16
Madras District. —The general health of the troops in this command has been
good.
Fort St. George, in which the barracks for British troops stationed in Madras
are situated, is overcrowded; but the barracks themselves have not been so.
The sanitation of the barracks has been well cared for. The Infantry barracks
are so placed that they cannot be perfectly ventilated. The ground floors in these
barracks should not be occupied by troops for any length of time.
The Station Hospital, Madras, is badly situated on account of its proximity to
the main road and the river Cooum, the latter containing much sewage matter.
As a building, however, with the exception of some minor defects, it meets the
requirements. Although piping has been laid down, water has not been supplied
to the upper storey.
Under the orders of Government, a committee recently assembled to report
upon a site suitable for a new station hospital at Cupid's Bow.
The present hospital contains no quarters for subordinates or hospital
attendants.
At Poonamallee the barracks consist of four blocks in two parallel ranges.
Various improvements have been effected in them from time to time, the latest
being the removal of walls enclosing the verandahs and preventing free perflation
of air.
The hospital is a large double-storied building well ventilated. There are no
quarters for the Apothecary in subordinate charge nor for the hospital attendants.
The drainage of Poonamallee is fairly good except at the outskirts, where it is
indifferent or completely wanting. Difficulty in drainage is inherent owing to the
position. To make it effectual, great expenditure would have to be incurred.
Of St. Thomas' Mount, the Senior Medical Officer remarks of the north and
south barracks that "their nearness to the hill, bad site, and faulty construction
have ensured their continued disease." The ridge ventilation of some of the
latrines is insufficient.
Several new drains have been made to carry away surface water, but a more
extended system is required. The ventilating apertures of the kitchens are insuffi
-
cient for the egress of smoke. There are no public quarters for hospital staff and
attendants.
Nagpore District.— This report only deals with the force up to the 1st October
1888, from which date it was transferred from the Madras to the Bombay command.
The general health of the troops has been fairly good.
The "old barracks" have been occupied by the Royal Artillery and the "new
barracks" by the Middlesex Regiment. No overcrowding has taken place, and
sanitation has been satisfactorily maintained. There are plenty of trees between
the barrack blocks which afford requisite shade.
The construction of the garrison prison has been rapidly pushed on.
The hospital and subsidiary buildings have been kept in good sanitary condition
and there has been no overcrowding.
Deputy Surgeon-General deFabeck reports that the quality of the bread
supplied to the troops has been objected to as being frequently sour, badly baked,
and made of inferior flour. The contractor has been fined.
The water-supply is described as good and abundant.
The following works have been completed during the period under notice:—
At Kamptee, alterations and additions to the British Infantry canteen.
Rebuilding open stone-drain from back of armourers' shop to large nullah
near rifle range.
Renewing floors of urinals in British Infantry lines with new concrete and
asphalte.