5
The Deputy Surgeon-General reports that "some place of shelter for troops passing
through, sufficient for the temporary accommodation of about 100 men, is urgently required
owing to the number constantly passing to and from Burma ; at present such troops are usually
placed in tents on the glacis which is unsatisfactory, as conservancy arrangements are difficult,
and the place is, in many ways, unsuited for a camping ground."
Surgeon-Major Mackinnon says that "a foul sewage smell is often perceived from the
main drain to the north of the Fort," and the same officer, speaking of the water supplied
to Fort St. George from the Seven-wells, states that, "as a potable water, it is indifferent, albumi
- n o i d a m m o n i a e x i s t i n g i n i t t o a l a r g e e x t e n t . "
At Fort St. George the kitchens used by the Infantry are reported as being in a dirty,
dilapidated condition.
The canteen also is too small for the number using it.
The latrines, used by the Artillery and Infantry, are badly constructed and difficult to keep
clean.
HYDERABAD SUBSIDIARY FORCE.
The general health of the troops in this division has been indifferent.
The barracks are generally well built, well situated, and commodious. The 2nd British
Infantry barracks, which are nearest to Secunderabad, are not so well built, open and airy as
the others, and have a good deal of rocky ground and some wet cultivation in their vicinity.
The Cavalry and Artillery barracks are very well situated on open elevated dry ground
and are comfortable and healthy.
All the buildings in connection with the barracks at Secunderabad have been kept in
good repair.
The Deputy Surgeon-General reports that some of the barracks are too much exposed to
the force of the wind during the monsoon, and that they thus become draughty. The want
of shade is reported to be felt, particularly in the Cavalry and 1st British Infantry barracks.
Planting of trees is, however, being carried on, but they take a considerable time to grow to
any size.
The accommodation in the Cavalry barracks has been defective. The 14th Hussars had a
strength of only 450 men, whereas the 7th Hussars, which relieved them, came out with a
strength of 600. Therefore, although the space was sufficient for the former regiment, it was
not so for the latter. This necessitated the utilizing of the lower storeys, the recreation rooms
and gymnasium as dormitories, which was both inconvenient and prejudicial to health. As a
remedial measure, tents were pitched during the warm weather and additional latrines erected.
New barracks are now, however, being constructed, which will afford space sufficient for
requirements.
Drainage is effected by means of open masonry drains and is assisted by the natural con
- f o r m a t i o n o f t h e g r o u n d . I t i s s u f f i c i e n t t o c a r r y o f f s t o r m w a t e r i f a l l h o l l o w s a r e f i l l e d u p ,
and care taken to secure a slope outwards from the walls.
Lavatory and latrine accommodation for the Cavalry have both been deficient ; extra
latrines are particularly required.
The Deputy Surgeon-General reports that the cook-houses have been clean, but require
better furniture and more complete cooking implements.
The water-supply has been sufficient and its quality good. It is obtained from wells
situated well away from all chances of pollution, and carefully covered in. From the wells it
is pumped into reservoirs, and thence distributed in iron pipes to all barracks. The water
in a few of the wells used by followers and horses of Royal Artillery has been found of
indifferent quality.
There are three Station hospitals—South, Central and North. The South Station hospital,
the largest, is double-storied, and built on a basement of 6 feet. It is reported, although a
large and palatial-looking building, not to make a good hospital, the wards being liable to
draughts, while the bath, dispensary, store and office rooms are unsuitable. Some improve
- m e n t s h a v e b e e n e f f e c t e d , s u c h a s t h e e r e c t i o n o f h u t s f o r f o l l o w e r s o n t h e s e p o y h u t s y s t e m ,
which has been found cheap and answers well.
An Officers' hospital is much required. A former hospital, Sergeants' quarters, has been
utilized for this purpose.
The Central Station hospital is well situated and its sanitation has been satisfactory.
There was not sufficient accommodation, owing to the fact that several batteries, over the usual
strength, were in the station for artillery practice. Tents had therefore to be pitched.
Additional quarters for servants are desirable.
The North Station hospital is a long one-storied building, well situated, well ventilated
and comfortable. The hospital for women and children is not a good one ; it was formerly one
of the family quarters of the 1st British Infantry regiment, subsequently converted into a
hospital. It has been found defective in many ways for the cases under treatment there, and
inconvenience has resulted for want of a suitable ward for contagious diseases. A well-con
- s t r u c t e d f e m a l e h o s p i t a l i s m u c h t o b e d e s i r e d .