig 4.976
. '
339 71'i
z,z34 1,970 4,204
z,I47 1,823 3·97° z,6oz 2,229 4,83 I
38I 302 683 I IZ 96 zo8 {6 ~~ izi 23 z 25 16 2 IS
---"~---"----,-~-'' ____ , ____ , ___ ------ __________ , __ , _____ ~-
TABLE iii.-Showing the Previous Attacks among Persons Admitted durin~ the Y e!ii I 81]6:
NttmUer of Previous Attack~.
)Iales. )'emalos. Total.
1- = ..,."""'' ,, ,<,•:<·
Have bad oue attack 55 J2 87
Htitvc lmd two attacks '5 14 i9
Have had three attacks 2 4 6
Ha'<'c· had foin' attacks ... · '""' .-.~ ... f
"-
~882
1883
I88f
!885
!886
!887
!888
!889
1
1891
1892
!893
1
I895
·1896
TABT,I<: IV.-Showing the Admissions, Discharges, and Deaths, with the Mean Annnal Mortality and Proportion of Recoveries per Cent. of the Admissionll, for
each Year since the 1st January, I882.
Year.
Admitted.
282 ! 198
298 l 2f9
2 93 226
333 262
372 ! 290
z67
401 1 264
3 I I
427 ! JI8
399 I 3°7
384 I 2 96
402 293
377 I 277
Dl&:ha.Tge~.
Recovered.
~ "'
!! 0
"' 252 I I 3
fSO I I 07 I II 7 i 2 2f I I
5f7 I IfS 145 I 290
51 9 If! IJI 272
595 IZ8 II5 2f3
662 I 3 81 I 3 7 I 2 7.5
648 I7I I36 I 307
8
7
7
6
4
lle.Heved.
~ d 8 ~
s
3
f
5
3
2
4
66 5 1 169 126 1 295 1 56 1 71
7+9 168 126 I 294! 17 24
745 170 137 I 307 25 16
706 1421· I44 I 286 I 20 1 22
68o I 53 I 02 I 2 55 I 2 5 1 40
695 I IZf 97 I 22 I I Zl I 4 3
6 54 I I I 5 I 106 I 2 z I I 2 5 I 4 I
.; t
Not hnp:r:.ovefL
"' ~
Dled.
:9 .;::
Rmnaining: 31st December in ench Year.
.. " ~ ....
.;
~ E ~ !
A vera~e Number Rc;:,ident.
I 3 8 I 6o I 1 9 8 1 1, 7 321 I ,f I 513, If 7
Ifo 1 f9 1 rs91 r,75o 1,443 3,193 1,6fo [2,936 37"94 159'09
'" "' 3 ..,
~ d
~ i 6·82
6·+3
If2 1 67 I 209 i I,7f9 1 r,f79 lpzS I I,66o 11,338 j2,998 f8·65ls8·23 r 53·o1 I 8·ssJ5·oo 6'97
If7 76
7+
223 1,7431 I,f871J,2JO 11,658
1,818 , 1,560 3,378 1 r,69f
1,370 I 3.030 'f8'I2J5T96I 52'f0 I 8·86 5'54 7'36 I
125 199 I,f2I 1 ;,ns 13~·f3 !43'~91 4o·84 I 7'37 ,5'27
1 I So I 238 I 1,884 I 1,632 I 3,516 I 1,767 j I,f9f !3,261
127 I 90 I 217 11,966 11,666 IJ,632 11 I 1,513 I 3,324
1531 841237 1,980 1,647 I 3,627 1,882 1,543 .! 3,425
161 IOJ 264 2,o66 1,703 3,769 1,954 1,588 I 3,542
201 I 92 I 293 2,090 I,778 J,868 1,993 I IJ,623
181 I 102 I 283 j2,I36 18 IJ,9Sf J2,0f5 I I,68r ]3,726
177 I 94 1 271 1 2,161 I 1,877 14,038 j2,1 12 1 1,748 JJ,86o
207 1118 1 P5 11 z,2o5 1 1,91I
2JI I.IIf 1 325 i 2,22J 1 I,92.7 14:•
2,234 I I,97o
4 1 '54
4T37
44'36
39'2 5
fl'Z I
4-0'51
37'50
31'80
33'79
30'48
Total fi·6o
~
~ t\!) :;,
6
TABLE V.-History of Annual Admi~sions sinco the Ope11iug of the fir:>t Asylum in 1848.
