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10. The reports on Lahore, Dehli, and Amritsar again show very poor
results. In all three places the apathy of the Municipalities is remarkable, and
in the last case (Amritsar) His Honor regrets to observe that the Civil Surgeon
has done little or nothing for vaccination. The attention of the Commissioners
of those Divisions and the Municipal Committees is again directed to this subject.
11. Acknowledging the effectual assistance given by the Civil Authorities
in most districts to the Vaccination Department, the Lieutenant-Governor hopes
that in the report of next year the same will be recorded of all. The appalling
mortality from small-pox must impress on all District Officers the absolute neces-
sity for the general introduction of successful vaccination ; and His Honor expects
that they will take every opportunity of enlightening the people, especially the
Municipal Committees, as to its advantages.
12. The number of deaths from small-pox this year was 25,611, showing
a small decrease in comparison with last year, though still in excess of those
registered in 1867-68. His Honor considers this rate still very high, but agrees
with Dr. Newton in thinking that perhaps part of the apparent increase is due
to the increased efficiency of registration, especially as by far the larger portion
of the deaths take place in rural districts.
13. Dr. Newton proposes to check the spread of small-pox by making the
headmen of villages responsible that the cases are properly isolated. The Lieu-
tenant-Governor considers this proposal impracticable. A somewhat similar proposal
was made before for the enforcement of small-pox quarantine, but Civil Officers
generally held that it could not be enforced with any good results. The
responsibilities and duties of village headmen are already numerous and important,
and there is an objection to imposing upon them a new burthen such as that
suggested, which cannot be said to have any special connection with their proper
work. The Lieutenant-Governor acknowledges the efforts of the Rána of Erkí in
encouraging vaccination among his people. Commendatory letters will be sent
to Extra Assistant Commissioner Gopál Sahái and Sub-Assistant Surgeon Jaswant
Rái, of Multán, and to the Municipality of Multán. In accordance with Dr.
Newton's request, the Commissioners of their respective divisions will be directed
to send commendatory perwánas to Tahsíldárs Ajágar Mall (Jagádhrí), Nand Lál
(Naraingarh), Rádhá Kishen (Ludiánah), Jowáhir Lál (Gujránwála), Jagannáth,
Sanjí Mall, and Láj Saran (Siálkot), Thákur Dás (Jhang), and to Náib Tahsíldár
Muhammad Azím Khán (Hushiárpúr).
14. The Lieutenant Governor is very sensible of the services rendered
during the year by Dr. Newton, Officiating Superintendent-General of Vaccination ;
and the work of Dr. J. Bennett, Officiating Superintendent of Vaccination, also
deserves commendation. But, although the working of the department through-
out the year shows some improvement, much still remains to be done, and con-
tinued efforts are necessary.
ORDER.—Ordered that the Report be printed, with the remarks of the
Hon'ble the Lieutenant-Governor, and circulated for general information.
By order of the Hon'ble the Lieutenant-Governor,
LEPEL GRIFFIN,
Offg. Secretary to Government, Punjab.