70
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
Regimental
lines.
Sanitary con
-dition of all
buildings.
Deputy Surgeon-General Ranking inspected the head-quarters and wing in
his circle, and writes as follows :—
Regimental lines.—I h a v e n o c h a n g e t o r e p o r t o n t h e g e n e r a l s a n i t a r y c o n d i t i o n o f
these lines, except the completion of an intercepting V -section drain to receive all the
sewage and convey it into the main drain of the cantonment. This, in itself, is a work of
some sanitary importance, for formerly sewage used to lodge in the ditch which bounded
the rear face of the lines. As to the lines themselves they are precisely as described last
year. They are eventually to be razed, new lines being erected on the standard plan, partly
on ground to the eastward of the existing lines, and partly on the present site where the
old lines are demolished. I do not enter into the question again of the wisdom shown in
the decision which has been arrived at in this matter. The decision has been promulgated,
and must be accepted. The general conservancy of the lines has been carried out on the
same system as hitherto. The great failing, as in all native lines, is in drainage. The small
areas used for ablution are not sufficiently protected against lodgement of waters and
absorption by the soil, leading to dampness ; until this is met by some regulation on the
subject, carried out at the expense of Government, improvement cannot be looked for. All
that is needed is an impervious flooring, and at this station stone slabs are the best and
cheapest. If the areas used for ablution, and as privies, were thus properly paved with
cut stones, and a good cement at the joints, the sanitary state of native lines would be much
improved. Certainly the new lines about to be built should have provision of this nature.
Sanitary condition of all buildings.—The public buildings I found clean. The guard
-room is of the same description as that of the 36th Regiment, and is too small for a full
regimental quarter-guard. The regimental lines are not provided with public latrines.
The domestic latrines are, as above noted, cleaned by contract, the soil being removed daily.
The regimental conservancy establishment keeps the streets clean, and removes ordinary
sweepings.
Climate of the
station.
Natural fea
-tures.
Diseases of
the district.
Barracks
with regard
to aspect.
Huts.
R e a d Q u a r t e r s S u p p e r s a n d M i n e r s .
Surgeon-Major T . Lowe, M.D., was in medical charge during 1872, and
reports as follows :—
Climate of the station.—The climate has been temperate. The fall of rain during the
year has been excessive. I think the heavy rainfall has had some influence on the nature
of the prevailing disease—dengue.
Natural features.—The Sapper lines are well situated on elevated ground, having a
favorable slope for good drainage. The soil is mixture of gravel, the débris of gneiss, and clay.
Foliated layers of gneiss rock abound intermingled with enormous boulders of mica schist,
constantly undergoing metamorphosis, and largely employed in building purposes. There
are several large artificial tanks close at hand and in the neighbourhood. Fruits and vege
-tables of all kinds are abundant. There has been a good supply of grain and animal food
of good quality.
Diseases of the district. —Dengue, ague, rheumatism, conjunctivitis, catarrh, and guinea
-worm, excluding injuries, accidents from the work of the corps, have been the chief diseases.
The guinea-worm cases were all contracted in the district of Ghooty.
Barracks, with regard to aspect.—The banrracks and lines have an east and west facing :
they are well elevated and open. The position is a healthy one.
Huts.—Well built of rammed mud with tiled roofs. The main street is 50 feet wide ;
the subsidiary streets 25 feet each. All clean and open.
Means of
ventilation
for the men's
huts, &c.
State whether the means of ventilation for the men's huts, &c., have been sufficient to
preserve the air pure .—Yes, in every instance. No defects have been observed; good drains
are still being made.
Water-supply.
Sanitary ar
-rangements.
Diet.
Foot soreness
from defec
- t i v e b o o t s .
Water-supply.—The water is obtained from several large good wells in the neighbour-
hood of the Ulsoor tank and lines. It is of good quality, and has been sufficient in amount.
Santary arrangements.—The lines have been regularly very properly looked after ;
no local cause of disease has been noticed.
Diet. —The provisions have been on the whole reasonable in price and plentiful, Vege
-tables are very abundant. The troops have received compensation for rice, owing to the
difference of the Mysore and Madras seer.
Foot soreness from defective boots.— Men are constantly coming to hospital with foot
sores induced by bad boots : rest without boots for a few days generally recommended.
This is sufficient to heal the sores.
Duty and
exercises.
Duty and exercises.— The men have been employed in various trades, such as stone
- cut t i ng, br i ck- maki ng, s awi ng, pi t t i ng, bes ket - maki ng, car pent r y, s ur veyi ng and l i t hogr aphy,
and field works. None of these employments have been severe or prejudicial to their health.
The average number of nights in bed has been four.