Discharged:Re0overed Relieved ... Not improvecl Died
···I ...
Out on trial and hoarded out on 3 Ist December, 1896
Hemaining
Total
Admissim.ts.
:Mules. i'·emales. Total~
Numbers.
-Mules.
1
Femulcs.l
4,39 2
582 i
3, I I I I 4·75S i
98 2,I 36
3,691 il,083 669 1,251
z,zsSI 5,369 z,zo4 i 6,962
I ~umher llCl' Ioc (lf Admissiom:.
I
I
3 I '2 5 4"84
2075 26·9I
"90 1)"35
TABLE VI.-Showing the Length of Residenee in those Discharged Reeovered, and in tho~e who have Died, during the Year I 896.
Length of Uesidcnce.
Under I month I month and under 3 months , 6 " " 9 " " year and umler
2 years , 3 ,, " 5 " , 7 " "
JO
12 IS 20
25 30 35 +S
" " " " " " " "
" " " " " " " "
j mouths 6
" 9 "
I2 " 2 years
3 " 5 " 7
IO
I2
I 5 20
25 30 35 40 so
" " " " " " " " "
Total
ll!nles.
2
24 zs I7 I3 I9 6 3 4
II4 '
Heco\•cred.
IO I6 22
17 14
3 7 2
2
2
I
34 4I 39 30 33 9
IO
6 3 z I
2ro
25 3I I I
16 23 I7 20
22
I4 6 9
IO
7 I2
i 231
Died.
I2 7 3
I6 7
2I 8
I4 4 6
IO I
IO
I I 29
Totnl.
7 33 43 IS I9 39 24 41 30 28
10
I 5 20
s 22
2
I
TABLE Vli.-Showing in Quinquennial Periods the Ages of those AdmitteJ, Recoyered, and Died during the Year I S96, tmd of those Remaining on 3 I st Deeember, I 896.
Ages.
Under 5 years .•. 5 years and under
IO
I 5 20
25 30 35 40 45 so 55 6o 6; 70 75 8o ss
" " " " " " " " " " " ,,
" " , ,,
90 " Unknown
Total
IO years IS " 20
25 30 35 40 4S so 55 6o 6; 70 75 So ss 90
lOO
" " " " " " " " " " " " , "
l\Inles.
4 5 I
9 I6 39 52 63 so 3S 34 32 I 5 20
13 I2 9 4
3 I6 35 s6 49 43 37 27 21 19 22
6 12 6
+
I I
I2 32 74
108 I I2 93 75 6I 53 34 42 I9 24 I 5 s
4 I 5 I7 2I I2 6
II 6 3 3 4 s
9 I 5 19 I 3 12
3 s 4 3 3
6
I 3 30 36 34 24 9
I9 IO
6 6 5 5
12
The Dentll!.
2
2
4 7
IS 26 19 I6 If 27 I9 19 20
IO 12
2
I I
3 2
I I
I3 11 I 2
6 I 3 12
7 IO
3 9 5 2
96 2 I 0 2 3 I
2
7 9
29 39 30 28 20
40 31 26 30 I 3 2I 7 3
'rotal.
13 30 ss
I6o 246 366 387 370 345 36S 442 367 z8s I86 84 ss 34 6
7
TABLE VIII.-" I!etum of Patients on Prollation under Section 87.
-- I Males. Femalec. Totr.l. -~-~~----·-------~~---~
Out on probation on 1st January, 1896 ..... Allowed out during the year ... ...
Total ... ... ... Recovered and relieved :-
Of those allowed out during previous years Of those allowed out during the present year
Total ... ... ... Died:-
Of tlwse allowetl out during previous years Of those allowed out during the present year
Total ...
... ... .. .
.. . ... ...
... ... . ..
... ... . .. i ... ... ...
