19
2. And firstly with respect to the want of reliable statistics regarding the
Scudder Bazar complained of by the Sanitary Commissioner it may be remarked
that, the Cantonment Committee have no effectual machinery for taking a census
of the population, a necessary step that lies at the basis of all statistics possess-
ing the slighest value. Something however might be done in this direction by
ordering a registration of the houses in the bazar and their inmates, and the
mode of registering births and deaths is certainly capable of much improvement.
3. Another point enlarged on in the report is the irregularity of height
and depth found in the houses of even the principal streets. This is however a
matter that could only be dealt with under a Building Act, and which does not
fall within the scope of the present observations.
4. With reference to the state of the drains which is, no doubt, very dis-
creditable, all that can be recommended in view of the impossibility of effecting
a complete system of arterial drainage such as that put forth by the Sanitary
Commissioner is, to repair such portions as have become decayed or ruinous; to
clear out all accumulations of filth garbage and mud heaps; and to flush the
drains whenever such can be done without incurring needless expense. With
respect to ventilation the Executive Engineer might be asked his opinion as to
the practicability of ventilating some of the principal drains such as that passing
under Mr. Barretto's house, and one or two others which have been reported on
as nuisances and dangerous to the public health, from the accumulation of
deadly sewer gas elaborated in their interior.
5. Unquestionably the most effectual plan of perfecting a sewerage scheme
for the Bazar is the one advocated by Dr. Hewlett, viz., laying down glazed
stoneware pipes of proper dimensions throughout the centre of the main and
smaller streets. Such a system, however, would be extremely costly, and could
not possibly be carried into effect without the expenditure of a much larger
outlay of money than at present is in the hands of the Committee to deal with.
6. The next best course would, in the opinion of the Sub-Committee, be
the adoption of Open segmental cut-stone drains along the sides of each street
and lane, and which would allow the free escape of sewerage and storm-water.
These drains should be kept constantly flushed by means of the Kurruckwasla
water and no accumulation of filth or deposit allowed to remain.
7. The objections referred to in paragraph 47 of the report, viz., the
offensiveness to sight and smell would be trifling in comparison to the risk to
health of the community at large, which the present system of covered drains
certainly entails.
8. The absence of public latrines and urinals is certainly a crying want,
and the Secretary might be asked his opinion as to the most desirable sites for
locating such places of public accommodation. Speaking broadly, such places
of public resort as markets, police courts, railway stations, &c., are localities
where it is desirable that some provision should be made for the wants of the
native public. Such erections should be of the most inexpensive kind, and the
greatest care would be necessary to provide against the possibility of their be-
coming dangerous to the public health.
9. To defray the expense and ensure the cleanliness of these urinals and
latrines, those of the inhabitants, who are unable to provide and maintain
private privies should be compelled by law to resort to the public ones,
paying a tax of one anna a month for their use. Whilst house holders prefer-
ing to have private necessaries, should be taxed at the rate of 8 aunas per