Ventilation of
the hospital.
Overcrowd
-ing.
Hospital
water-supply.
General con
-clusions.
Foot soreness
from, &c.
Duty and Ex
-ercises.
19
CENTRE, OR PRESIDENCY, DISTRICT.
Dengue was epidemic in the regiments from May until October. Altogether 508
cases were admitted into hospital. Many of these were, however, relapses. No deaths
occurred from this disease.
Ventilation of the hospital .—Ventilation good. Some alterations have been recom
-mended, but are still under consideration.
Overcrowding.— No overcrowding. During the prevalence of dengue, it was necessary
to pitch often tents.
Drainage and latrines.— Good . Dry earth system carried out.
Drainage, &c.
Hospital water-supply.— Good .
General conclusions.— Had it not been for the outbreak of dengue fever, the health of
the corps for the past year would have been very satisfactory. This, however, greatly
increased the sick rate, and, indeed, for a short period, rendered the regiment quite unfit for
any active duty. At the present time, however, this has passed away, and the regiment is
(as far as health is concerned) in every way efficient.
3 7 t h R e g i m e n t o f
G r e n a d i e r s
.
The Grenadiers arrived at Madras from Moulmein on the 16th March 1872,
and were thereafter located in the Vepery Lines. Surgeon Major T. G. Howell,
held medical charge and wrote the annual report.
Climate.—The climate of the station has on the whole been very good during the past
year, and has had a favorable influence on the health of the men, notwithstanding the pro
-portion of sick has at times been very large. But this may fairly be accounted for, when the
condition of the lines in a sanitary point of view, and sickly state of the corps on its arrival
from Burmah are taken into consideration.
On the march .—The right wing and head quarters of the 37th grenadiers arrived
at Madras, from Burmah, on the 16th March last, after a voyage of eight days, and the left
wing on the 3rd of September 1872, after a voyage of seven days. The accommodation on
boardship was ample and every possible comfort afforded the troops. The lines occupied
by the 37 Regiment at Vepery are in a very bad state, and this has been made worse, owing
to the damage done by the recent rain-fall. Over 120 huts have fallen down, and there is
scarcely one throughout the whole of the Lines, that has not been more or less damaged.
The Lines were originally erected with regard to the surrounding neighbourhood, on such
a low level, as not to admit of their being properly drained. The consequence is, that their
drainage, aspect, elevation, &c., is defective.
Ventilation and drainage for the men's huts, guard-rooms, &c.— The ventilation of the
guard-rooms, &c., is sufficient, but that of the hut's in the Lines, notso. The drainage through
-out the Lines must, for the reasons already stated, continue bad, and considering the sur
-rounding neighbourhood, must also render it impossible for the air to be pure within them.
Measures have been taken in the matter of improving the drainage, but without beneficial
results, in fact, unless the foundation upon which the huts are built be raised, it will be im
-possible to do so.
Sanitary arrangements .—The sanitary condition of the Lines has been attended to, as
much as possible, and care taken by the regimental authorities to keep them clean, and with the
exception of the defects mentioned previously, there are no local causes liable to pro
-duce disease.
Diet.—The sepoys diet themslves, vegetables were abundant during the year, and com
-pensation is allowed for the dearness of rice monthly.
Climate.
On the march.
Ventilation
and drainage
for the men's
huts, guard.
rooms, &c.
Sanitary a
r-rangements.
Diet.
Clothing.—The clothing has been sufficient, and adapted to the climate.
Clothing.
Foot soreness from defective boots, &c.—The men frequently appear at Hospital, suffering
from foot soreness the result apparently of their not having their feet protected by socks.
Duty and Exercises.—The duties at present, may be considered moderate, and do not
appear to exercise an unfavorable influence on the health of the men.
The amount of Guard-duty was at one time excessive, but reference to the district
authorities remedied this and the number furnished now from the regiment for these duties
is proportional to that supplied from other corps in garrison.
The average number of nights per week the men have had in bed, amounts to 2.70.
Drill.—The drills have neither been numerous nor even of the usual duration owing to
the men being in such a weakly state of health, as to render them incapable of undergoing
much fatigue. The usual hours have been from 5½ to 7 in the morning and seldom in
the evening, and they have not in any way been injurious to the health of the men.
Sanitary condition of lock up rooms.—They are in a satisfactory condition, with
reference to these points, and no defects have been brought to my notice.
Drill.
Sanitary con
- d i t i o n o f l o c k .
up rooms.