( 7 )
9.—GENERAL REMARKS ON THE AGRA AND MEERUT CIRCLE.
The work accomplished in this circle is decidedly good, not only as to actual amount,
but in quality also.
I was with Dr. Richardson for about a month during the season, and can testify
to the excellence of his method of conducting his duties, and to his thoroughness of
procedure. Dr. Richardson's report will be found unusually interesting and instructive.
Many points therein brought forward I have myself enlarged upon further on, and
therefore need not notice them here. I will only observe that his experience and views
run in complete harmony with my own.
I trust that the Meerut Cantonment authorities will reconsider their decision, and
not refuse a grant of Rs. 92 per annum for vaccination purposes.
I know of no place in the North-Western Provinces where economy on this head
would be more misplaced.
The Civil authorities in the Moozuffernuggur, Boolundshuhur, and Etawah Dis-
tricts appear to have honestly exerted themselves in promoting vaccination. I trust
His Honor may be pleased to express his approval of their efforts ; for such displays of
zeal are not of such frequent occurrence that they can be regarded as mere normal
performances.
I would draw particular attention to the description given by Dr. Richardson of
his visit to the village of Canonee, in the Moozuffernuggur District (para. 8), and of his
experience of the attitude of the people in some places where small-pox was actually
prevailing :—" Numbers of helpless infants, almost beyond recognition as human crea-
tures, dying in mortal suffering of a disease the antidote of which is annually placed
within their parents' reach, and yet refused." I trust that all district officials may be
urged by the Government to press vaccination on the people with a greater zeal, and
that the vaccinator may be invested with some official recognition as a servant sent by
the Government to practice his life-saving art amongst them.
In the female infanticide villages Dr. Richardson states that principally girls are
brought forward for vaccination, in the belief, and perhaps hope, that some injury may
accrue. They will be curiously enlightened as time goes on.
It is singular how long it takes for a new idea to thoroughly penetrate the Native
mind. I have often picked out numbers of smooth-faced children from amongst the
small-pox pitted crowd surrounding me in a village, yet the connection between their
well marked vaccine scars and their good looks had never been recognised when once
vaccination has established its reputation for making " beautiful for ever." I hope we
shall not have to complain of a want of applicants.
I have pointed out elsewhere the necessity that exists for the appointment of a
Deputy Superintendent to assist in the superintendence of this large circle.
It only remains to notice the praiseworthy efforts of the undermentioned Native
gentlemen in promoting vaccination:—Nihal Chund, Secretary to Municipal Commis-
sioners, Moozuffernuggur ; Syud Mahomed Ali Khan, Honorary Magistrate, Jansuth;
Ahmed Khan, Municipal Commissioner, Secundrabad; Hussun Khan, Municipal Com-
missioner, Secundrabad ; Chunee Lall and Brij Lall, Municipal Commissioners, Boolund-
shuhur ; Kifayutoolla Khan, Superintendent, Choongee, Jowallapore. Dr. Richardson
speaks in terms of commendation of the interest in vaccination shown by the Civil Sur-
geons of Deyrah, Allygurh, Etah, and Etawah.
I must now mention the names of those who have been conspicuous for hinder-
ing the work:—Gowree Mull, Municipal Commissioner, Deobund ; Luchmun Suroop,
Honorary Magistrate, Secundrabad ; the Meerut Municipal Commissioner and the