28
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE
Amongst the special measures taken for the control of prostitution are the detention in
hospital for treatment of such women who, at the periodical examination, are found to be
diseased ; the punishment of such women by fine or imprisonment who are found carrying on
clandestine prostitution, more especially when on examination they are found to be suffering
from venereal. Such women also who absent themselves from the periodical examinations, or
who abscond from hospital, when arrested and brought before the magistrate are punished.
The estimated population of the town and suburbs of Rangoon, according to the census
of 1870, is 91,579, of which number 34,595 are females. The registration practically extends
to all classes residing within municipal limits, which extends over an area of twelve square miles.
The total number of women registered as compared with the average of the last five years is—
Years.
Europeans.
Natives.
Total.
1872
...
...
...
9
216
225
1873
...
...
...
23
209
232
..
1874. .
17
194
211
1875
...
...
...
16
268
284
1876
...
...
...
18
272
290
Total ...
83
1,159
1,242
Average...
16.6
231.8
248.4
1877
...
...
...
14
225
239
It will be seen that there has been a diminution of 51 women registered during the past
year compared with that of 1876, while a larger number, 82, were struck off or absconded.
Although this difference is not marked when compared with the average of last five years, still
I cannot think that registration has been sufficiently carried out during the year ; a fact which
I attribute to the insufficient means at the disposal of the Police for detecting and arresting
those prosecuting clandestine prostitution. One Inspector and 2 Police Peons are totally
inadequate for the amount of work expected from them.
Each woman pays a monthly fee of 1 Rupee. The total sum received from prostitutes was
Rupees 4,142.
The attendance of prostitutes from May to December has been irregular. The number
of women reported to the magistrate for non-attendance was 2,037 ; the number of women
examined was 8,171 ; the number found diseased 758.
The women of the town and cantonment are all examined in the examination room in
the Lock Hospital at the periodical examinations, which take place fortnightly. During the
months of May, June, July and August these examinations are conducted weekly.
The following table shows the amount of venereal prevailing amongst the women as
compared with that of the last five years :—
Diseases.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
Gonorrhœa
...
...
317
164
100
149
203
310
Syphilis, primary
...
262
283
249
317
287
600
Do. secondary
...
3
4
. . .
3
18
33
Bubo
...
...
. . .
. . .
1
6
5
7
Condyloma
..
...
...
. . .
2
2
5
. . .
Total ...
582
451
352
477
518
950
In last year's report the Medical Officer in charge pointed out that the staff of subordinates
(2 Bengal Assistants) was quite insufficient for carrying on the proper routine of hospital
duties and maintaining discipline. I can quite endorse this. The duties of the Lock
Hospital are of a very arduous description. It is necessary again to point out that 1 Inspector
and 2 Police Peons are insufficient for carrying on all the duties required of them as detecting
unregistered women, serving summonses, applying for warrants, seeking out those women who
do not attend the examinations or those that abscond from hospitals, and arresting them with
all the other numerous duties expected of them.