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MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
2 . T h e n e w l i n e s w e r e f i n i s h e d i n t h e m o n t h o f A p r i l , a n d t h e o l d o n e s w e r e t h e n
vacated by the two companies of sepoys who continued to
occupy them till the huts for them were finished in the present
lines.
The new lines are situated on the western edge of the elevated plateau forming the
military parade-ground, and form a continuation of the lines of the two other Native Infantry
regiments stationed here. The ground on which they are built is sufficiently sloped to
ensure efficient surface drainage. The site is a little to the north of the other lines, and is
quite open and exposed to the breeze, and no fault can be found as regards the ventilation.
The huts are built according to a standard plan sanctioned by Government in 1874.
The drainage of the lines is altogether surface. The ground slopes considerably towards
a nullah to the rear of the lines, into which the water is carried by means of open drains and
gutters running down the sides of the different streets. It would be a great improvement if
the bottoms of the gutters were laid with tiles, as the water would then run off much quicker,
and there would not be so much danger of the ground, which in some parts is chiefly black
soil lying on a bed of "moorum", getting water-logged during the rains. The regimental
bazaar is situated to the rear of the lines at a little distance from the huts, and consists of two
blocks of buildings, which are each divided into six shops.
The lines, bazaar, and cells are kept clean and in very good repair.
3. This is carefully looked after, and the streets and latrines are kept as clean and
sweet as possible. There are two latrines situated to the rear
towards the north side of the lines, and at a distance of about
250 yards. One is for the males, and has fifty-six compartments, and one for the females,
with twenty-four compartments. The seats are separated from each other by bamboo parti
-
tions, and the night-soil is received into an iron pan which slopes towards the back of the
latrine, where is placed a zinc pail to receive the urine, and which, therefore, is not mixed
with the solid excrement. I believe this is a new system introduced lately, and seems to
answer. The latrines, however, have no roof over them, and as the part on which the sepoys
stand or sit is made of iron it gets very hot during the day, especially in the hot season, and
complaints are made, I believe, of the heated iron hurting their feet while standing on it.
The night-soil and urine are removed twice a day, and carried to a distance by iron-tank
carts and buried in a deep trench. The sweepers use plenty of water in cleaning the latrines,
and quicklime is also freely sprinkled about.
4. The water is supplied from the Kurruckwasla water-works, and is generally of good
quality, and the supply sufficient. Sometimes after a fall of
rain it is very muddy, and has to be filtered before using it for
cooking or drinking purposes. The water, from flowing a long distance along an open canal,
is liable to receive impurities from various causes, and more especially during the monsoon,
when a good deal of surface water must run into it ; otherwise I am not aware of any other
likely sources of impurity.
During the past year the grain used by the men has been scarcer and much higher in
price.
The sepoy, having usually a family or several friends to support besides himself, has
suffered considerably in the way of diet, as his pay, although he gets some compensation
-
money on account of the dearness of provisions, is not largo enough to provide proper food
for others besides himself, and many of the men are at present suffering from complaints
arising. I believe, in many cases from there not having a sufficiency of proper food.
6. The sepoys of this regiment have been employed for nearly three years back in
building the new regimental lines, which not being the regular
duty of the sepoy, and the work being of an entirely different
kind to what they have been accustomed to, many of the men
have become considerably weakened and broken down, and seem more liable to attacks of
fever, &c., than they would otherwise have been. This, together with the prices of provisions,
has had a bad effect generally on their physique. The ordinary duties are rather heavy at this
station, as, besides the regular regimental and brigade parades, they are employed in furnish -
ing guards to the different jails, and in performing the different orderly duties of the station.
A good many cases of fever and bowel complaints are sent from the jail guards, caused,
I believe, by the men not having shelter enough from the cold winds at night, and from their
not getting their food so regularly as they do in their own lines.
The exercises and amusements are of the usual sort for natives. There is at present
no regimental gymnasium, but the men usually attend the meetings at the station gymkhana,
Lines and surroundings, &c.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
Duties, exercises, and amuse
-
ments, &c.