( 31 )
remaining on it ; their present retreat is quite as convenient as the former one,
and more secluded, and no unlicensed women are allowed to share it with them.
Although no prostitute women have been placed on their trial for practising
without a license during the year of report, this circumstance cannot be regarded
to prove that Bassein is freer from illicit prostitution than other Burmese towns,
but at the same time it strongly supports the view that what does occur takes
place quietly, unobtrusively, and without evil effects.
I am not aware that a high degree of activity has been shown with the view
to expose and suppress this clandestine prostitution, and, so long as it is conducted
with privacy and without mischief, interference is perhaps uncalled for.
VI.—How far the registration has been efficient, to what classes it extends, and over what area, &c.
The registration of prostitutes in Bassein may, I think, be considered efficient.
The Act extends to all classes of the population being within municipal limits.
In comparison with the preceding year, the aggregate number of prostitutes
on the register for the year of report has fallen to a slight extent. At the begin-
ning of the year 1879 there were 22 names on the register, 36 were added during
the year, and 26 were removed; and the corresponding numbers for the past year
were remained 32, added 16, removed 21.
For the entire year, however, the average number on the register was in
excess of that for 1879, the figures being 25 . 4 in 1879 and 28 . 39 in 1880.
The yearly average numbers of prostitutes on the register for the last three
years were 18. 7 for 1878, 25.4 for 1879, and 28.39 for 1880.
VII.—Whether registration fees have been levied, and at what rate.
None have been levied.
VIII.—Whether the women have been regular at the periodical examinations ; any remarks on the
cause of irregularity, the number of individual women reported for non-attendance, the fines
or other punishments awarded, and the amounts realized.
The attendance has been fairly good. During the year the frequency of the
examinations was increased, the women being required to attend weekly instead
of fortnightly, and the measure did not produce any irregularities ; it led to more
frequent reports of absence, but relatively to the number of examinations, a more
regular attendance was observed. Most of the irregularity that did take place was
traceable to a practice to which the prostitutes of Bassein are much addicted of
obtaining long periods of leave from the Deputy Commissioner.
•
In all 32 women were reported by the medical officer for absence ; but in the
majority of instances they were on privilege leave granted them by the Deputy
Commissioner : for this reason the number shown as reported in Statement II can-
not be reconciled with the remarks given in the last column of the following return,
the discrepancy representing the number of women absent on leave, and therefore
not reported to the police.
Return showing the punishments under the Contagious Diseases Act (XIV of 1868) for the
near 1880.
Date.
Name of prosti-
tute.
R e g i s t e r e d n u m b e r .
Act and
Act
section
under which
convicted.
Punishment.
Remarks.
15th June 1880 ... Ma Kin
. . . 59
Section 16, Act
XIV of 1868 ...
Ten days,' rigor-
ous imprison-
ment.
I Ten prostitutes were
reported during the
year to the police ; of
these, three deserted
and cannot be found ;
two were convicted ;
the remaining five had
been granted leave,
and not having re-
turned were struck off
the roll.
Feby. 1880 ... Ma Toke
...
52
Ditto
... Fined Rs. 25
(Realized.)