4
MILITARY DEPARTMENT, 18TH MARCH 1890, No. 2026.
with masonry. The cost of providing these drains would probably be about two
lakhs, and the General Officer Commanding concurs in his opinion that it is doubtful
whether such expenditure would have an appreciable effect in reducing the satura
-tion of the ground by rainfall. The remarks of the Army Sanitary Commissioner
on surface drainage, viz., that drainage for the removal of rainfall must be effected
over the surface, while mere surface cuts, except on steep inclines only, afford a
more certain means of waterlogging the subsoil, are worthy of consideration; and,
with reference to these remarks, the provision of masonry drains to these barracks
appears advisable.
Drainage of swampy ground near the Barracks and planting it with trees .—With
reference to this, Government has been addressed regarding the acquisition of the
swampy land in the Secunderabad cantonment.
Exposed condition of the 2 nd British Infantry Barracks .—Orders were issued
for the closing of the doors and windows of these barracks on the windward side
during the nights, and the Officer Commanding the regiment reports that the men
approve of the arrangement which will be continued during the cold weather. At
present the rooms are not rendered too stuffy thereby.
Reroofing 2nd British Infantry Barracks .—A sum of Rs. 47,000 having been
allotted by the Government of India in the current year's budget for this work, it
will doubtless be completed at an early date.
Coffee-shop of the Infantry and Artillery not affording sufficient variety in Articles
of Food .—An extract of this was sent to the General Officer Commanding Secun
-derabad District, who reports that the supply was exhausted for a time owing to
the great demand, but now hams, cheeses, bacon and preserves of all kinds are
available in the coffee-shops of the Infantry and Artillery.
The Meat Ration being very thin and lacking in nutritive qualities .—This has been
brought to the notice of the Commissary-General and orders have been passed.
Defects in Cook-houses of British Corps at Secunderabad .—A sum of Rs. 8,000
has been entered in the district schedule for the ensuing year for improvements to
these cook-houses, and for providing meatsafes, &c.
Insufficient accommodation at the South Station Hospital, &c., and want of a
suitable Female Hospital .—These questions are receiving attention, and the proceed
-ings of the committee assembled to report on the best measures to be adopted to
improve the former and provide for the latter have been forwarded to the Surgeon-
General, Her Majesty's Forces, for consideration and remarks, and, when returned,
they will be finally disposed of.
MADRAS.
Occupation of the ground floor, King's Barracks .—It has been decided that the
ground floor of these barracks should not find accommodation permanently for a
larger number of men than 62.
Position of the Station Hospital at Madras .—The question of a suitable site
for a new hospital is now receiving the attention of a committee ordered to be
assembled for the purpose.
Water-supply to the Upper-storey Station Hospital .—A plan and estimate for
the work is under preparation by the Public Works Department, and the want of
this requirement will be duly noted.
Quarters for Subordinates or Hospital Attendants .—These requirements will
be duly considered in connection with the new scheme for locating the hospital
elsewhere, at present receiving attention. An estimate for quarters for men of the
Army Hospital Native Corps is being revised by the General Officer Commanding
Madras District.
POONAMALLEE.
Quarters for the Hospital Subordinate .—It has been proposed to accommodate
this medical subordinate in the Government quarters at present occupied by him
with the addition of a temporary stable and servants' quarters thereto. An esti
-mate for these additions will be prepared under the orders of the General Officer