2
the caution was hardly needed as the people of the affected villages did not wish
to leave and only desired bo stay in their fields.
The necessary measures of burning clothes and airing and disinfecting the
houses attacked were taken.
7. I have mentioned that there were one or two deaths from plague in
Wái. In respect of these, prompt measures were taken in the first case by the
Mámletdár under my telegraphic instructions and in the second by the Civil
Surgeon who happened to be in Wái at the time. I was at one time much con-
cerned regarding the safety of the town. At the time when plague was at its
height in Poona, I learnt that large numbers of people were coming from there
to Wái. At the same time the Civil Surgeon inspected the town and reported
that it was in a most insanitary state, that the Municipality would not move in
the matter of cleansing it and that the Chairman had actually stopped the work
of disinfecting a house which he (the Civil Surgeon) had himself ordered to be
disinfected. I went to Wái and met him there, and inspected parts of the town
with him and some Municipal members. It was certainly in a most insanitary
condition but the Vice-Président promised that sanitary matters should be
attended to and he fulfilled his promise. Extra road sweepers were put on, the
houses of the town were whitewashed inside and out, and the Municipality raised
the question of the filling in of the pit privies, many of which exist in Wái and
form a danger to the health of the town. (This matter is now under corres-
pondence.) An extra Hospital Assistant was kept on duty on the east side of
Wái to watch all arrivals. This officer was a pensioned 1st Class Hospital
Assistant, residing in Wái, Sayad Yassin by name.
I must allude in high terms to his work. He was on duty the whole 24
hours, even slept on the road-side and examined all passengers. Though at one
time suffering from fever he continued from the time of his appointment in
in March to June to do this, really the work of two men at least, but the Muni-
cipality were unable to obtain further medical assistance owing to the overstrain
on the Department. I also during my stay at Wái called a meeting of the
leading townsmen. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people were present. I pointed
out the imminent danger of plague owing to the influx from Poona and urged
those present, (1) to take each in his own house every sanitary precaution possible
and urge his neighbours and friends to do the same and (2) in case of cases
unfortunately occurring not to conceal them and thus endanger the whole
community but to give immediate information to the authorities. The Vice-
Président of the Municipality, the Mámletdár and others spoke to the same effect.,
The fears for the safety of Wái were fortunately not realized and the town
escaped the infection almost, it seemed to me, by a miracle as it was quite im-
possible to prevent the ingress of persons tainted, if the disease had not declared
itself in them.
8. The measure of watching arrivals at the stations of Wáthar and Sáfára
Road was adopted for some time as a precaution against plague, but it ceased
after a time under your orders as it was impossible to depute medical officers
for the purpose, and the police inspection was not effective while it was a great
annoyance to travellers.
9. Special measures were taken for the protection of Sátára, Mahábleshvar
and Panchgani by observation camps. With these I was not directly concerned
except in so far as that I arranged with the assistance of the Executive Engineer
for the building of the observation camp at Dandeghar, near Panchgani, and prior
to Mr. Alexander taking charge of them, inspected the Mahábleshvar posts
under your telegraphic instructions.
The Dandeghar observation camp was under the charge first of Surgeon-
Captain Bedford and latterly of Mr. Vincent, who has, I presume, reported to
you regarding its management.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
S. E. AETHUE,
1st Assistant Collector.