Space.
Ventilation.
C l o t h i n g .
Duties.
Ventilation.
Overcrowding.
90
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
Is sufficient.
Is only such as can take place through the doors and
roofs.
A new regimental bazaar has lately been built to the south of the lines, and the old one,
which consisted of a few very dilapidated-looking huts removed,
as it was situated exactly in front of the quarter-guard of the
25th Regiment. The effect of this is to open up the whole front of the lines, and is a decid
-
ed improvement.
The lines being situated on the northern and eastern slopes of a slight ridge, allows of
free drainage. The soil, however, as stated above, is black and,
therefore, somewhat retentive of moisture in the rains.
2. The system of trench latrines is in use for the sepoys. The trenches are used for
the greater part of the year; but during the rains permanent
latrines are used, a crop of grain being grown on the trench
ground, the filth being at this time carted away and deposit
-
ed in large trenches with the rest of the night-soil of the station.
3. Is derived from wells occurring at short intervals all round the lines and throughout
the station. The quality, so far as I can judge, is good, and the
quantity sufficient. I am given to understand that a scheme
for collecting and storing water in the hills a few miles to the south-west of Mhow, for the
supply of the whole cantonment, has been sanctioned by Government; and I believe that
preliminary steps in the undertaking have already commenced. This scheme, it is thought,
will do away with all present imperfections in the water-supply.
4. The several articles of a sepoy's diet are obtainable in the Mhow bazaar, of good
quality and quantity. The sepoy gets on an average about
Rs. 1-1-4 grain compensation every month.
5. The boots are a general source of complaint, and some change is necessary that
would lessen or do away with the large amount of inefficiency
caused by injuries to the feet from ill-fitting boots.
6. The ordinary parades, guards, and occasional escort
duty. They have exercised no bad effect on the health of the
men.
7. The time not employed on duty is by the majority of the sepoys spent in idleness.
A few employ themselves in trades. There is a horizontal bar
upon which some men are very fair performers; these men also
indulge in other athletic exercises, such as wrestling and club
exercise.
8. There are two cells, 10 feet by 10 feet square and 12 feet high. They are well
ventilated, but are very hot during the day-time in the hot
weather.
9. During January the Right Wing was on the march from Nusseerabad: nothing of
importance occurred. On 12th July the Left Wing marched to
Indore. Since that time, owing to the fact of there being no
range at Indore, the wing has been marched in by companies for ball practice. This has
tended to increase the number of cases of foot-soreness.
10. The regimental hospital is a large building, strongly built with arched roofs. It
is well adapted for a hospital for native troops. There is an
open space all round the building. There is a separate con
-
tagious diseases hospital about 150 yards to the north-east of the main building.
Bazaar.
Drainage.
Conservancy and sanitary ar
-
rangements.
Water-supply.
Food.
Exercise, amusement, and occu
-
pation.
Lock-up rooms and cells.
Marches.
Hospital and its surroundings.
Is free and satisfactory by the doors, and by openings in
the roof.
On no occasion has there been any overcrowding.
The accommodation is ample, consisting of two large wards placed side by side, with
small rooms at the ends of each suitable for cases requiring quiet.
There are two verandahs. The one to the east is blue-washed
on the inside and is used for cases of eye diseases. At the four corners of the building are
small rooms used as office, dispensary, store-room and bath-room: all are complete in their
arrangements. The contagious diseases hospital consists of two wards.
Accommodation and defects.