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49. The same objections that I have urged regarding the Artillery
barracks with reference to the absence of drainage apply even still more forcibly
to those occupied by the Fusiliers. It is an urgent and very important sanitary
work. No expensive works are wanted and though doubtless glazed stone ware
pipes would be the best if properly and scientifically laid much time would be
taken in procuring them from England and open U shaped stone drains would
serve the purpose admirably. Colonel Herbert, Commanding the Fusiliers, I see
from the correspondence on my files, has lately called attention to the want of
these open drains from the Patcherries where the married families of the
regiment live, and I heartily endorse his opinion that the provision of these open
drains is absolutely essential and necessary. At the time of my inspection of
the Patcherries there was simply no means provided for carrying away the
filthy water from the bathrooms; as the iron boxes had not then been supplied
by the Barrack Department. It was discharged on to the ground and formed
offensive pools which flowed down towards the line of Patcherries in the rear.
The open drains from these buildings should be led so as to discharge their
contents into an intercepting drain which should have its outfall in the garden
below and to the north-east of the plungebath. Those from the barracks and
their cook and ablution rooms, &c., might be led into gardens where the fluid
could be turned to a profitable use
50. The necessity of providing proper glazed stoneware troughs for urinals
for the men in the upper storied barracks is urgent, and this measure should be
carried out at once. The smell early in the morning was sickening in the
extreme. The uneven surface of the stone assists in the decomposition of the
urine and early steps should be taken, as long as this objectionable arrangement is
allowed to continue, to cover the place with asphalt or with sheet lead. Troughs
containing dry earth would be better than the present poisonous urinal tub which
ought in every station in my opinion to be condemned. The addition of lime to
urine is not recommended as it assists its decomposition.
I
51. In the quarter guard the prisoners' room requires ventilation by the
insertion of clerestory windows on each side; the 5 cells on the west of the
quarter guard are not fit for occupation by European prisoners. The back
wall faces the west and the ventilation is in my opinion thoroughly insufficient.
The walls should be pierced and the doors ought to be made to face the west.
The urinal for the guard room has also been built on the west, and the wind
blows straight over this place into it.
52. The necessity for drainage from the Patcherries has already been
spoken of, but the sleeping rooms in them require more ventilation ; and a very
disgusting arrangement has been allowed by providing for each family a detached
building containing a cook room on one side and a privy at its back under the
same roof. The privies should be distinct and detached.
53. The drinking water for the regiment is drawn from a deep well in the
nullah between the Patcherries and the hospital, but there are a range of
native privies on the water shed above it. These are situated near the
apothecaries' quarters and should be at once removed and another site fixed for
them.
54. The hospital is common to both the Artillery and the Fusiliers but
the Medical Officers recommend that as a saving to Government of about
Rs. 150 a month on account of establishment could be effected by converting it
into a general hospital that this action should be taken. I think trees should
be planted and a garden made in the enclosure. But I wish to draw attention
to the marshy ground above the hospital on the west below the temple of
Mahalukshmi, which I think must exert a deleterious influence on the health of
the residents in the Regimental lines. I am of opinion that if search were made
springs of water would be found below the Hill which perhaps might be utilized.