... . .. . .. r
57 102 169 r88
226 290
20 28 38 43
58 . I 71
2
6
8 I
I
I
_i
159 357
516
48 8r
129
3 6
9
\Vritten off the books umler section 89 of Act r r 13 :Of those allowed out during previous years Of those allowed out during the present year
13 25 38 6 ! I 17
----Total ... 19 36 55
Returned to the Asylum at expiration of probation:Of those allowed out during previous years Of those allowed out during the present year
i
12 I 20 32 49 93
Total ...
Remaining under care out of the Asylum on 31st December, 1896 113 --~~~~~~----
TABLE IX.-Return of Patients Boarded out.
-- ?!!ales. l:"'emale~. Tot~!.
Boarded out on rst January, I896 ... ... ... . .. ... I I 20 31 Allowed out during the year ... ... .. . ... . .. 5 10 15
Total ... ... .. . ... 16 30 46 Recovered-
Of those allowed out during the present year . . . ... ... . .. I I
Returned to the Asylums by their guardians-Of those allowed out during previous years ... ... ... 2- z 4 Of those allowed out during the present year ... ... ... I 4 5
Total ••• ... ... .. . ... . .. 3 6 9 1-
Boarded out on 31st December, 1896 ... ... . .. . .. I3 I 23 36
TABLE X.-Showing the Manner in which Patients were Admitted during the Year 1896.
~ I ~ .: :9. :1§ ~ ! ~ ~
~ I it i:!"":"' ; -~ § ~ ~ ~ , ~ ~~ .!( -· oo H ~ ------------------1----1- ·.--------~-
Lunatics sent to the Asylum by their friends
, , ,
"
, the police
received from Benevolent Asylums ...
" ,
"
Hospitals
Gaols
all other public institutions (including transfers)
Total ... . .. Escaped patients retaken
Total admissions
{ Male 2 8 69 I o 4 4 .. . 8 12 3 Female! 36 85 8 1 7 4 ... 10 150
JMale 112 52 5 30 18 ... 8 225 !Female 54 I 52 4 13 2 ... 5 130
{Male 3 I ... ... ... ... ... 4 Female ... I ... ... ... ... ... 1
{~e~~ale .. ; ~ ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ~ f Male 20 .. . .. . .. . 4 ... .. . 24 ) Female I I .. • .. • . . . ••. .. . .. • I 1
{Male 5 5 6 2 3 I .. . I2 52 Female 4 4 5 20 3 7 I I I 8 2
1-1-i-;----------274 276. 38 97 70 11 44 81o
__ 6_j __ 6 _:_._ .. ___ z_:_3 ___ x __ ·_··-.~ 280 I z82 I 38 99 1 73 : I2 J H : 828
the ~ntionalities nnd Heligio11s Per,;nasious of those admitted for the first time (luring I ho'Y cnr I 896.
Protustant. Birthplaces. ------- '
I , OUH:T Uoma~1 i
Victoria .. . 98 Other Colonies and
British l'o8ses~ions Englaml Sc<;-tland Ireland France Germany ... Ghina Other Countries Xot known
Total
I 5 74-
10
2
29 7
~ ProtbliUlt. Cu..thohc. I
W csle\•n.n.1 Lutheran. ll 1 I · - . l'Ht)!ll- ,
7 20
3
6
73
nations. '
;----------
2I 79
4- 9 I7 5 4 2
3 86
8 2
2 8 2 3 20
IJ sz 212
38 7 u6
35 4 I I 3
2
I2 6 7
2 IS I I 61
6 4- 29
TABLE XII.-Showing the Average Number of Patients employed attending Amusements and Divine Serdce.
Particulars. Males. li"ema.ies~ Total.
