8
are, however, certain points in Dr. Wilkins' report, a copy of which I have
received, which require notice:
Page 11 of the report-Requirements, paragraph 2.
The proposal to make a space about 20 feet wide between the fort wall and
the houses is being carried out as far as possible, but much could not be done
during the rains, as there was no place in which to move the people who are to
be turned out and their houses and huts pulled down. Sites have been chosen
for the people of different castes, who will have to turn out; and now that the
rains are over I am told that houses and huts for their accommodation, of the
same kind as they previously possessed, will be built for them.
3. Drainage will not be such an easy matter as Dr. Wilkins thinks.
Of course it could be done, but to ensure thorough good drainage half the town
will have to be pulled down and re-built. As Dr. Wilkins reports, the streets
are very narrow, and open drains, which in a town like Mndvi would probably
be best, would still further contract the roads. The Darbr at present are rais-
ing the streets in the centre with a slope to each side, so as to allow the surplus
water to run off.
4. The city walls should certainly be lessened in height, and this may
possibly be done, but the Darbr seems very averse to pulling them down alto-
gether. I hope, however, that His Highness the Ro will visit Mndvi this
month and perhaps he may come to a different conclusion in the matter.
5. Something may be done in this way. Certain improvements in the
way of removing sheds has already been done.
6. I am told that the cattle of the gowlies have been removed, but num-
bers of private owners keep cattle in their houses which should doubtless be
removed, but there will be great opposition to this, especially from the Mahjans.
7-8. These will no doubt be attended to.
9. The Darbr tried to get the services of Mr. Sykes, who was formerly
Engineer in charge of the harbour works here, but he was unwilling to come.
The matter will again be pressed on the Darbr, and His Highness the Ro has
already said that, if a European Engineer is necessary, one will be retained. The
question of employing a European Medical Officer until the town is put into a
more sanitary condition will be brought to the notice of the Darbr.
10-11. These have been brought to the notice of the Darbr.
12-13. The Meghwls and brick-makers are to be accommodated else-
where; I believe a site for Meghwls has already been chosen. I do not know
how the soaking of bamboos and teakwood is to be avoided. They are used in
the ship-building trade, and the ground occupied is the only one where ships can
be built. Though the smell is certainly objectionable, it is not, I believe,
noxious to health, and the place is clear of the town and to leeward of it.
I may add that most of the suggestions made have been put before the
Darbr from time to time by various Political Agents. I is hoped now since
this visitation something will be done. His Highness the Ro seems anxious to
do what he can, but I fancy the opposition has always been from the Mahjans
of Mndvi, who dislike any interference with their old established customs and
filthy ways.
Para. 14. Godra should be Godhra.
Meren " " Merau.
Kodag " " Kodae.
Kathda is given as having had 60 cases of plague; it should be 27.
Previous to the departure of Dr. Wilkins, the villages could not have proper
attention paid to them, as there was more than enough work at Mndvi. As the
hospitals at Mndvi became more free, patients were brought from the surround-
ing villages; but as the distances were in some cases too much, it was decided by
Dr. Mason to start hospitals at one or two of the villages, and the first was
started at Gundili on the 4th August. Later on, when Mndvi became prac-