EASTERN FRONTIER DISTRICT.
197
EASTERN FRONTIER DISTRICT.
(INCLUDING THE STATIONS OF SHILLONG, GAUHATI, DIBRUGARH, CACHAR, JALPAIGURI AND BAXA.)
Average daily strength present during the year
.
.
.
.
. Infantry, 3,925.4.2
"
"
sick per cent. of average strength .
.
.
.
.
,,
5.52
Ratio of mortality
"
,,
"
.
.
.
.
.
"
3.86
43rd Regiment (Assam) Native Infantry— Shillong.
I. Medical Officer.—Surgeon J. O'Brien, M. D., remains in medical charge,
and has furnished the annual
sanitary report.
II. Location and movements.—
Head-quarters were stationed at
Shillong up to 25th October, on
which date the regiment commenc-
ed its march towards Dibrughar in
course of relief. They arrived at
Gauhati on 29th October, and
left there in the Government
Steamer Kolodyne with troop-flat
in tow on 2nd November, arriving
in Dibrugarh lines on 10th Novem-
ber.
The strength and disposi-
tion of the various detach-
ments are shown in para. XV.
Topography .— During the past year the river Debroo overflowed its banks and
inundated the station. Dysentery, and I believe, cholera for a short time prevailed after this
event.
IV. Meteorology.— The highest temperature recorded at Dibrugarh was 94° in the months
of June, July and August; the lowest 38° in January. The mean temperature for the year
was 70.° The rainfall was almost precisely the same as in 1876, viz., 109 compared with 109.4
inches. The rainfall in 1875 was 104.9 inches. From personal experience I am unable
to speak, but, from what I can learn, there was nothing singular or worthy of record in the
climate of the year.
The lines at Dibrugarh afford sufficient and good accommodation. Even
taking women and children into account, there is enough of room, owing to the
absence of men on detachment duty. They are well drained. Trench latrines
are available, but the men prefer to resort to the jungle. The dry-earth system
is in use in the hospital latrines. Good water is obtained from two wells in the
lines ; that of a third being of doubtful quality, its use is prohibited. Each
well is surrounded by a coping, parapet and drain. The men bathe in the
river. The commissariat rations have been good, and have cost the men
Rs. 3-8 per mensem. As they receive Rs. 2-8 Assam allowance, their rations
only cost them one rupee, and, they have thus a sufficient margin for extras, which
however are expensive. Clothing and duties are as previously reported ; nights
in bed 5.9. The sepoys have not much time for amusements ; collecting
firewood is a favorite recreation, and some of them are good sportsmen. The
same excellent hospital is in use.
Firewood, 2 maunds per diem, is allowed, and is most urgently necessary for warming
the hospital in the cold and foggy mornings of the months of December, January and Febru-
ary. A supply of hospital blankets is also in store for issue to men with insufficient
bedding.
XV. Sickness, mortality and invaliding .— Strength of the regiment—
Present
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 791.4
Absent
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
. .
. 96.1
Total
.
. 887.5
YEAR.
STATIONS.
PER CENT OF STRENGTH
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1872
. Gauhati
.
.
.
169.6
2.5
5.5
1873
.
Ditto .
.
.
.
178.5
2.9
6.1
1874
. Shillong, 3rd January .
141.5
3.6
6.3
1875
.
Ditto .
.
.
134.86
1.57
5.31
1876
.
Ditto .
.
.
97.54
2.28
4.03
Average
.
.
144.4
2.57
5.45
1877
. Shillong
.
.
.
101.71
.90
3.52
Medical
Officer.
Location and
movements.
Detachments.
Topography.
Meteorology.
Drainage.
Latrines.
Water.
Food.
Clothing.
duties and
recreations.
Hospital.
Sickness,
mortality and
invaliding. z.l