In the \York shops (Male)-Blacksmiths ... ... ... .. . ... . .. I 1 ... 11 Carpenters ... ... . .. ... ... ... . .. r8 ... r8 Jlrlattress-makers ... ... ... ... .. . . .. I so 51 Shoemakers ... ... . .. ... .. . . .. 23 ... ~3 Tailors ... ... ... ... . .. ... . .. 35 5 40 Painters ... ... .. . ... ... ... . .. 11 ... 11
Basket-maker ... ... ... ... .. . .. . 1 ... I
:Mat-makers ... ... ... ... . .. . .. 17 ... 17 Engineers ... ... ... . .. ... ... . .. 3 ... 3 Frenchpolisher ... ... ... ... . .. . .. I ... I
In the Workshops (Female)- 8 8 Sewing (making-up and repairing clothing) ... ... ... ... 388 388 Fancy work ... ... ... ... .. . . .. .. . 47 47
Miscellaneous occupations-\V or king on the farms ... . .. ... ... ... 170 . .. I70
" in the gardens ... ... ... ... ... !Of . .. !Of
" in the kitchens ... ... ... . .. ... 45 .. . 45
" in the stores ... ... ... ... ... 8 ... 8
, in the laundries ... ... ... ... ... .. . 2 59 259
" in the wards and airing courts ... ... .. . 519 517 1,036
, as servants at private quarters ... ... ... 2" '
20 45
" on roads and ornamental grounds ... ... ... 64 ... 64
" in mess-rooms ... ... ... ... .. . 9 + 13
Other work about thl:) establishments ... . .. ... . .. I2f 4- rz8
Amusements- I Balls and concerts ... . .. ... ... ... . .. 596 54+ 1,140 Billiards and reading room ... ... . .. ... .. . 400 2IO 6ro Cards, chess, dominoes, &c. ... ... ... ... .. . 35 2 lOO 452 Bowls, cricket, croquet, football, and tennis ... ... .. . 204 4-9 253 Walking and driving ... ... . .. .. .. . 5I5 350 865 School (attending) ... . .. ... ... .. . .. . 92 68 16o
Attending divine service ... ... ... .. . ... .. . 6;o 6zo
•
1,270
32~
9
TABLE XIIL-Showing the Total Receipts and Expenditure of the Department of Hospitals for the Insaue during the Year I 896.
llccelpts.
Collections by the J\faster-in-I,unaey for maintenance of patients atYarra Bend Asylum Kew ARylum Ararat Asylum Beechworth Asylum i:lunbury Asylum Ballarat Asylum Lunacy Wards
Amount of fines , sales
Miscellaneous collections
General expenses Maintenance at-
Total
Yarra Bend .Asylum Kew Asvlum .Ararat Asylum Beechworth Asvlum Sunbury Asylui'n Ballarat Asylum Lunacy ·ward, Bendigo
, , Castlemaine , , Geelong
ExpCJidlture.
Expenses in connexion with the committal and transport of lunatics , , boarded-out patients
Total
Amount.
£ 2,908 4·238 I,p6
978 787 52 I
+ 52
840 83
I 1,742
Amount.
£ 1·995
20,342 25,705 I 7,078 I 5,8 3 I I 1,91 I ;,874
190 9
43 1,308
59°
Ioo,88I
s. d. 9 I
19 8 I 5 IO I6 5 7 6
IZ 1 I 3 7
IO IO 6 I
8 10
IO
s. d. 3 9
0 3 IO IO I 3 6 6 6
16 4 6
I 5 0 18 0
0 0 12 3 12 2
14 8
TABLI<: XIV.-Showing the Total Cost of Maintenance against each Asylum, the Sums expended against each Vote, and the Amount of General Expenses for the Yea1· 1896.
Daily Clotltingj Bedding, Lunatic Asylums. A-v-erage Total Cost of Salaries. Fees to and Materittl Allownnce to
Number :Maintenance. Offic!ol Visitors. for :\fauufu.cture. Chaplains. ltesiilent.
£ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. £ $, d. Yarra. Bend 789 20,34:t 0 3 10,799 IS 3 1,701 70 0 0
Kew I,I43 25.7°5 10 10 12,821 4 3 2,527 70 0 0 Ararat 668 17,078 13 6 8,445 6 9 1,518 I'll lO 0 Beech worth 6II I 5,83 1 6 6 7,855 0 9 1,314 I I 6o 10 0
Sun bury 542 I I ,9 I I I6 4 5·959 5 4 980 72 0 0
Ballarat 217 ),874 6 2,657 3 3 554 14 6o 0 0 General expenses 1•995 3 9 1,595 I4 8 I I I 5 0
Total 50, I 33 IO 3 I I I 5 464 0 0
Lunntlc Asylums. I:'ue 1, Light, nnd Incidenta.ls. Wnter.
