NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
59
clean and very tidy. Permanent latrines, common to artillery and cavalry, in use throughout,
owing to rocky ground ; but in the case of the wing they are much out of the way, being at
the very inconvenient distance of 563 yards from the lines.
The objectionable proximity (75 feet) of the hospital latrine to the well—one of the best at
the station—has long been complained of, and frequently represented. There is now, however,
some promise of remedy, as a committee has recently selected a site for a new latrine. I have
accordingly directed application for plan and estimate, in view to the amount being included
in next budget for station works.
H. M.'s 28th Regiment N. I.
RAJKOT.—In medical charge of Surgeon J. PARKER., M.D.
Average Strength
702.5
Deaths in Hospital
4
Do.
Present
622.6
Do. out of do.
1
Admissions
377
Invalided ...
25
Daily Sick
15
Sick Leave
13
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
H o s p i t a l .
1874
Rajkot
176.9
4.6
0.8
1875
Do.
130.3
3.6
2.2
1876
Do.
110.5
3.8
2.1
Average...
139.2
4.0
1.7
1877
Rajkot
60.5
2.4
0.6
Location and movements
.
The head-quarters have been at Rajkot for the period under review. A. detach-
ment eighty-nine strong was sent to Dwarka in the month of
February to relieve that of the previous year, and has remained
there since. Two escort parties were furnished during the year, viz., one to Wudwan in
August, strength 43, under a Jemedar, to accompany the Political Agent to Rajkot ; the other
to Joonagar in November, strength 89, under a European officer, to meet His Excellency
the Governor.
Lines and their surroundings:
present condition, hygienic and
otherwise.
2. The general description of the lines has been given in previous annual reports. A
slight improvement has been made in the drainage system, viz.,
the channels which convey bathing-water from the houses have
been tiled in such a manner as to afford a complete covered
passage for the water, which is ultimately carried to the trees
in the lines. The earth around the trees is dug up from time to time, and care is taken that
obnoxious matter does not accumulate in the passages. The lines are sufficiently commodious,
well ventilated, and clean. The huts are in good repair. There is no regimental bazaar ;
articles are procured from the bazaar of the 7th Regiment N. I., and cantonment.
Conservancy.
3. The dry-earth system is in use in the native officers' lines, the excrementitious matter
being removed twice a day. Trench latrines situated south-east
of the lines are used by the sepoys during the hot season, their
place being taken by pucka-built latrines to the south-west of the lines during the monsoon.
Water supply.
4. The water supply is obtained from wells. I submitted a report on this subject, in
December last, pointing out the fact that the water failed
considerably in quantity during the hot season. The depth
of water in each well (Government) was ascertained on 27th September, and again on 14th
November, 1877, the result demonstrating a marked falling off of the supply. In the report
alluded to, I have recommended deepening and general enlargement of the wells, with a
view of striking a spring.