( 74 ) 



none of the line partitions are over nine feet high, all cubicle floors are 

 3 ft. 6 ins. from the ground and open underneath. (Plans of this and 

 other hygienic lines are attached). 



Of about 15 estates with which I am familiar, the healthiest is 

 one on which the above type of lines are in occupation, and I believe 

 I am correct when I state that the only type of disease which has 

 affected that estate of recent years, has been epidemic in character, 

 and introduced from without. As, however, on many estates the old- 

 fashioned type of lines have been erected, I would suggest that they 

 be altered as soon as possible, bv the removal of the upper two layers 

 of side attaps, and the removal of the attaps which extend to the 

 ground (and so close the space under the benches), and that they be 

 replaced as soon as possible by one of the type suggested. (Appendix 



An excessive height off the ground is almost as obnoxious as 

 excessive proximity to the earth, because if the lines are too high the 

 underneath will be used as a hen-house or store, in all human 

 probability. 



Of the two forms of ventilation— the overhead and the underneath 

 —the latter is perhaps the more to be insisted upon as we know that 

 animal CO2 gas as exhaled, is most poisonous, and also that its specinc 

 gravity is greater than air, therefore, in the absence of draughts by 

 under ventilation, it is obviously only a matter of time and opportunity 

 to become suffocated by it. 



We now come to the question of Sanitation at the lines. Everyone 

 who has had anything to do with the Tamil coolie is aware of his 

 roaming habits under certain circumstances, his love of variety and 

 the fields, or preferably the road or pathway, but that Tamil coolies 

 or Chinese coolies or any other coolies cannot be gently but firml) 

 educated I absolutely decline to believe ! 



Now, under existing Sanitary— perhaps I might indeed say insani- 

 tary—arrangements on the majority of estates in this country, 

 submit that the unfortunate coolie who gets "a tummy ache" at sa) 

 1 a.m., should not be blamed by the inspecting doctor or agent tne 

 next day, in the garish sunlight, for filthv habits, in other worxg 

 until proper sanitary accommodation becomes a feature of every com 

 lines in the country and a special coolie be detailed to look after the matw, 

 disease must continue to exist amongst the whole class." 



The type of latrine to be erected is of the simplest an attaf 

 roofed shed elevated above the surrounding ground level, with a trenc 

 for buckets or to be filled in with a mixture of dry earth and lime dam 

 to a depth of about three inches, the trench protected h°™J t0 "Z 

 water by means of ordinary earth drains around it, and sufficient; 

 removed m its situation from'the main water supply to prevent contar^ 

 nation — this will suffice to prevent an enormous amount of illness- 

 attach some plans of suitable buildings. 