£ s. £ d. £ s. d. Yarra Bend 3 9 I89 19 2f2 19 IO Kew I 13 IO 244 7 394 19 9
6 5 10 37 2 8 16o 0 2 IO I 5 10 I41 3 17 201 2 3
13 8 27 5 I I I 8 4 I I 8 45 13 13 I40 I3 1
265 9 4
Total II I,583 12 9
10
TABLE X V.-Showing the Average Weekly Cost of 1Iaintenauce of Patients for the Year I 896.
Lunatic Asylums.
Yarra Bend Kew Ararat Beech worth Sun bury Ballarat '
Total
...
... General expenses
Luu11tic Ai!y lums.
Yarra Bend ... Kew ... ... Ararat ... Beechworth ... Sun bury ... Ballarat ...
Total ... General ~-----
Lunatic Asylums.
Yarra Bend ... Kew ... Ararat ... Beech worth ... Sun bury ... Ballarat ...
Total ... General expenses
I
.
...
...
...
Daily ! Average :Xun1ber l~csiUent.
789 I, 143
668 6II 542
Total Cost of ::\Iuintenance.
£ 20,342 2 5.7°5 17,078 I 5,8 3 I II,9II
s. d. 0 3
10 IO 13 6 6 6
Collections tor Maintenance;
Sales, :Fees, }""'iues, &c.
! £ s. d. I 3,069 3 0
4,554 14 li 3 5
4 6
2I7 5874 16 4 6
---------------
I, I 05 883 12 6o2 8
. I 3.970 I 96,743 13 6 II,738 7
5 0
2
... I,995 3 9 • ... Clothing, Stores,
!
I
:£ 0
0
0
0
0
0
Salarie~.
s. d. 5 3i 4 3~ 4 10! 4 II! i 4 2!/; 4 8!
-----· ... ...
I
Allow;'\.nce to tihaplains.
£ 0
0
0
0
0
0
s. d. o o1:r o o.f 0 I o o),-o 0~ 0 I!
------... . ..
I Medicine• StimulantF. rrovisions nnd Bedding, and Purch11Sc of Fuel, Light, and and ~ted teal '\Vines, Spirits, Extra Articles. Material fur Stock, Books, Water. Comforts. Beer, &c.
~fanufacturc. Amusements, &e. _i
:£ s. d. £ s. d. :£ s. d. £ s. d. I :£ s. d. I
:£ s. d. 0 2 6! 0 0 10 0 0 4 0 0 6~ 0 0 It 0 0 I 0 2 4t 0 0 IOl 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 Il 0 0 I 5:r 4 0 2 9i 0 0 IOk 0 0 3f 0 0 81! 0 0 Ot 0 0 o;f 4 0 2 Io-1, 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 9t 0 0 a 0 0 I 22 04 0 2 ll. 0 0 81. 0 0 5!/; 0 0 6:l 0 0 3 0 0 oi 24 2 04 0 3 3 0 0 II~ 0 0 2f 0 0 9k 0 0 I 0 0 I 04
I ·- 1-· ~ ... ... ... . .. I
... . .. ... ... ... ... ... .. .
I Total Average Collections ! Weekly Cost per Patient,
Forage. Incidcntn.ls. Weekly Cost per Week Deducting Collections of Maintenance for .Maintenance,
I for Maintenancet
per Patient~ Snlcs, Fees, Fines, &c. Salet~, Fees? Fines, &c.
£ s. d. :£ s. d. :£ s. d. £ 8. d. £ s. d. 0 0 o! 0 0 lt 0 9 I I 0 I 6 0 8 5 0 0 ol. 0 0 0 8 7i 0 I 61- 0 7 If
o! I2
JOt 0 0 0 0 r.l 0 9 IO 0 0 0 8 I I~ 0 0 ot 0 0 It 0 9 11-§- 0 0 8f 0 9 3! 0 0 ol. 0 0 Ii 0 8 5t 0 0 7! 0 7 IO 2 0 0 Jl. 0 0 3 0 10 5 0 I 3 0 9 4t 2 O;r
... ... 0 9 4t 0 I Il. 2 0 8 3
... i ... . .. ... 0 0 2;}
TABLE XVI.-Showing the Admissions, Re-admissions, Discharges, and Deaths during the Year ended 3 I st December, I 896, in Lunacy Wards at Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Geelong.
