( 10 )
primary vaccination, and 75 in re-vaccinations, as compared with 87.6 and 87.7
respectively in the previous year.
These figures compare fairly with the returns of the Vaccination Depart-
ment, but the percentage of success attained in re-vaccination still appears
somewhat too high. In the Buldana District, out of a total number of 28
re-vaccinations, 23 are returned as successful, which is suspiciously high. The
Civil Surgeon's attention has been directed to this fact.
Vaccination at Melghat.
11. An attempt was made this season to extend the benefits of vacci-
nation amongst the hill people of the Melghat,
and a 1st class vaccinator was attached to the
camp of Mr. Ballantyne, Deputy Conservator of Forests, an officer of much
influence among these primitive and timid people.
The total number operated upon by this vaccinator was 1,134. or 23.2
per 1,000 of the total population, and the percentage of success attained
was 87.4, as compared with 89.8, the average for the province.
The vaccinator met with considerable opposition; in some villages he
was actually driven out by the people, and in others they fied at his approach.
These aborigines hold some extravagant beliefs and prejudices regarding
vaccination. It appears that two stories had been spread amongst them as
to the reasons of Government in carrying on vaccination. One was to the
effect that Government by the operation was collecting blood to besmear
the idol of Maha-devi, near Calcutta, that the devi (goddess) herself did not
approve of the people assisting the Government, and would visit with her
displeasure those who did. Shortly after this story got abroad, the vaccina-
tor fell ill with fever, and had to be brought into the Chandur hospital for
treatment. The people were so sure that the devi had cursed him, and that
he would die, that they sent in to enquire, but he fortunately recovered and
returned to work. The second story was that it had been prophesied that a
child would be born having milk instead of blood in his veins, who would
become a great king and upset the English Raj,—hence that vaccination
was started to discover, by pricking the arms of children, whether such a
child had yet been born in order that he might be killed.
Major Mackenzie, Deputy Commissioner, Ellichpur, having heard that
the people of the Gurga valley were very much opposed to their children
being vaccinated, assembled all the head men of these villages at Chikalda
and caused them to witness his own and other children being vaccinated, and
afterwards explained to them the benefits of vaccination; indeed, if it had
not been for Major Mackenzie and Mr. Ballantyne, the vaccinator would
have had a rough time of it amongst them. Forest Ranger Ahmed Ali also
rendered valuable assistance in the Byraghur Forest Reserve villages, and
I would beg to bring his services to special notice.
Conclusion.
12. My cordial acknowledgments are due to District Officers for the
very willing aid they have rendered to the
Vaccination Department. In soliciting a con-
tinuance of the same, it is almost needless for me to remark that the success
of the Department depends greatly upon the sustained assistance and
co-operation of local officials.
I would desire to bring to the favourable notice of the Resident the
names of the undermentioned Tahsildars and Government officials who
afforded very efficient assistance in extending the benefits of vaccination
amongst the people:—
Mr. Shapurjee Vicajee, of Akola.
„ Govind Rao, of Morsi.
„ Waman Narayan, of Chandur.
„ Sorabjee Cowasjee, of Murtazapur.
„ Govind Rao, of Daryapur.
„ Abdul Bari, of Ellichpur.
„ Saadat Mir Khan, of Chikhli.
„ Basker Maheswar, of Malkapur.
„ Ahmed Ali, Forest Banger, Melghat.
„ Bismilla Khan, Kotwal of Paratwara.