23
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
The regiment was stationed at Poona during the whole year 1877. There were no
movements beyond small detachments to Nassick, Dindoree,
Peint Sowsthan, and a large detachment of 134 men to
Sholapoor.
2. The lines occupied by the regiment are bounded on the north by the lines of the
8th Regiment N.I., which being in close proximity do not
admit of that free ventilation which is desirable in that direc-
tion; on the south they are bounded by the lines of the 5th
Regiment N.I.; on the east by the general parade-ground, a
large open plain; ańd on the west by a smaller open space through which runs a large nul
- l a h c a r r y i n g a w a y a l l t h e r a i n - w a t e r d u r i n g t h e m o n s o o n . T h e v e n t i l a t i o n e a s t a n d w e s t i s
excellent, and is all that is desirable for the comfortable location of a native regiment. The
lines being erected on the elevated ground with a good incline towards the western nullah,
every facility is afforded in the way of natural drainage.
3. There are two latrines situated about 183 yards to the west of the lines (to wind
-ward of them). The night-soil is removed early in the morning
by means of two iron-tank carts to a place beyond camp limits
four miles distant to the east, far off enough to prevent any injury to health, or nuisance,
being caused by its disposal. The waste water from the sepoys' huts and the bathing-places
is carried by small channels into open drains running along the sides of the lines, and by them
into a large nullah to the west of the lines. The rain-water also runs off in the same
manner.
4. The water supply is good and abundant. No wells in camp have been used for drink
-ing purposes since the introduction of Kurruckwasla water,
which is supplied by means of three stand-pipes running into
masonry reservoirs to the south-west of the lines. The waste water from these runs into the
regimental garden, and after irrigating it the superfluous water flows into the nullah adjoining
t h e l i n e s .
5. The grain sold in the Poona market is in ordinary times good and fairly cheap, but
in the year under review such was not the case, and some of
the sepoys seem to have suffered from the effect of the famine, as
evinced by their general appearance. No improvements seem to have been yet made in the
dress of native sepoys of this Presidency. The scarlet coat buttoned up close to the throat,
the black cloth trowsers, and the troublesome regulation boots would not seem to be a suit
-able dress for a native of a tropical country ; and, what makes the matter worse, the same
dress is worn all the year round, without regard to variations of the season.
6. The duties of the sepoys in the year under report were light compared with former
years, when the 8th Regiment N.I. was wholly occupied in
line-building. In addition to parades they were employed in
furnishing guards for jail and for orderly duties. The duties performed by the men seem to
have had no bad effect on their health.
The sepoys scarcely have recreation beyond attending the regimental gymnasium.. A
few seem to be well up in weaving, sewing, and carpenters' and blacksmiths' work.
7. The hospital is situated at the distance of about four hundred yards from the lines,
and consists of two separate buildings, one of which is thatched
and contains a large ward ninety-six feet long and twenty-two
broad, and is, on the whole, well suited for the purpose required,
the only defects being the thatched roof and the mud floor.
Although the roof is annually repaired, with the view of making it proof against rain, yet the
old grass forming the inner layer of the chupper does not seem to have been removed for the
last five or six years, and is infested by birds, rats, lizards, if not by serpents. The mud floor
of the building has not in any way been improved, although it seems to have been brought to
notice by medical officers previously in charge of the hospital.
The other hospital building contains two small wards for the segregation of special cases,
and, although otherwise well built, the ventilation is defective. The head subordinate's
quarters and the guard-room are also thatched, and are in the same condition with regard to
chuppers as the hospital building.
There are two latrines attached to the hospital ; they are built of bamboo slips and have
mud floors, and, there being no provision made for keeping the solid excreta separate from
Location and movements.
The Lines and their surround
- i n g s ; p r e s e n t c o n d i t i o n , h y g i e n i c
and otherwise.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
Food and clothing.
Duties, exercise, and amuse
-ments : their effects on health.
Hospital and its immediate
surroundings : present condition,
hygienic and otherwise.