GENERAL REPORT.                                             xv

Its prohibition in
the Rajmehal sub-
division mooted

season, it would appear that the Government establishment is equal to main-
taining it protected by vaccination. The question might, therefore, I think,
be raised whether, if the operations of the establishment were confined to
this sub-division, strengthened if necessary by the addition of an equal number
of apprentices who might subsequently settle in independent practice, the
Act might not be extended to Rajmehal. I would suggest that the question
be referred to the local authorities. There can be no doubt that the cause
of vaccination throughout the whole district would be greatly strengthened
by such a step.

Proceedings of ex-
inoculators.

Want of supervision
and verification.

50. Both the deputy superintendent and the civil surgeon of the
Sonthal Pergunnahs give some information on the subject of the instruction
and employment of inoculators. The number of men instructed was five, and
of those who submitted returns of vaccination, 25. The number of vaccina-
tions reported was 4,572 against 4,707 in 1871-72. The men were again late
in coming forward, and valuable time was thus lost. This fault it will take
time to correct. Another more serious drawback is that the work was not
inspected with the exception of that performed by two men trained by the
deputy superintendent. He remarks that the results were not very satisfac-
tory. The want of supervision and verification is a most serious one, and with-
out it a great doubt must rest upon the value of the figures submitted. The
Civil Surgeon should certainly be able to exercise some supervision over the work
of these men, and here and there to examine the quality of the vaccination
performed, and verify the alleged number of operations. The aid of a vaccine
inspector for the purpose of systematic inspection, would ensure better results,
but the Civil Surgeon and deputy superintendent should be able to pay
occasional visits to the men and see what they are about. The former might
confine his tours to Deoghur and Doomka, and the latter to Rajmehal and
Pakour. Baboo Kalikrishna Ghose points out some difficulties connected
with Government vaccinators and ex-inoculators working in contiguous locali-
ties. There is much force in what he writes, and until inoculation is prohibited
by law, and the people are convinced that vaccination is better, the difficulties
which he describes will continue to exist.

Vaccinations to po-
pulation.

51. The population of the Sonthal Pergunnahs amounts to 1,259,287
Estimating the births at 37,778, and the successful vaccinations at 14,000, much
still remains to be done ere the district can be said to be sufficiently vac-
cinated.

Dacca circle cir-
cuinstances under
which the circle
was established

52. Eastern Bengal Circle.—The formation of this circle arose from a
recommendation submitted by the Commissioner of the Dacca Division in
1871, that inoculation should be prohibited within the area of his jurisdiction.
On further correspondence, it became apparent that no provision existed for
the performance of vaccination, and that the proposal to prohibit the one
practice could not be entertained until a sufficient provision had been made
for supplying protection from small-pox by means of vaccination. On the
subject being referred to me for opinion, 1 represented that it was most
desirable that a new circle of vaccination, with the city of Dacca as its centre,
should be organized for Eastern Bengal, conducted on the thorough system
pursued in the Metropolitan circles. It was finally resolved to create this
circle, and a scheme of establishment, prepared by Dr. Charles and marginally
specified, was sanctioned by Bengal Government
letter No. 2104, dated 21st May 1872, and con-
firmed by Financial Resolution No. 921, dated 8th
July. Second grade Sub-Assistant Surgeon, Bhoobun
Mohun Mitter, was appointed to the post of
superintendent by Government Order No. 3236,
dated 27th July 1872. He was subsequently, on
the recommendation of Mr. Buckle, prohibited
from engaging in private practice.