POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
27
4 . T h e y a r e e f f i c i e n t l y c a r r i e d o u t . T h e l a t r i n e s a f f o r d a m p l e a c c o m m o d a t i o n , a d d i t i o n a l
space having being provided since last year ; they are well
covered in, and not situated too far from the lines—proximity
affording the most effectual safeguard against the use of private
privies.
5. The water in the well was examined some time ago and pronounced unfit for drink
-ing purposes ; and no doubt its proximity to the latrines
favours the chance of pollution. The troops are forbidden to
use the well for drinking purposes ; but, notwithstanding this prohibition, I have reason to
believe that many do drink the water, and without, so far as I am aware, any bad result. As
regards the Kharakwásla supply, it is obvious that, flowing for several miles through an open
canal, it must be liable to contamination from various sources of impurity. Another objection
-able feature, is the close proximity of the European cemetery. It is no doubt represented
that the level of the canal is somewhat above that of the cemetery ; but, however that may be,
and howsoever slight the risk of percolation, it must be agreed that the vicinity of a burial
-ground to the principal source of water-supply for the wants of a large population, is dis
-agreeable by its obvious associations, and objectionable on the ground of its possible risks.
6. The food supplies last year were generally abundant,
of fairly good quality, and average price.
7. I have little to say in this regard. I am, I believe, well within the mark in stating
that three-fourths of the admissions into hospital under the
head of "contusions" are caused by badly-made and ill-fitting
boots ; and it is a well-known fact that the first impulse of the Native soldier on the march
is to divest himself of the very articles designed especially to cover and protect his feet.
The difficulty might, in my opinion, be solved by providing the troops with soft, pliant, well
-dressed English leather ; and I see no practical reason why boots of such a description
should not be made up at the Government Clothing Establishment, and issued to the men
at a fixed and reasonable price.
8. There has been a decided falling off in the general health and efficiency of the
sepoys of this regiment during the past twelve months, and I.
have little hesitation in ascribing it to the hard work, fatigue,
and exposure, necessitated by the rapid construction of the new regimental lines. The fall
-ing off has been pretty general throughout the year, but seems more marked during the last
six months ; and it is evident that exposure and fatigue, unless accompanied by an improved
dietary, must have an appreciable effect in lowering the standard of general health in the
Native soldier. Brick and tile-making, digging foundations, and more especially quarrying,
represent various forms of very hard work ; and when it is remembered that such work is
carried on for eight hours every day continuously, and the men have their ordinary guards
and night duties to perform in addition, it will be conceded that, unless the waste occasioned
by such wear and tear be supplied by good, wholesome, nutritious food, the effect on over
-taxed frames and enfeebled constitutions must soon become apparent. These views accord
precisely with the results of last year's experience. The Purdasees and sepoys generally from
the other side of India, who, as a rule, have no family ties, and can afford to live well, did not
exhibit any deviation from their usual standard of health ; whereas precisely an opposite
condition prevailed among the Mahrattas, especially those coming from the Konkan, who
usually have large families, and who, moreover, are habitually victimized by relations Who
regularly come at frequent intervals to prey upon the sepoy's overburdened resources. For
the foregoing reasons I think a small addition might be made to the sepoy's monthly income
in the shape of working pay, and the result would, in my opinion, be in every way encourag
-ing, and would not only enable the hard-working sepoy to provide himself with a better
ration, and enable him the better to bear the unusual strain on his vital forces, but it would
also act as a direct incentive to the honest and industrious, discourage malingerers, and
by the promise of a fair day's pay for a fair day's work do much to improve the tone and
condition of the regiment.
9. The hospital buildings form aright angle with a row of small houses allotted to ord
-nance conductors, magazine serjeants, &c., and their families—a
very ill-advised arrangement, and a constant source of complaint
on the part of the European occupants of the dwellings above mentioned. The hospital
has been condemned more than once, but, so far as I can see, the only tangible ground of
objection is to be found in the near neighourhood of Europeans and their families. No in
-convenience was felt in regard to overcrowding ; each patient, even when confined to bed,
enjoyed an ample, well-ventilated air space. There is neither a dead-house nor a con
-tagious ward. In the early part of last year a committee was appointed to fix a site for
Conservancy and Sanitary Ar
-rangements.
Water.
Food.
Clothing.
Duties.
Hospital.