( 2 )
4. The average cost of each successful case was 2 annas 5 pie
against 4 annas 2 pie the year before. Part of the decrease is accounted
for by the pay of superintending officers having, in some instances, been in
abeyance; but on the whole the improvement is satisfactory and marked
everywhere, save in Ranchee, where the average cost has slightly increased.
The actual expenditure of the year is put at Rs. 78,286-12-5.
5. Calcutta and Suburbs.—The total number of vaccinations in this
area were 31,483, or 10,948 more than last year; but 6,318 of the increase
was in the coolie depôts and due to greater activity in emigration. It is
satisfactory to find the work done by each vaccinator improving (779 against
559), though of course this also is accounted for mainly by depôt work.
Dr. Charles gives a graphic account of the difficulties to be overcome in
working in Calcutta, and of the progress that is being made. The best
proof perhaps of his success is the comparative immunity from small-pox
which the city has of late years enjoyed. The attempt to secure a supply of
lymph from Darjeeling, as suggested by Dr. Charles, should certainly be made.
6. Metropolitan Circles.—The staff of these circles was considerably
strengthened, and twelve head vaccinators, seventy-eight vaccinators, and.
twenty-four apprentices took the field. Divided into gangs, working
tions in the north of Nuddea, the south of the 24-Pergunnahs, parts of
Howrah, Hooghly, and Burdwan. The total number of vaccinations was
275,915, or 3.65 per cent, on the population. As observed however by
Dr. Brown, the only safe way of testing the amount of protection existing in
any locality, is by a vaccine census; and some local attempts at this should
be cautiously made as opportunity offers during the recess. The work done
by each vaccinator in this circle was 2,967 against 1,452 ; a most marked
advance, which it may be hoped is partly due to the gradual overcoming of
opposition and prejudice. With reference to the remarks of the Surgeon-
General about communication with the civil authorities, the Lieutenant-
Governor observes that it has always been understood that this is carefully
maintained. Certainly it should be so, and if there is any doubt as to the
practice, the Surgeon-General should correct it. It is reported that most of the
24-Pergunnahs, Nuddea, and Hooghly, have been protected, but that Burdwan
is very backward. This has been owing to the fever which made it undesirable
to press vaccination too vigorously. It may be some time yet before this
district can be thoroughly taken in hand.
7. Darjeeling Circle.—The strength of this circle's staff is very
inadequate to the area of its operations ; forty-three vaccinators being the
whole working strength, besides thirty local vaccinators and ex-inoculators.
The number of vaccinations in all was, however, 123,790, or equal to
about one-half of the estimated annual birth-rate. Difficulties are said to
be experienced from attaching the men to dispensaries in the recess. This
need not be insisted on; but probably in that case the rate of recess pay
might be lowered. The average number of operations by each vaccinator
was 2,474, and the number of villages protected 1,292. The question of
extending Act IV of 1865 to Bograh and part of Rajshahye, as proposed by
Dr. Lidderdale, must be carefully considered. The Commissioner will be
asked to report on this. But no extension will anywhere be allowed unless
the means of protection by vaccination are adequate, and likely to be
adequately made use of. It is very desirable to bring as many local inocu-
lators as possible to practise vaccination. There is no other feasible way
of overtaking this immense circle. Proposals to that end should be
submitted as soon as matured.