Any nuisance
during the
year.
Water-supply.
Sanitary ar-
rangements in
the barracks.
Diet.
MYSORE DIVISION.
63
Any nuisance during the year.—The drains throughout the lines are open to objection,
as refuse-water from the huts stagnates in them until removed by the Conservancy Depart-
ment. They are daily cleaned out, but I have never yet passed through the lines without
witnessing such stagnation, sometimes at one point and sometimes at another, and the
only time when they might be said to be clean is after heavy showers of rain. The soil
is more or less polluted by the constant influx of refuse-water from the huts, and no
amount of conservancy could ever render the drains, as they exist now, free from objection.
I have remarked upon this state of the drains in every report I have sent in.
Water-supply .—Water is obtained from wells scattered through the lines. No com-
plaints have reached me of its quality, and I believe there is enough for the line population. I
found that, as the blocks for drawing water from a well near the hospital were out of
repair, sepoys and others were in the habit of entering the parapet of the well and
drawing water with their feet resting on slabs of granite placed across the well. As these
individuals take no precaution to clean their feet before entering the well, the mud and
slush on their feet were likely to drop into it, and thus contaminate the water. I brought the
matter to notice, and application has been made for new blocks. Even if these are supplied,
it appears to me that the pots used for drawing water run a chance of being broken
against the granite slabs placed within two or three feet of the surface.
Sanitary arrangements in the barracks. —The condition of the drains and the want of
space in some of the huts are likely causes of disease requiring notice.
Diet.—The average price of rice at Bangalore is nine and half measures per rupee,
against seven, which was the average at Quilon. Provisions are cheap and plentiful at this
station, as compared with our last.
Dieting is a private matter with the sepoys ; and, so far as this station is concerned, the
men are better off in this respect than on the Western Coast. It would be premature to
pronounce an opinion upon its effect at present.
Clothing.—Regulation clothing is worn all the year round, and is suited to this
climate. The head dress described in previous years is still worn. It sets closely on the
top of the head ; does not protect the most important regions of the brain, nor shade the eyes
from light, nor can it from its shape prevent water from trickling down the back of the
wearer. For these reasons I have in successive reports described it as unsuitable.
State whether there has been foot sooreness from defective boots.— Yes, 105 men have
been excused wearing boots during the last two and a half months, and a larger number
before the regiment arrived here.
Duty and exercises. —Ordinary garrison and regimental duties. The average number
of nights per week the men have had in bed have been 3.25.
Drill.—Drill for regiment four days in the week. Time 6-30 to 7-30. Adjutant's drill
every morning, except Thursday. Time 6 to 7. Adjutant's drill every evening, except
Thursday and Saturday. Time 4-45 to 5-45. No unfavorable effect on health.
Vaccination .—Thirty-five subjects have been vaccinated, of which 28 were successful
and seven unsuccessful. Since the regiment arrived at this station there has been no small-
pox.
Epidemic diseases. —No epidemic since the arrival of the regiment at this station.
Seventeen cases of dengue have been admitted, and they were due to epidemic influence, as
the disease prevailed in the lines. Time answers given to preceding questions will afford
all the information I could give regarding overcrowding, defective ventilation, and defects
in drainage.
Phthisis pulmonalis and other chest diseases .—There was only one case of pneumonia
admitted into hospital during the period, and this was owing to exposure while travelling
from Quilon to Shoranoor.
Name of
Hospital.
Average Number
of Sick in
Hospital Ward.
Average Monthly
Number of Cubic
Feet per Patient.
12 . 25
1313.5
Clothing.
Foot soreness
from defec-
tive boots.
Duty and
exercises.
Drill.
Vaccination,
Epidemic dis-
eases.
Phthisis
, pul-monalis, &c.
Hospital.
There are five doors, seven windows, and two ventilators in the building temporarily
occupied as the Regimental Hospital. No representations were necessary, as the building
is sufficiently ventilated, and frequently the doors were kept shut to keep out draughts. No
overcrowding.
Condition of the drainage and latrines, &c.—Water from the ablution-room a portion
of the back verandah screened off by bamboo matting—escapes into the road just beyond
the hospital. The latrine is in immediate proximity to the kitchen, from which it is
separated by a partition wall. There are three seats in it open at the back, where filth
is removed daily, and altogether it is one of the most disgusting arrangements of the kind
that could be seen. Privy tubs have been supplied by the Commissariat, but they are so
large that it would be impracticable for the only sweeper now in the hospital to remove
them. I have made no further representation than to the Deputy Inspector-General, as
Condition of
the drainage
and latrines, &c.