Cells.
Duties.
Hospitals.
97
NAGPORE FORCE.
Alleged Causes of Sickness and Mortality.
The native portion of force consisted of the average strength exclusive of Commissioned
Officers.
Corps.
Stations.
Average
Strength.
2nd Regiment M. L. C.
...
... Kamptee
...
283.41
35th do. M. N.I.
...
...
D o . . .
. . .
679
31st do. L. I.
...
...
... Raipur
...
759
Head Quarters 8th Regiment N.I.
... Seetabuldee
...
426.30
Two Companies, do. do. ... Seroncha
...
...
146
One Company, do. do. ... Chanda
...
. . .
76
Head Quarters 2nd do. do. ... Hooshungabad
. . .
343.89
Right Wing 2nd do. do.
Kamptee
...
...
347.11
Details
...
...
...
...
...
Do.
...
...
11.90
Native lines.—As a rule the sepoys' lines are imperfectly drained; the huts are very dark
inside, no window, only one door, some of the huts overcrowded, and all very badly ventilated.
The ground of the compound in front of each hut more or less saturated with urine and latrine-
washing water. Open saucer masonry drains are required in the streets of the lines to improve
the drainage. More public latrines are required, and in this way much of the soakage of urine
and latrine-washing water into the compounds in front of each sepoy's hut will be avoided. As
I stated last year, I fear much improvement cannot be expected in the present sanitary condi-
tion of the native lines in this force until some uniform, inexpensive plan for the sepoys'
private latrines is ordered to be carried out; that arranges for the daily removal of all the urine
and latrine-washing water from the lines.
The drainage of the 35th Lines has been somewhat improved during the past year. The
125 small huts remain in front of the dwelling huts of 125 compounds, and so prevent the free
circulation of air in these old, overcrowded lines.
The drainage of the 8th Lines at Seetabuldee remains in the same objectionable state as last
year; I have this year urged that a series of levels be taken and, if possible, deepen all the line
drains, so as to give a gentle fall into the main drain that leads into the Jumma tank.
The drainage of the old and overcrowded 22nd Lines at Hoshungabad has been improved
at a little cost; I think the drainage might still further be improved. I have the past two
years recommended that every alternate row of huts should be knocked down and built up on
vacant ground to the west of the lines; this at a small cost would give more air-breathing space
to the population residing in the lines, and improve the sanitary condition of the lines very
much.
Native lines.
Rations.— The rainfall in the Central Provinces generally has been abundant; supplies of
all kinds have been good and abundant; the price of grain has been somewhat higher in conse-
quence of exportation of rice to the famine districts.
Defaulter's and guard rooms.— I found them all clean, with the exception of detachment at
Chanda, and most of them well ventilated. I have again recommended the ventilation of the
barrack-guard rooms in the 35th Native Infantry, Wing of 22nd Native Infantry at Kamptee,
gram-shed guard of the 2nd Light Cavalry at Kamptee, Jail and Treasury guards at Sumbulpore
and quarter guard of 22nd Native Infantry at Hoshungabad to be improved, and charpoys to be
provided for the use of the guard at the latter station.
Cells.— I found all very clean and well ventilated.
Duties .—Duties and drills the same as usual, and have in no way proved prejudicial to the
health of the men.
Hospitals.—All the hospitals in the circle are very good, well drained, and well ventilated
with the exception of the old hospital at Sironcha; this year I have recommended oval opening:
to be made in the verandah wall; this will cost very little. Ridge-roof ventilation has been
carried out in the Native Cavalry Hospital at Kamptee during the year.
Rations.
Defaulter's
and guard
rooms.
Latrines.— In all the native lines in this circle at present only the ordure is taken out of
the private latrines by the sweepers. I have this year urged that the new pattern private
latrines be at least provided with chatties filled with dry earth for the ordure, and drains be
made leading direct from the private latrine to the drains outside. Covered public regimental
latrines worked on the dry-earth system are still required at Sumbulpore, Raipur, Cavalry Lines
Kamptee, Chanda, and Sironcha.
Bath rooms.— All very clean, well supplied with bathing tubs and water—good arrange-
ments to carry off the soiled water; a bath-room required for the hospital at Hoshungabad.
Latrines.
Bath-rooms.
9r,