410 CHAPTER XXII.
recommend the general adoption of this method. With a resident
labour force, no great difficulty need be anticipated. It is to be
remembered, however, that even periodical mass treatment will
not stamp out this infection, unless suitable latrine accommodation
is provided simultaneously and the sanitary disposal of excreta effected.
The provision and use of latrines ensures a much higher standard of sani-
tation, which is quickly reflected in a general improvement in the health
of the whole community. In most plantation areas, however, latrines
are uncommon, and although it may be impracticable to have these
dotted over a plantation for the use of the working gangs, it should be
possible to provide a sufficient number near the house lines and in the
vicinity of the tea factory. In this connection we deprecate the whole-
sale exemption of the Assam and Bengal tea factories from compliance
with section 13 of the Factories Act on the grounds that such factories
are seasonal and built on open spaces where the workers have free access
to the jungle. We advocate the early withdrawal of this exemption and
recommend that adequate latrine accommodation be required in all such
factories within a reasonable period to be specified by the local Govern:
ment.
Attitude of Workers.

Whilst evidence given to us was by no means unanimous as to
the possibility of inducing the labourers to use latrines, we have no reason
bo question the view expressed by several experienced plantation doc-
bors that, if suitable types were made available and were maintained in a
reasonably sanitary condition, the desirability of using them could be
brought home to the labourers. This view is confirmed by the results
obtained during the past three or four years in the Nilgiris and Wynaad
areas, where a vigorous health propaganda campaign has been conduct-
ed by a health officer specially appointed for the purpose. During that
period over 1,200 latrines have been constructed and are in general use,
and the work has gone far to prove to the planter that expenditure on
sanitation brings an adequate return and that the labourer appreciates
and takes advantage of such efforts.

Medical Facilities. ;

In the absence of Government or other medical institutions,
the provision of medical facilities for their labourers is accepted by most
planters as an essential part of their expenditure. In many of the larger
and more progressive concerns the medical arrangements are of a high
standard. In some cases the unit of organisation consists of a group
of 10 to 15 gardens under the control of a highly qualified medical officer
responsible for the medical and health work of the whole group.
Although in many instances the individual garden dispensaries are manned
only by compounders, the chief medical officer ordinarily visits each
garden once or twice a week, so that the health of the labourer receives
fairly adequate attention. Inthe case of the smaller gardens, as might be
expected, the medical arrangements are often unsatisfactory, both as
regards staff and facilities for treatment. The compounder takes the