82
SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
23. It has been strongly recommended to the military authorities that the same measure
of good be effected for the syces of the 1st Light Cavalry, for nothing can exceed the squalid
wretchedness in which these people live. Last monsoon, cholera struck down a few of them,
and considering their filthy habits and the insufficiency of their food and clothing, the wonder
is that they were not decimated by that disease.
The lines of the sappers and miners at Kirkee are in a rather dilapidated condition, but
new lines, near Holkur Bridge and to the eastward of the camp, are in course of construction,
and will, in all probability, be finished by the latter end of the year.
Allusion has been made by the Medical Officer 1st Light Cavalry to the insanitary condi-
tion of the village of Ghorpuri, adjoining the cavalry lines, affecting as it does the health of
th e troops—European and native--located in its neighbourhood.
The military authorities have long been alive to the necessity of something being done
to put a stop to the nuisance complained of, and proposed to Government two courses—either
entirely to remove the village, or place it under control of the Cantonment Magistrate.
They have adopted the latter course, and placed both the village of Ghorpuri and
Wanowri under the Cantonment Magistrate; but, as they will not form a portion of the
cantonment or be subject to its laws and regulations, I much doubt if all the good anticipated
will be realized.
24. The water supplied to the hospitals and troops for drinking purposes, is, with few
exceptions, uniformly good and plentiful. Of course it is found better
Water-Supply.
at some stations than at others; for instance, at Ahmadnagar, where
the water is brought by means of an aqueduct from the Kuperwara springs, some miles from
the station, and carried into the regimental lines, it has the reputation of being peculiarly
clear, sparkling, and free from impurities.
25. Some doubts are expressed regarding the purity of water derived from wells in the
Poona Cantonment, especially one situated in the lines of the 8th Rwg Regiiment N.1., and adjacent
to the latrine trenches. Samples of water from this well were directed by authority to be sent
to the Chemical Analyser so far back as July last; but, on enquiry, I find, through some mistake,
the result has not been made known either to the Medical Officer or to this office.
Fresh samples have now been ordered to be sent, as also from a well much used by the men
of the 1st Grenadiers. That the water of these wells contains organic matter there is no doubt,
but whether of animal or vegetable product remains to be determined. From the fact of the
well in the 8th Regiment lines being in proximity to the trenches, and that of the 1st Grenadiers,
on the opposite banks of the nalla, near their latrines, the ground around which is scoured
after heavy rain, I am inclined to think that both kinds of organic matter will be found to
exist.
26. The Staff Surgeon at Asirgarh brings to notice the scanty surface state of the tank
water stored for the use of the garrison in that fortress. This matter is still under the con-
sideration of the divisional authorities, and the suggestion offered to remedy defects, if deemed
necessary, will no doubt be carried out.
Although the supply of water is reported by the Medical Officer to be scanty, and its
quality positively deleterious, it is satisfactory to know that during the past year the men of
the garrison have in no way suffered, and that the general health of the women—both
European and Native—has been good.
[Table.