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