27
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
paratively moderate rates. The price of grain and compensation on account of dearness of
provisions were much higher than in Poona. The average amount of grain compensation
in Satara for 10 months was Rupees 6-15-0, and in Poona for the year Rupees 3-12-0. Com
pensation is an evil that should be eradicated from the native army. A fixed rate of pay and
the adoption of a system of rations which did not excite caste prejudice, would without
doubt improve the efficiency of the sepoy, who too often starves himself on compensation,
with the view of saving every rupee of his monthly stipend. These misers are the men who
most frequently come on the sick list, and whose cases are benefited by diet rather than
medicine. The clothing of the Regiment remains unaltered. The uniform of rifle green is,
more suitable for a temperate than tropical region. It was stated last year that sepoys when
off duty donned native attire but wore no under clothing. This is still the case. On duty
however the native dress is worn under their uniform, an arrangement which strikes one
as being exceedingly slovenly and indicative of the sepoy's want of the sense of comfort.
Sepoys with few exceptions wear no stockings. As a substitute on the march some of them
wrap rags round their feet, which answers well and prevents chafing and blisters. The
Kilmannock cap now in wear gives the men a smart appearance on parade, and the red
pugrie of their undress does not misbecome the Asiatic countenance. The new helmet of the
European officers is a great improvement on the one condemned in last year's report, as it
is intrinsically lighter and more shapely. By removing the cover of invisible green, the
ordinary Regulation helmet appears, the only difference being that the chin chain and spike are bronzed and the pugrie a myetle green.
6. The routine duties of the regiment were a little heavier in Satara than Poona,
Duties, exercise, and amuse
ment ; their effect on health.
judging by the average number of nights in bed, which were
respectively 7 1/6 and 8 1/8. At either station these duties were
not harassing to the men, and do not appear to have do not
the general health unfavourably. Visiting the bazar excepted, sepoys as a rule do not
spontaneously take constitutional exercise. There was no talimkhana when the Regiment
arrived in Poona, but one is now in contemplation. In Satara the talimlkhanaw a s i n g r e a t
request, and gymnastic feats were skilfully accomplished by many of the recruits and young
men of the Regiment, some of whom distinguished themselves by carrying off prizes at the
soldiers' sports which take Place annually in Satara.
7. The distance between the hospital and lines. 1.150 yards. is inconveniently great.
Hospital and its immediate
surroundings ; present condition,
hygienic and otherwise.
The site selected for the new hospital will remedy this evil.
The present establishment (originally intended for medical
stores) has ample accommodation for the sick of the Regiment
under ordinary circumstances. There are two wards of un
equal size divided by the dispensary, which. is also used as an office. The ventilation and
lighting are very good. The out-houses are in fair order. The compound in front of the
hospital is laid out as a garden, which with little trouble might be turned to good account,
by the cultivation of flowers and vegetables. The desiderata of the hospital are three : 1st,
a detached or separate ward for contagious diseases; 2nd, a dead-house for post mortem
examinations ; and 3rd, the direct service of water from the Kurruckvasla canal. On the
arrival of the Regiment in Poona, the dry earth system of conservancy was introduced in the
hospital latrines, and works well. It seems unnecessary to say more regarding the hospital
and its surroundings, as these topics have been discussed in many previous annual reports.
8. When the Bombay and Asirghar detachments were recalled, and the Regiment
assembled n Poona on the 19th November 1878 in its full
strength. the general health of the men was reported good.
Of course there was with increase of strength an increased number of sick. The increase
of strength rose from 386 to 672, and the daily average number of sick for the week ending
15th November rose from 4.1 to 17 . 7 in the succeeding one. The Bombay Detachment
furnished the larger number of admissions to hospital, chiefly due to ague, complicated with
bronchitis. In the remarks for the week ending 28th December, it was stated that the
health of the men had improved since coming to Poona.. During the first six months of
the year in Satara the health of the men was good. In July it was only fairly good. In
August the standard of health was lowered in consequence, it is believed, of the insanitary
state of the lines. In September there was no improvement. As a result, the hospital
was overcrowded, and it was found necessary to pitch tents for the accommodation
of some of the sick. Cold and damp in the miserable quarters of the men accounted
for much of the sickness which then prevailed. There is no doubt that the goodness
of the Satara climate Was influenced unfavourably, and the health of the men injured
by compelling them to live in huts which are not fit for human dwellings. They began
to improve at the end of October, and in November and December the weekly reports
were more satisfactory. Regarding the physique of the men, the height, weight, and
chest measurements were carefully noted. The average height of the privates is 5 feet 6 1/2
General health and physique.