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From the Deputy Commissioner, Henzada, to the Commissioner of the , Pegu Division,—No. 3-37-53, dated
the 29th January 1880.
I HAVE the honour to submit the lock-hospital report for 1879.
2. The hospital was closed in April, and I am unable to write of my own
knowledge regarding its working. I regret much that the Government should
have relaxed its control over prostitutes. Registering them certainly is not a
pleasant duty ; but venereal disease has become worse since the hospital was
closed, and syphilis is a disease which often descends in families and does infinite
damage.
HENZADA.
I.—Nature and extent of hospital accommodation, whether suitable, or any alterations have taken place
during the year.
This hospital was built to accommodate four patients. It was considere
sufficient for the requirements of the station. The building has been fully describe
in previous reports, and no alterations were made during the part of the yes
that it was open.
II.—Any change in the medical charge of the hospital during the year,
The superintendence of the hospital was under the charge of Dr. C. G. R.
Naylor, M.D. (Phil.), up till 9th April, when the hospital was closed. