NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
143
APP. VIII. ]
spread of infection by land.
obtainable locally, and also collect hutting material for the Hospital
and Detention lines. I also entertained a Munshi and Chaprási or
Orderly.
(b) No orders were received on the 6th, but on the advice of
Mr. Ritchie, District Loco. Superintendent, Sukkur, it was decided
to build the detention lines of unserviceable sleepers. I therefore
placed myself in communication with Mr. Royal Dawson, the Sub-
Divisional Officer, who at once placed sleepers at my disposal. Over
3,000 unserviceable sleepers were lying at Khánpur itself. During
the day the camp was partly cleared, and the sites of the lines,
latrine, etc., roughly fixed. Surgeon-Lieutenant Milne estimated that
lines for 500 men and 50 women and children would be required.
Building was then commenced. I wired to the Deputy Commissioner,
Mooltan, for camp servants and also for information as to supply of
clothes, etc., procurable, none of which appeared procurable on the
spot. I also applied to His Highness the Nawáb through the Chief
Judge for two Havildárs and twenty men of the State Infantry. I
then reported to the Deputy Commissioner (my No. D.—30, dated
8th April 1897) the steps taken. Mr. Rennie, as District Magistrate,
had already deputed to me full powers under Notification No. 350,
dated 8th March 1897, pending the issue of orders.
(c) On the 7th full instructions were received. These were
contained in the printed Proceedings of the Plague Conference held
at Lahore on the 3rd April and in a demi-official letter dated the
5th, from the Junior Secretary to the Government, Punjab, I was
able to report that most of these instructions were already being
carried out, particularly as regards—
(i) Separate hutting of men and women.
(ii) Site and size of camp.
(iii) Latrines.
(iv) Supplies.
(v) Servants.
(vi) Clothing.
By the evening lines were ready for 40 women and children and
100 men. The water-supply had been settled ; dry earth latrines
were ready, and shops established. I therefore notified to the
Manager, North-Western Railway, that detention would commence
next day.
(d) On the morning of the 8th detention was commenced. As
the tanks had not arrived, disinfection was carried out by boiling in a
144
Measures to prevent the
[ APP. VIII.
small tank and exposure to the sun [see paragraph 8 (f) ]. Before
evening quarters for 200 men were ready and temporary arrangements
as to establishment completed.
Site of camp.
3. The position of the detention lines, disinfection tanks,
etc., etc., is shown in Map A.* The instructions given in
paragraph 9, Conference Proceedings, were followed as far as
possible, but the side of the Railway opposite the station is south of
the line, and not east of it. The State boundary is drawn in accor-
dance with their own revenue map and actual possession. The
entire Camp, Hospital, etc., lie within British territory. The site was
particularly well suited for disinfection purposes, unless its lowness
be considered a disadvantage, though these hollows, from which the
station has been raised, are not liable to be flooded. The Canal
Railway Line and high land to the south made well marked bounda-
ries and lessened Police work considerably. The bund running
between the men's and women's lines was an unmistakable advantage.
O
The latter could not be seen at all from the former (vide section on
G. H., Plan B). The water-supply was conveniently close and the
disinfection tanks excellently situated. The sanitary aspect of the
camp has been dealt with by the Inspecting Medical Officer.
Hutting.
4. (a) Sleeper huts were completed and ready for 2oo men and 40
women and children on the evening of the 8th. By the 13th quarters
for 375 men, 40 women and children, Special Hut, Police Lines,
Office, Hospital Assistant's hut, Intermediate Quarters, Latrines,
Bázár and Servants' quarters were complete. The first Police Lines
were of grass. These had to be replaced later with sleeper huts of
an improved pattern (see Plan B),* as they were twice blown down
in storms. The waiting shed, office verandah, etc., were all additions,
though most had been originally contemplated. The fact that the
harvest was dead ripe forced me to allow all the " chers " or ' corvee '
labourers to go at the earliest opportunity. Most were dismissed on
the 12th, the rest on the 13th.
(b] Plan B gives a detailed plan with sections, elevations, etc,
The main feature of the lines was the
cell unit ; composed of one side, back
and roof, dimensions as in margin,
height 8' 6" at back, sloping to 7' 6" in
front. Each cell fitted to the next gave
a separate " kotha." The women's lines contained 10 cells, morning
lines 1, 2 and 3 (see Plan B) 17 each, evening lines 4, 5, 6 and 7, 12
NOTE.—For disinfection advantages of cell system, see Inspecting Medical
Officer's Report.
* See map in Vol. IV, page 18.
145
APP. VIII. ]
spread of infection by land.
each, office 3 cells, etc., etc. Simplicity in building was essential, and
there was little skilled labour and only my own plans to work on.
The building was done as follows :—The
cell or line of cells was marked out with
pegs and string. Between each two pegs
was one task to which one man was
allotted. All could work simultaneously.
The dotted line gives the earth removed
(to the width of a " khái " blade) ; the arrows the direction digging
proceeded in to a depth of 2' to 2' 6". When the earth had been
removed the sleepers were simply stood up in the trenches and the
earth rammed back. Any Munshi can lay out the tracings and any
person supervise the work. The number of sleepers required for any
given line of cells is 31 x + 10, x being the number of cells. The
total number of sleepers used was 6,003. Of these about 150 were
cut up for struts. The remainder are practically of the same value as
when received. The iron dogs used (vide Plan B) were made of rod
iron procured from Mooltan. Roofs were composed of sleepers laid
broadways, the cross beam being always a " bridge sleeper." These
can be recognized by their creasote coalings. Over the roof was laid
" serkhána " grass, and this was " lepped " with mud. In receiving
sleepers, care should be taken that they are stacked into piles of
hundreds before delivery. This I omitted, and found it a cause of
trouble afterwards.
(c) The advantages of sleeper huts over grass huts are as
follows :—
(i) more quickly erected ;
(ii) less expensive ;
(iii) better protection against the sun ;
(iv) possibility of disinfection ;
(v) comparatively no danger of fire.
It was objected that disinfection would be difficult. Surgeon-Colonel
Raye, Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals, decided that, under ordinary
circumstances, copious syringing with a solution of I : 1,000 of
corrosive sublimate would be sufficient. This has been carried out.
A Holborn garden force pump, cost Rs. 5, supplied by the North-
Western Railway Stores Department, has been found very useful.
The subject has, however, been fully dealt with by the Inspecting
Medical Officer.
(d) The final pattern of latrine consisted in a long trench from
3 feet to 4 feet deep, the width of a country spade, or khai, in width ;
this was partitioned off at every two feet by a two foot square screen,
c 19
146
Measures to prevent the
[ APP. VIII.
and the whole was enclosed by a high screen. The trench as used
was gradually filled up with dry earth mixed with a little carbolic
powder. When full, a new trench was dug and the screens shifted.
The small two foot screens gave a certain amount of individual
privacy. Before they were put up 1 received some complaints on
this score.
Police
arrangements.
5. (a) Before receiving the orders referred to in paragraph 2 (c)
I had indented on the State for two havildárs and twenty men of the
State Infantry. I received two sergeants and 12 men of the ordinary
State Troops. These were employed on the three picquets shown
in Map A. I found it convenient to assume the nullah and high land
as camp limits, and placed the picquets accordingly. These picquets
did not visit the detention lines except to make reports or to join hands
with Police patrols. Their main duties are detailed in Appendix A.
In addition one sergeant or havildár and one sepoy met each train to
deal with local passengers.
(i) On the 8th April 2 sergeants and 20 constables arrived from
Mooltan. Their sentries are shown in Map A and Standing Orders
as part of Appendix A. Their other duties were to assist in maintaining
the Camp Orders or Rules. This they were fairly successful in, but
the passengers were somewhat hard to manage at times. On one or
two occasions large bodies of native soldiers (in one case over 100
Pathans of the Biluch Regiments) were in the camp. They had no
native officer with them. The standing feud between the native
soldier and policemen is always liable to lead to trouble.
(c) Three sergeants and nine constables acted as train patrols.
These arrived on the 5th May. One sergeant and three constables
accompanied each passenger train up. Goods trains were from time
to time accompanied by two constables. Their operations were
checked through the reports of the ticket collectors, copies of which,
through the courtesy of the District Traffic Superintendent, Sukkur,
were placed at my disposal.
Camp Standing
Orders.
6. (a) The Camp Standing Orders or Rules regulating the
arrangements of the camp are given as Appendix B. All passengers
were directed to make themselves acquainted with these rules.
Those who could not read stood to hear some literate person read
them. Their existence was frequently justified. In obedience to the
wish of His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor, I made no use whatever of
my magisterial powers beyond an inquiry into the circumstances of the
case of Kishan Chand (my letter No, D.—2, dated and May, and sub-
sequent correspondence.) The Standing Orders, however, contained
a warning that disobedience of their provisions would bring the
offenders within the scope of Section 188, Indian Penal Code.
147
APP. VIII. ]
spread of infection by land.
(6) In addition to these Rules the " Reasons for Disinfection,"
given as part of the same Appendix, were posted throughout the
camp. Passengers inquiring why they were detained, a numerous
and usually well-educated class, were referred to them for explanation.
It is believed that these reasons, in default of better, were usually
accepted as sufficient. Discussion as to the expediency of detaining
any particular passenger, and the consequent waste of time, were
avoided.
Daily routine.
7. The Camp Time-Table was as follows :-—
D
Sunrise
... First inspection of clothes [Vide paragraph
9 (a)].
A.M. 7-11 ... Arrival of 23 Up Mixed [videparagraphs 9
and ii (b)]..
„ 7-45 or 8 ... Inspection of clothing by Inspecting Medical
Officer and Disinfecting
Officer
[vide
paragraph 9 (b} and (c) and Supplement-
ary Report],
,,
9 ... Inspection of passengers [see Supplement-
ary Report].
„
lo ... Disinfection tanks opened [see paragraph 8
(e)].
„
10-30 ... Clothes distributed [see paragraph 8 (e}.]
P.M.
5-30 ... Second inspection of passengers and their
entraining [paragraph 8 (b) and (c) and
Supplementary Report].
»
6-20 ... Arrival of 7 Up Mail [see paragraph II
(b)].
; Disinfection.
8. (a) At sunrise the Camp Hospital Assistant saw that all kits
belonging to men, passengers of the mail train on the previous even-
ing, were opened up and laid in the sun.
(b) At 8 A.M., the passengers by the 23 Up Mixed having been
escorted to the lines and their clothes laid out, I inspected all their
kits, selecting clothing, etc., to be steamed, sun disinfected or des-
troyed. As each passenger's property was inspected, he was ordered
to take the clothes to be steamed at the tanks ; clothes to be sunned
were placed on the cell roofs or on charpáís ; clothing to be destroyed
was handed over to the sweeper.
(c) On arrival at the tanks the clothes were laid lengthways and
tied in the middle, not rolled up in a cloth. A brass number was
attached to the clothes and the duplicate retained by the passenger.
Companions frequently made one bundle of all their clothes. Before
leaving their clothes each passenger was supplied, if he desired it,
148
Measures to prevent the
[ APP. VIII.
with a " langocha " or waist cloth. The Camp Hospital Assistant
was responsible for these arrangements, but he was frequently super-
vised by Mr. Taylor, the Loco. Foreman. The passenger next
bathed either in the tank or under the Engine Hydrant (vide Plan B)
as taste or caste advised. He then returned to the lines to await
inspection (see Supplementary Report).
(d) Though under the instructions of the Plague Conference
clothes were supposed to be provided, yet in practice no other clothes
beyond " langochas " were ordinarily supplied or asked for. Most
passengers had spare clothes, but many preferred to remain in the
"langocha " only until after inspection. Men of the better class
sometimes asked for clothes, and these were at once supplied from
the Store. The " langochas " were washed daily and frequently dis-
infected.
Ordinarily no caste prejudice was shown as to their use, and
Hindu and Muhammadan used them indiscriminately. Some of the
Nanak-panth Sikhs, especially Turkhans, and a few Akalis, who
wore the " Katch " or short drawers, objected to the "langocha."
Short drawers of the correct pattern were kept in stock and issued
them, their old ones being destroyed. A few Muhammadans objected
to their clothes being steamed on the ground that they were
" Namazai." This objection was easily overcome by allowing them
a tub of cold water in which to rinse their clothes after disinfection.
