36
hundred and ninety (390) persons have been vaccinated, of whom a very large proportion,
three hundred and seventy (370) or 94.8 per cent. have been successful cases. This is an
increase of one hundred and twelve (112) over the preceding twelve (12) months. Still it
must be admitted that among a population of about twelve thousand (12,000) souls, the
number is lamentably Small, and far short of what might be accomplished could the preju-
dices against vaccination so persistently displayed by the bulk of the inhabitants be lessened
or overcome. It may be remarked, however, that a year seldom passes over Tanna without
a visitation of Small-pox,—the consequence is that very few children of more than a year old
are to be found who are not protected either by vaccination, inoculation, or Small-pox. The
past year was no exception to the rule, for the epidemic prevailed during the first three (3)
months of the year, and it was during that time when a degree of fear pervaded the minds
of parents making them more inclined to listen to reason and persuasion, that the majority
of the children were vaccinated. The cost to Government for every hundred (100) persons
vaccinated during 1856 has been Rupees twenty-seven, eleven annas, and one pie (27-11-1),
or four (4) annas and five (5) pies per head; whilst in 1855 it was Rupees thirty-eight, annas
thirteen, and pies six (38-13-6) per hundred (100), or six (6) annas and five (5) pies per head.
" Among the Parses, Native Christians) and Mussulmans, but little opposition has been
met with. It is among the Hindoos (particularly the Banians and Coolee castes), who form
the bulk of the population, that the great difficulty has been met with. The strong preju-
dice against the introduction of vaccination into their families, which exist among these
castes, seems to rest mainly upon being an innovation upon their time-honoured customs. As
yet I have completely failed in overcoming it. It is to be hoped, however, that time and
perseverance in persuasive efforts may yet lead them to appreciate the benefits of a prophy-
lactic which Government have so liberally provided them, but which they have hitherto so
completely ignored. I can only say that on my part no trouble shall be spared to bring about
this desirable result.
" The large proportion of successful cases is good evidence of the purity and genuineness of
the lymph which has been in use. In October, however, I observed that the vesicles were
small, and that they maturated at too early a period. No time was therefore lost in procuring
a fresh supply from Bombay, and since that time no aberration from the normal progress of
the disease has been observed. The Assistant Vaccinator has been fairly zealous in his voca-
tion, and his conduct generally has been such as to merit commendation."
1857.—The total number vaccinated was only two hundred and
fifty-four (254), a diminution of one hundred and thirty-six (136)
from the previous year, owing probably to the dismissal of the Vacci-
nator. The average cost of every hundred (100) persons vaccinated
was Rupees forty-two, eight annas, and three pies (42-8-3). Vide
para. 47, p. 14, Vaccination Report 1855. Of the new Assistant the
Civil Surgeon writes:—
" The Vaccinator has been zealous in the performance of his duty, though not successful
in overcoming the prejudices of the Native population of the town against the introduction
of vaccination."