13
From this I have deduced the following table showing the ratios which the
deaths of children below 12 years of age bear to the total deaths :—
Years.
Number of Deaths
under 12 years of age.
Total Number of
Deaths of all ages.
Percentage of former
to latter.
1872 . . .
178
546
32.60
1873 . . .
179
560
31.96
1874 . . .
183
541
33.82
1875 . . .
252
695
36.26
It is a very sad reflection to remark that 36 per cent. of all the deaths took place
last year among young children. I have but little doubt that these poor little
ones were, for the most part, killed by the foul atmosphere in which they lived,
and I trust the Municipal Commissioners will fully estimate their responsibilities
in not preventing the deaths of the children of their fellow-citizens.
45. The inhabitants of Dharwar are very poor, and there is but little pro
-
spect that the income can be very largely increased ; but I was much struck with
the many improvements I saw had been effected with the small income at the
disposal of the Municipal Commissioners. I quite concur with Mr. Robertson in
thinking that the supply of pure water is of paramount importance. The proposed
work cannot be paid for out of current expenditure ; but I trust that, although the
Government of India are not at present in a position to lend money to municipa
-
lities, yet that sanction may be accorded to the Municipal Commissioners to borrow
the necessary amount from the open market. The work is most urgently needed,
and the only delay is on account of want of funds.
46. To recapitulate the suggestions made in the above report, I recom
-
mend that :—
1. As regards houses—
a. That flat, mud-terraced roofs be not allowed in new houses, but
that tiled roofs be substituted for them.
b .
T h a t v e n t i l a t i o n b e p r o v i d e d i n e x i s t i n g r o o f s .
c .
T h a t t h e a d m i s s i o n o f a i r a n d l i g h t , w h i c h i s e s s e n t i a l t o h e a l t h , b e
enforced by providing windows, not less than 2 × 3 feet in size, in
the external walls.
d. That no animals be allowed to be kept inside inhabited houses, but,
if possible, that they be removed outside town limits.
e. That the morees and privies be detached from the house, and an
air space be left between the roof covering them and the house.
f .
T h a t t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f b y e - l a w s N o . 2 r e g a r d i n g t h e p l i n t h s o f
houses be enforced, and that drains be made to convey away the
water used for bathing purposes.
g .
T h a t t h e l i t t e r a n d r e f u s e b e n o t s t o r e d , a s a t p r e s e n t , i n h o l e s d u g
in the compound, but that, if such a plan is possible, that it be
carried by the municipality to a lay stall on the east of the town,
whence it could be distributed.
h .
T h a t a h a l a l c o r e c e s s b e i n t r o d u c e d , a n d t h a t t h e p i t p r i v i e s b e
gradually closed, and that bhungy privies be introduced in their
stead preferably in ranges, for the sole use of particular houses ; but,
if the system cannot be carried out, that a separate privy for each
house be allowed. All such privies to be detached from the house,
and that more public latrines be erected.
B 157—4