----··---------------Males.
. I Females. Total. Males. Females. I Total.
----~ ------------____ j __ _
In the wards, rst January, 1896 Cases admitted :-
:First admissions
Total cases admitted during the year
Total cases under care during the year ...
Cases discharged :Recovered Not improved
Died
Total cases discharged and died during the year
Remaining in the wards, giSt December, I 896 ...
_5_I_I~:_9_I_
I8 27
2
32 51
3
2 3
------!---53 94
47 ! 39 1 86 --6-~--2 -.--8-
1
11
TABLE XVII.-~howing the Number of Patients Visited and the Number of .Miles Travelled by the Inspector of I,nuatic Asylum . .., du1·ing the Y <;ttr 1896.
Number of Patients Number of .Miles 11 I Number of 11-Iiles on Day of Visit. Trarolled, 1: Trarelled,
Place and Date of Visit.
,[ Place and Date of Visit.
Number. Total. Numiler. Total. I Number.
-------Yarra Bend- Beech worth-
26th March 785 2 5th February 6oS 29th Mnrch 784 I 2 4th ,June ... ' 6o7 2oth ,June 799 I 2 I
~~~~ ~~;:~l~b~~ i 610
27th ,June 796 2 614 12th September 781 I 2 I Sunbury-
2·439 1,380 26th September , 773 I 2 I 3oth .Jmmary 543
I 49t 15th November \ 781 2
I 5th :VI arch 543 49~ 28th November 785 2 19th December
2211<l March ... 542 49y 79° 2 29th May 540
7,074 18 492 2nd June 54° 49~ 12th September 528 49~
I 28th September 525 49~ Kew* ,, 4th December 522 49~
I 2 3nl December 528 49!
1 Ballamt-4,81 I 445
1oth March ... 214 206 Ararat- 1oth ,Jnne 217 206
I I th ~\larch 678 i I I 4 I sth September 226 206 Ilth.June fi69
: :! I
9th December 228 206 I 6th September 666 885 824 I oth December 666 114
z,679 456 Total 17,888 ... I
3, I 2 3
" Inspected by Board of Official Visitor$,
The following changes have taken ulace in the distribution of the insane during the year:-
In Yarra Bend, a decrease of 21 Kew, an increase of If Cottages for Idiots, an increase of 2 I Ararat, an increase of I 6 Beech worth, a decrease of r o Sun bury, a decrease of 2 I Ba1larat, an increase of I 3
By a judicious selection of patients for transfer to the ~ountry asylums from Yarra Bend and Kew, not only is overcrowding minimized at the metropolitan asylums, but the patients themselves have by their removal the advantages associated with change of scene and surroundings.
Adrnissions.-The number of persons admitted during the past year was 683, or 33 in excess of the admissions for the previous year. The re-admissions, or patients who had been previously under treatment in an asylum, numbered 123.
On the 3 rst December, I 896, the estimated population of Victoria being r,J74,888, the admissions in proportion to the general population were I in I,72o. In I895, the proportion was I in r,8I8. At the end of the past year the proportion of insane to sane was I to every 2 7 9 of the estimated populatiou, the figures for the preceding year being I in 2 8 5.
In connexion with these statistics, it may be mentioned that there has been no abnormal increase of insanity, the admissions having been one less than the average for the preceding five years~ but a reduction of nearly 7,ooo in the general population of the colony has been reported for the year, and the insane ratio has been affected accordingly.
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Disclwrges.-The names of 772 patients were written off the asylums' registers during the year. The recoveries numbered 2Io, relieved 56, escapes 25, deaths 36o, and I 2 r patients were transferred fhnn one asylmu to another-chiefly to fill vacancies in country asylums, and in some instauces to meet the requirements of particular eases.
Recoveries.-The patients discharged as recovered numbered 2IO. This is the lowest number recorded during the past fifteen years, and shows a diminished percentage of recoveries on the admissions. This decrease in the discharge rate is largely due to the change of type of insanity coming under treatment ; there being a large increase of cases of general paralysis amongst the admissions. In the Kew Asylum, about 50 per cent. of the males received dnring the past two years were suffering from this most hopeless disease, and the superintendents of the other asylums report the increased frequency of the malady. The st:tte of health of the patients on admission has much influence on the recovery as well as on the death rate.
