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A Buddhist monastery and a wooden shed with a double roof have been used
for the accommodation of the sick ; the former building accommodated 12 and the
latter 20 sick ; on the arrival in November of the Hampshire Regiment with a
number of sick, another large monastery was occupied.
Bernardmyo .—This station is situated on the slope of a valley surrounded by
hills and at an altitude of 5.800 feet. The hills immediately around are covered
with dense jungle which is burnt every cold weather by the inhabitants. Rocks,
chiefly limestone, appear frequently on the surface.
The valley slopes to the west and a tolerably large stream runs through it.
The soil is loam, underlaid with clay. Some marshy ground exists about quarter
of a mile from the station.
The troops have been accommodated in four barracks built of wood with
thatched roofs ; the floors are raised from the ground 5 feet at one end and 3 at
the other. Half of one barrack is screened off to act as a library and reading-room.
A space exists between the walls and roof which allows of ventilation. The
buildings are draughty ; they each contain two fireplaces, and fuel has been
supplied in abundance. Occasional overcrowding took place.
The hospital is a building similar to the barracks.
The water-supply has been abundant and of good quality, sparkling and
pleasant to taste ; it collects on the hills to the east of the station and is brought
thence in wooden bamboo pipes.
In the latrines the want of a Crowley cart has been experienced. The filth
receptacles have been cleansed twice daily.
The lavatories are merely thatched sheds ; they have paved drains.
The rations have been described as monotonous, no mutton being available,
except for hospital purposes. Vegetables have grown well and there has been an
abundant supply.
Salinmyo is situated in the valley of the Irrawady about 9 miles distant
from the river. The surrounding country is flat and under wet cultivation for the
greater portion of the year.
The barracks are all of a temporary nature and are described as being in a
ruinous condition after having been two years in use. They are built of mats and
have thatched roofs. The upper portions of the walls are raised outwards for
purposes of ventilation.
The hospital is a similar building ; the roof leaks badly during the rains, and
the walls and posts are stated to be undermined by destructive insects.
The floors of the bath-rooms are not paved, which causes them to be sodden
with water.
The canteen is situated beneath the hospital, which is an objectionable
arrangement. It is anticipated that this station will be relinquished as a military
post.
Myingyan .—This was the head-quarters of the 2nd Brigade. The barracks
are built of teakwood and have double roofs with ridge ventilation and broad
verandahs. They are raised from the ground and are well lighted by means of
doors and windows. Kerosine lamps are used at night. The buildings have been
found suitable, but constantly need repairs. One of them was used as a hospital
and was well adapted for the purpose.
The recreation rooms are reported to have been particularly good.
The want of accommodation for hospital subordinates has been a source of
much inconvenience.
Food-supplies were fairly plentiful, beef of good quality was supplied, but
mutton was issued only once or twice a month.
Fresh vegetables were procurable daily.