3
PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.
3. The lines are divided into two portions: the northern section was newly built last
year, and is in excellent order; the southern section is now
being pulled down, and new lines are to be built by the P. W. D.,
on the standard plan, before the ensuing rains; they will then be excellent, well ventilated,
and roomy. There is no drainage, all refuse water being thrown out, or allowed to flow over
the ground in front through small channels from the interior of the huts; there is a long
masonry channel which conveys the water from the washing well to the creek running
north to south. The lines are bounded on the east by the creek, on the north by the e
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camping ground and jail, on the south by the fishing village of Kolliwarra, and on the west
by the house of the civil residents, the Judge's Court, and the hospitals and bazaar. The cells
are in the quarter-guard, and are very roomy, and the ventilation is ample and abundant.
The latrines of the detachment are situate on the bank of the creek to the extreme east of
the station, and are very faulty. The ordure is carted away daily to a distance in iron recep
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tacles, and the seats are then flushed with water. The water, or liquid ordure, flows all over
the place and down the bank into the creek, creating a most offensive stench all around the
neighbourhood, and rendering the latrines so intensely objectionable as to deter the people
from using them whenever they can avoid it; liquid ordure may be seen oozing through the
sides of the walls of the latrine daily. I am of opinion that no system is so peculiarly
well adapted to Tanna as the dry-earth system, and it should be introduced without delay.
If, however, it be determined to keep up the present objectionable system, I would sug
gest that a 6-inch diameter tube be fitted to each latrine, to extend down into the deep
water of the creek, through which all the flushing water should flow—the ordure being
removed, as at present, in closed pans. This, however, is not an advisable plan.
4. The duties have been light. The occupation of the men
beyond these duties is left to their individual dispositions: some
attend school, others amuse themselves with gymnastics, &c.
5. The quarter-guard, which is also the cell, is in excellent repair and very commo
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dious and well ventilated.
6. The hospital is a poor building, but it generally suffices (occasionally with a little
crowding) to contain all the sick. It is too closely surrounded and hemmed in by buildings and
dwellings for health and proper sanitation. Ventilation perfect. There has been no over
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crowding. There is no accommodation whatever for 2nd class servants, nor is there a
separate contagious-diseases ward. The conservancy of the hospital is on the dry-earth
system and answers very well, is clean and free from smell. The water for hospital use is
brought from a good well in the police lines, and is fair average drinking water.
7. There have been 186 admissions and 81 re-admissions. The principal diseases
were fevers of malarious origin, ague being the chief, of which 95 were admitted and 48 re
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admitted, as against 204 last year, being 61 less. The number admitted from all diseases
once was 154, twice 29, thrice 18, four times 4, and five times 1.
8 . T h e c a u s e s o f t h e p r i n c i p a l d i s e a s e s h a v e b e e n c l i m a t i c .
9. There have been 5 deaths during the year: 1 phthisis, 1 diarrhœa, 1 pneumonia, 1
bronchitis, and 1 debility,—all Hindus.
10. 37 were vaccinated and 5 re-vaccinated during the year.
1 1 . T h e g e n e r a l h e a l t h a n d p h y s i q u e o f t h e m e n i s o f a l o w a v e r a g e .
12. A resumé of the whole would show that the average sick has been less than the
previous year; there have been no epidemics, the five casualties occurred in Hindus, and were
from diseases to which all Natives are subject; that quarters for 2nd class servants are
very much required, as is also a contagious-diseases ward; that the regimental latrines are
on a bad principle, and that dry-earth should be introduced. The physique of the men is not
high, and a wing should be relieved at least every two years.
H. M.'s 20th Regiment N. I.
BOMBAY.—In medical charge of Surgeon H. DETATHAM; Average Strength, 621.7.
1. The regiment has been stationed in Bombay throughout the year. A small
detachment of 16 men has been furnished to Jinjira; this
has been relieved twice. I examined both detachments on
their return; they appeared to be in excellent health, and were
in much better condition than their harder-worked comrades
who had remained in Bombay.
Lines.
Duties, &c.
Location and Movement of Corps.
Detachments.