(e) The tanks were closed for an hour. After re-opening half
an hour was allowed for the tank to cool and the clothes were then
taken out, the brass labels collected and the clothes returned to their
owners. Any case of injury to the clothes or loss was at once noted
by the Hospital Assistant and reported to me for award of compensa-
tion. These cases were very few in number.
(†) (i) The tanks used were four in number. At first disin-
fection was carried out by boiling in a small tank over a wood fire.
Mr. Ritchie, District Loco, Superintendent, however, fitted this tank
with a steam injector which kept the water constantly above boiling
point. The use of this tank was discontinued when the camp received
the two large tanks.
(2) The second tank was received from Lahore on the loth
April. This tank was only 4' x 4' x 4- Its small size rendered it
practically useless. On its arrival it was unprovided with a safety
valve ; the bottom cock was an inch above the bottom, and rust and
dirty water accumulated, spoiling clothes. These defects were
NOTE.—If these arrangements were continued in the cold weather, blanket, coat
and trousers would become a necessity. " Langochas " can only be considered a hot
weather arrangement.
149
APP. VIII. ]
spread of injection by land.
cured, but after about a month's use it commenced leaking at the
seams. Its small size did not allow of more than 12 kits being placed
in it, and the stays in it prevented the extrication of the clothes in
any other way than with an iron hook. This caused delay and in-
jury. Each steaming lasting an hour, the day's passengers would
never have been disinfected.
(3) At my request Mr. Ritchie, District Loco. Superintendent,
provided (within 24 hours) two metre guage water tanks, inside
measurements 13 1/2' x 2 1/2' x 6'. These were fitted with large man-
holes and wood-lined. The wood work, besides saving injury to the
clothes from rust stains, divided the interior into 6, leaving a central
passage which allowed the tankman free access to all parts of the
tank interior. The manhole covers were fitted with double safety
valves, allowing the air to enter the tank as it cooled. These were
regulated at 61bs. Each tank would hold about one hundred and
D
twenty kits.
(4) All three tanks connected with one pipe, each having a cut-
off cock, allowing any or all to be used.
(5) The cost of the small tank was Rs. 322-6-4. The total ex-
penditure on the other two Rs. 427-2-7. The advantage in employ-
ing the latter is obvious. The larger the tank is, the quicker and
easier the work of disinfection.
(6) An additional tank was made at Lahore 8x8x4 feet, at
a cost of Rs. 428. It has not been considered advisable to bring
this down to Khanpur, the present two metre guage tanks disposing
of the work satisfactorily. The question of cost has been referred to
Government.
(g) The pressure of steam in the tanks was 61bs. The tempera-
ture within them presumably from 225 to 230° F. The time of expos-
ure to its effects one hour. The Inspecting Medical Officer has
disposed of the efficacy of the disinfection in his Supplementary
Report.
(h) The furnace used for destruction of the clothes was of my
own design and somewhat primitive. I was unable to get any design
to work on. It was practically an open iron grating with mud walls
round, and three indraft apertures in them below the grating. The
clothes were placed on the grating and a handful of grass ignited
below. The pile was kept at a blaze and nothing was left, but a
handful of ashes. This was removed daily and buried.
Compensation.
9. (a] During the inspection of clothes (see paragraph 8 (b) I was
accompanied by my Head Clerk with a rough Compensation Register
I5O
Measures to prevent the
[APP. VIII.
and some tin tickets of the form shown in the margin. As any proper-
ty was destroyed, compensation in clothes or cash was at once awarded
and entered up in the rough register, the owner receiving a tin ticket
As soon as the men appeared at inspection, which took place directly
after, the clothes or cash was given them and the ticket redeemed.
The Compensation Register had been previously written up and check-
ed. H the man's whole property or much of it was destroyed he was
provided with the new clothes first. It was impossible in practice to
carry out the instructions received to pay the compensation as it
was awarded.
(b) The women's clothes were disposed of by the Inspecting
Medical Officer and Female Hospital Assistant. The rough register
was brought to me before entry in the Compensation Register-
Clothes were then issued from store and money paid over to Hydari
Begum, Female Hospital Assistant, who distributed it.
