2
The situation of -the Ulsoor barracks is objectionable on account of its being close to the
densly-populated native bazaar, the sanitary condition of which is often doubtful. The wards
of the South Station Hospital were colored a light French gray during the last quarter of the
year and the doors and windows painted; the drainage at Bellary is still defective owing to the
almost dead level of the station. Certain defects in connection with the drains at the western
end of the barracks at Bellary were brought to notice and removed.
Belgaum and Western Districts. —The sanitary state and lighting of all barracks and
subsidiary buildings in this circle was satisfactory. In Belgaum it would be impossible to
improve the palatial barracks and married quarters. In Cannanore there was always some
question as to ventilation, and now that the force is greatly reduced, there can be no longer any
doubt on this head. In Malapuram, owing to detachments passing through between Cannanore
and Beypore, there was now and again discomfort from over-crowding, but now that the
Cannanore regiment has been reduced to a detachment, this is not likely to occur again. The
means for ablution and bathing are ample in all the stations. In Belgaum and Cannanore
there are swimming baths. During the third quarter of the year, owing to the leaky condition
of the privy pans, the men's latrine at Calicut became most offensive. This was remedied by
the issue of new pans. At all other stations the latrines were kept in good order on the dry
-earth system. Ventilation, general conservancy, lighting, latrines, urinals, &c., were all
satisfactory in the hospitals of this circle. Everywhere the rations were sufficient and of good
quality. In Belgaum there was a good supply of European and country vegetables at moderate
rates. In the coast stations country vegetables were plentiful. Onions and potatoes (both
imported) were procurable, but at high rates. Fish was plentiful and cheap. So were oysters,
but they were prohibited in barracks, as they are apt to cause severe diarrhœa. All the kitchens
are large enough and well provided with every necessary. But little attention has been paid
in most of them to the means of giving exit to smoke, and so the walls are usually black and
grimy. The canteens are well supplied with drinks of good quality. There is occasionally a
diversity of opinion regarding the Nílgiri beer, which is disliked by some. The Medical Officer,
Malapuram, reports the canteen as being close, hot and ill-ventilated owing to the lowness of
the roof. Clothing everywhere was satisfactory, being suited to the climate, seasons and
duties. The water-supply requires careful attention in all the stations, and MacNamara filters
are in use throughout. In Belgaum and Cannanore, the wells run down in dry weather and
the supply becomes somewhat scarce. At Calicut there is a large well that gives a plentiful
supply, but the water was pronounced suspicious by the Chemical Examiner in 1885. This
was supposed to arise from pollution from exposure. The well has since been covered over
and kept under lock and key. Another well (disused for ten years) gives on rough analysis a
better water than the one above noted, and a sample has been sent to the Chemical Examiner
with a view to this water being taken into use. In all the stations there are ample means
(natural or artificial) for the removal to a distance of storm water and refuse water from kitchens,
bath-rooms, lavatories, &c.
Eastern District.—In Fort St. George, the sanitary condition of the barracks was satis--
factory in respect to ventilation, superficial and cubic space, &c., but the barrack rooms looked
dirty and dilapidated owing chiefly to the condition of the floor and want of white-washing.
The latrines used by the Artillery and Infantry are badly situated, badly ventilated and difficult
to keep clean. At St. Thomas' Mount, Poonamallee and Pallaváram, the sanitary state of the
barracks and subsidiary buildings was satisfactory. The constant arrival of sick from Burma
caused much difficulty in arranging for their accommodation at Poonamallee. Of the station
hospital at Madras, the Senior Medical Officer reports "its position is bad owing to proximity
to the main road and at the back of the grounds runs the river Cooum, which is a polluted
stream for the larger portion of the year. Added to disadvantage of locality, the noise from
passing vehicles and the red dust, which penetrates everything, adds to the discomfort of the
sick and the general slovenly appearance of the wards, bedding and linen; the ventilation of the
upper wards is ample; owing to a wall in front, the lower wards are ill-ventilated." All other
station hospitals in this circle are suitable buildings, and their sanitary condition was satisfac--
tory. The canteens, coffee shops and the articles supplied in them gave no grounds for com--
plaint except that the canteen in Fort St. George is too small for the number using it. The
kitchens in Fort St George are reported by the Deputy Surgeon-General as "in bad
order, dirty and dilapidated." The Senior Medical Officer reports that the water-supply
of Fort St. George and station hospital was ample, but its "quality as a drinking
water was indifferent." At other stations it was good, ample and properly protected. The
Deputy Surgeon-General reports that "the accommodation in Fort St. George is very limited,
being barely sufficient for the garrison consequently; some place of shelter for troops passing
through Madras, sufficient for the temporary accommodation of about 100 men, is very urgently
required. Such troops are now usually placed in tents on the glacis which is not a satisfactory
arrangement, as it is very difficult there to carry out conservancy arrangements properly and the
place is not suitable as a camping ground, particularly for young troops. It would also be very
desirable to have the demolition of the outworks completed and the ditch filled in. A portion
of this work has been already sanctioned."
Nagpore Force.—The sanitary state and lighting of barracks and hospitals were satisfactory,
and no alterations were recommended or called for. There was an abundant supply of good