impossible in Ránikhet, especially on account of the great number of low-caste women;
employed within cantonment by the Department Public Works. The greater portion
of these women have venereal disease.
Although the ratio of disease is so high and the result unsatisfactory, yet every-
thing has been done to render the working of the system efficient. New inspection
,rooms have been provided, so that the registered women may be examined near their
quarters and at uncertain periods. The commanding officers of Her, Majesty's 34th
Regiment, and of the details, were members of the sub-committee. Increased accom-
modation for the registered women was provided.
Orders were issued that on arrival at Ránikhet every. soldier should be medically
inspected.
Adequate means of ablution have been provided in each registered woman's
house.
59. The Cantonment Committee record the opihion that a large amount of the dis-
ease which has prevailed was contracted from unregistered women, principally women
employed by the Department Public Works. At the same time it must be stated that .a
large amount of-disease was imported: into the station by the 34th. Regiment.
60. The Commissioner is convinced that all the measures that have proved
successful in preventing disease. among the troops are in the hands of the committee.
The civil authorities, can do nothing to improve matters.
Low-caste women must work in hill cantonments, and some .soldiers will prefer
clan destine to authorized prostitution.
Much of the .disease recorded results from the .indolent aimless life of a soldier in
the hills, and the facility with which they can obtain strong drink. This question is at
the root of permanent improvement in the health of the men, but is too large for local
authorities to deal with.
(11)—SHÁHJAHÁNPUR.
61. During the year 1878 a monthly average of 43 women remained on the
register at Sháhjahánpur against 35 in 1877.
The results of the management have been very unsatisfactory. For the four years, ,
1875-78, the ratios of venereal cases per 1,000 of the daily strength of the European
garrison at Shájahánpur have been 263, 224, 305; and 333 respectively.
62. The Medical Officer reports that syphilis was considerably less prevalent
amongst the soldiers in 1878 than in 1877 and 1876. The increase of disease in the
year 1878 was due to the great prevalence of gonorrhœa.
The lock-hospital sub-committee met regularly. The women were examined
weekly, and for the later months of the year twice a week. Unlicensed prostitution has
been excessive and difficult to check, owing to the vast_ number of poor women driven
to prostitution during the year by , destitution, in return for the very smallest pittance,
or even a chapati. Of 35 unlicensed women arrested and 14 who applied for registra-
tion, all were found diseased on examination.
The police has displayed the greatest possible vigilance and care, but they could ,
not prevent the unlicensed prostitution.
Disease amongst the registered women has been mild in type. But amongst the
unregistered women disease of most virulent typ.e existed, and in nine cases amongst .
them very terrible. disease was seen.
The medical officer recommends increased accommodation for registered women,
so that a number equal to 10 per cent. of the soldiers may be registered. Larger choice
would diminish the temptation to resort to unlicensed women, which is.the chief cause
of disease amongst the soldiers.