In calculating the percentage of recoveries, imbeciles and idiots are not excluded from the number of admissions.
Relieved.-The uames of 56 patients were written off the books as "relieved." These patients were on probation with their friends, and did not return to the asylums within the statutory time. If they had presented themselves for medical examination, no don bt the greater umn her, if not all, would have been discharged as recovered.
Jfm·tality.-The rate of mortality, ealeulated on the average numbers resident, was 9'07 per cent.; the male rate being I0'76 and the female 7'08. It will be seen on reference to Table IV., that the average death rate for the preceding fourteen years was only 7'29; the male ratio being 8·69 and the female s·6o. There has been an increasing death rate during the past three years, and the explanation is found in the fact that the admissions have heen in a very unsatisfaetory condition as regards mental and bodily health; the cases of general paralysis generalJy terminating fatally within two vears of admission. There has also been an nccumulation of feeble pntients in the asylums, whose deaths during the past two or three years have increased the average rates for that period. At the Beechworth Asylum an epidemic of influenza prevailed during January, I 896, and 4 male ttml I 5 female patients succumbed. At the other asylums the general health of the inmates was satisfactory, and no epidemic or preventable disease occurred.
Casualtim;.-On the morning of the 2oth December, I 896, one of the single rooms of the Kew AsyJum was discovered to he on fire, and the inmate, a female patient, was found dead, with severe burns on her hody. Very careful and searching inquiries were made by the police as well us the asylum authorities, without ascertaining ho'v the fire originated. An inquest was held on the body, the coroner's jury returning a verdiet of "suffocation by fire, origin unknovm," and attaching no hlame to any member of the staff. The other cnsnalties were not serious, and do not call for special notice.
Pmbation.-The probationary system has attained satisfactory dimensions, no fewer than 357 patients having been allowed to leave the asylums with their friends during the year, and as I 59 patients were on trial at the beginning of the year, 5I6 altogether had the benefit of removal from asylum restraint. At the end of the year I 9 8 remained under cnre of their friends.
Bom·dinf( Out.-On the 3Ist Deeember, I 896, 36 patients were alJsent from the asylum under the care of guardians, who were paid a small weekly sum for maintenance.
Lunac,y 1Vards.-The lunacy wards attached to the Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Geelong hospitals admitted 9 I patients for observation and temporary treatment. Three patients were in the wards at the beginning of the year, making 94 cases uuder care during the twelve months. These were disposed of as follows :-32 were discharged as recovered, 5 I were transferred to the lunatic asylums, and 3 died, leaving 8 in the wards on 3 Ist December.
Water Sltpp~y. The water supply to the Yarra Bend Asylum is now in a satisfactory state, and a good pressure is available for domestic requirements, and should also be obtainable in the event of an outbreak of fire, for which purpose pillnr
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hydrants have been placed in convenient positions. The vmter supply to the Idiot Asyhm1 has also been iiuproved, but it is to he regretted that the alterations and ndditions so urgeiltly required at Ararat, Beechworth, Ballarat, and Kew, have not yet been carried out. The work is of so important a nature that the cost might fi1irly be regarded as a first charge on the Public -works Vote for this department.
I may mention that, in my oriinion, Lake Kerferd, from which the Beechworth Asylum draws its supply, is in an unsafe condition, as the drainage of some neighbouring houses may be carried into it after heavy rain.
Food.-The official visitors report that the food supply has been of good quality, and any articles inferior to sample that have lJeen sent to the asylums by contractors have been promptly dealt with.
Works and Buildings.-The laundries so urgently required at Yarra Bend and Sunbury have not yet been erected, but plans for a laundry at the former asylum have been prepared, and a contract has just been accepted for the work. Sorrie important additions were approved for the Idiot Asylum \Yhich will give greatly increased dormitory accommodation, and the buildings are now in hand. A considerable amount of work has also been done at the Sunbury Asylum, in preparing the new wards for occupation, and these buildings will probably he ready for patients in a few months' time. Some smaller works have been executed at the other institutions, but all the asylums require a thorough overhaul, and in my opinion it would be more economical to take the work in hand at once, otherwise extensive or permanent damage may result.
• It is again urged that the distrirt architects should make periodical examina-tions of the asylum buildings, and report to this Department1 before the yearly estimates of expenditure are prepared, the nature and cost of the works necessary for keeping the buildings in a satisfactory state of repair.
Sta:ff.-~Iany changes have taken place in the staff during the year. I regret to have to recotd the death of Dr. Deshon, who had been superintendent of the Beechworth Asylum for fourteen Jears. He was succeeded by Dr. Samson, whose place at Ballarat was filled by Dr. Barker. Two junior medical officers were appointed-Dr. Mullen, at Sunbury, vice Dr. Player, resigned; and Dr. Thompson, at Ararat, vice Dr. Barker, transferred. A second medical officer was provided for on the estimates for Yarra Bend, but the salary offered was not attractive, and it was only within the past few weeks that the position was filled.
In the attendants' staff a number of vacancies occurred, due to retirement of old officers, by transfers to other departments, and (especially amongst the females) by resignations. Every effort has been made to maintain a high standard of efficiency, but under the present system there are difficultie;> not easily surmounted. The vacancies in the male attendants' staff have been filled by excess telegraph messengers in the Postal Department, who have been required to replace trained attendants, s'(;me of whom were mechanics and others g·ood farm hands. The female attendants have only been allowed £2 5 a year, without increments, and experience has shown that this _rate of pay is not sufficient to induce well-qualified young women to join the serviCe.
Provision has been made on the Estimates for additional staff for the Idiot Asylum.
Cost qf Jvfaintenance.-The expenditure of the Department during the year amounted to £roo,88 I 14s. 8d. This sum includes payments not directly controlled by the Department, viz. : Contributions to hospital authorities at Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Geelong, for maintenance of patients in the lunacy wards, £243 I 3s. ; expenses in connexion with committal and transport of lunatics, £1,308 I2S. 3d.; expenses of boarding out patients, £590 12s. 2d.; general expenses and official visitation, £1,995 3s. 9d. \Vhen these amounts are deducted, the actual cost of maintenance of the six asylums is reduced to £96,743 13s. 6d. This gives a w.eeklv rate of 9s. 4§d. per patient, as compared with 9s. I ~d. for the preceding year. Tl{e Master-in-Lunacy's collections amounted to o,766 ss.; amounts received from the asylums, from sales of surplus produce, &c., £840 6::-<. rd.; from fines and ntiscellaneous items, £83 Ss. 10d. Deducting these collections from the asylum expenditure, will reduce the weekly cost to 8s. 3d., or 2~d. more than last year. . The~·e has been ~n increased exrenditure in the fo!Jowing. items, viz. :-Provi·
s10ns, clothmg and heddmg, stores, fue ; and a decrease m salanes.
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Although the rate for maintenance has been gradually decreasing for some years past, the saving has not hcen eftccted by any curtailment of the dietary scale or diminution of ordinary comforts. Substantial savings result from all the asylums having farms and gardens in working order, from which supplies of milk, eggs, vegetables, &c., are obtained. Also from the workshops, where the paid artisans, assisted by patients, manufacture larg·e quantities of boots and all the clothing required.
Competition amongst tenderers has also reduced the prices of supplies obtainable under contract to very reasonable rates.
GE::;IERAL REMAHKB.
As at present organized, the Victorian asylums do not, in my opinion, give the patients all the advantages that it should be possible to provide for them, and I have accordingly submitted a, special report on the subject for the consideration of the Government.
At the same time [ am glad to be able to state that the condition of the asylums has been steadily improving during the past ten years, and, if the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Asylums, to hold the medical superintendents responsible for the proper working of the asylums, be given eftect to, there is no reason why the Victorian Institutions should not be benefited to such an extent as to make them compare favorably with those of other lands.
I have the honour to he, Sir,
The Honorable the Chief Secretary.
Your most obedient servant,
J. V . .McCREERY, Iuspector of I .. unatic Asylums.
By Authority: RoBT. S. BRAI:s-, Government Printer, Melbourne.