(c) In awarding compensation I have endeavoured to give fair
awards, but somewhat in fa vor of the owner. Consequently my award
has only once or twice been objected to and then when a money
award.
(d) A full statement of all clothes destroyed and issued between
the 8th April and 8th July is added to this report as Appendix C.
The men's clothes were made up of "kadr" or country cloth at 13
yards the rupee. Women's and children's clothes of "márkín" at 11
yards, and " sussi " at g yards. The cloth was procured and made up
locally. The Female Hospital Assistant supervised the making of
all clothes for women and children. The men's suits of " kourta"
" pyjáma," " waistcoat " and " sáfa " were all of one size. Their being
too large for the majority of the recipients was not regarded as any
disadvantage. Suits for women and children were made in varying
sizes. Blankets were purchased at Mooltan at a cost of Re. 1-5-10
each, including carriage. Rezáis were not kept. Owners of old and
tattered ones willingly accepted blankets. The total cost, including
tailors's bills, etc., of actual clothes was Rs. 356-13-6, of blankets Rs.
342-4-6, giving the total cost of compensation in clothes as Rs. 699-2-0.
Details as to numbers, etc., is supplied in Appendix C. The cost
of making up men's suits was Re. 1i-6-0 " kourta' the same for " pyjá-
más" 6 pie a cap, 9 pie a " waistcoat." The women making up clothes
were paid 5 annas a day. The actual cost of the " kourta" and
"pyjamas" made up was 12 annas. The women's clothes varied
extremelv.
Train arrange-
ments.
10. (a) When the disinfection post was first started and deten-
tion enforced, the only precaution taken was that the doors of the 3rd
151
APP. VIII. ]
spread of infection by land.
class and Intermediate carriages were locked at Rahím Yár Khan
and Kot Samaba. This precaution was intended to prevent any
passenger evading inspection by the Inspecting Medical Officer, and
had been in force some time. Before detention commenced a tele-
gram (demi-official, dated 7th April 1897) was sent to Government,
asking whether booking to Kot Samaba, Rahím Yár Khan and Sadíq-
abad could not be stopped, as there was, in the absence of all restric-
tions, every possibility of passengers evading detention by leaving the
train at those stations. It was not considered necessary to take any
such steps at the time. I subsequently again asked (my demi-official
dated i3th April 1897) that no 3rd or Intermediate class passenger
be allowed to alight between Reti and Khánpur, and that all such
passengers who had booked to the intermediate stations be first
compelled to pass through the Disinfection Post at Khánpur. This
step was at first considered unnecessary. At a later stage, however,
in consequence of certain cases of evasion having occurred, Notifica-
tion No. 823, dated 9th April 1897, was published. Under this
notification all 3rd and Intermediate class passengers booked to
stations between Reti and Khánpur are first brought to Khánpur and
then returned after disinfection. Over 5 per cent, of the number so
disinfected have afterwards proceeded towards Mooltan. It is only
reasonable to suppose that the number endeavouring to evade deten-
tion would have been much larger. Many of this 5 per cent, have
admitted to me that they had purposely booked short. It is, however,
clear that a strip of country or section of railway must be kept closed
if it is desired to ensure the disinfection of all persons travelling
from infected districts by rail. It is true that the State stationed
disinfection posts at the stations below Khánpur, but until these
were reorganized by Surgeon-Captain Heard, Medical Adviser to His
Highness the Nawáb, their proceedings were simply farcical. Under
present arrangements if a man alights at Reti and marches to Firoza
beyond Khánpur, there can be little doubt as to the state of his
health. At present with the out-booking stopped and the roads in
the State thoroughly patrolled, there can be little chance of any
body of travellers from infected districts getting into the Puniab.
Detraining of
passengers and
removal to the
Lines.
II. (a) The actual arrangement for detention of passengers is •
as follows. On the arrival of the evening train the Inspecting Me-
dical Officer and Disinfecting Officer see each carriage. The former
examines all 1st and 2nd class passengers. Any to be detained are
locked into their carriages. The Camp Clerks then enter up the Nos.
of tickets and passengers' names and parentage: those of the women
are entered up in a separate slip by the Female Hospital Assistant,
which is afterwards copied into the Camp Registers. One 3rd class