5
average of the five preceding years. The number vaccinated in the year 1858 was unpre¬
cedentally large, owing probably to the prevalence of Small-pox. Of the total vaccinated, 5,895
were Hindoos; 1,147 Mussulmans; 767 Christians; 168 Parsees; and 22 of other castes.
The natives who willingly bring their children to the Station at all times of the year to be
vaccinated, are the Khojas, Memons, Bohras, some of the Concanee Mussulmans, the
higher and some of the middle classes—as, Purvoes, Shenaees, Sonars, &c., and a few of the
Parsees and Arabs from on board the bugalows in the harbour. The fishermen of Bombay,
generally known by the name of Koolees, wherever they are, object to a man to have
their children vaccinated. Nothing can prevail upon them; and the only answer they
ever deign to give to all reasonings and entreaties is, that they would rather see their
children die from an attack of Small-pox than have them vaccinated. With these men,
circumstanced as they at present are, I am painfully forced to say that the task is a hopeless
one; at least, for a long time to come. There is a section of the Mussulman community—
generally natives of the Northern parts of India, known under the general appellation of
Benarasees, and for the most part employed in weaving—who also refuse to have their children
vaccinated; and they hold the Vaccine Department in contempt to such an extent, that they
will not condescend to hear a word from us. Many of the poorer classes—chiefly the Ghattees
from the Deccan—are deterred from having their children vaccinated, from the dread of their
children being afterwards brought to the Station to have the matter taken from them.
Of the total vaccinated, 4,447 were males, and 3,552 females. As to ages, there were,
under one year of age, 3,205, and above one year, 4794,—the excess of the latter
over the former being 1,589. But in the number of those vaccinated above one year of age, a great
many are under four years old; consequently,the number of children vaccinated is considerably
greater than that of adults. There is, however, doubtless a great reluctance, on the part of
parents, to have their children vaccinated at a tender age. The lymph has been throughout of good
quality. At the commencement of the year, however, matter failed in some of the Stations
on several occasions, but it was immediately re-established with supplies from the other
Stations. A difficulty is experienced in securing fresh lymph, as all natives show extreme
reluctance to allow vaccine matter being taken from their children. It was thought that, perhaps,
the poorer members of the community might be induced to consent, if a small reward was given
them, and carriage to and from the Station provided. For this purpose, Government allowed
the yearly sum of 100 Rupees. But even now the difficulty is nearly as great as ever.
Two peons were discharged for receiving bribes, and probably all are more or less implicated ;
but it becomes almost impossible to detect them in their bad practices. However, some very
stringent measures will shortly, I think, be required.
The obstacles in the way of the progress of Vaccination in the Island of Bombay continue as
powerful as ever. Apathy and improvidence are carried to a culpable extent by the lower classes.
Some object from a false sense of tenderness for their little ones ; religious prejudices prevent
others from sharing the benefits of Vaccination; whilst the all-powerful custom—caste—comes
in the way of many. Pecuniary considerations also have their share in the general indifference
towards Vaccination; for the expenses consequent on Vaccination, especially among the middle
classes, are so great as to be beyond the means at the disposal of many; and the idea of
dispensing with them is very repugnant to their feelings, and they would rather forego the
advantages of Vaccination, than have their children vaccinated, and not be able afterwards to
perform the customary ceremonies.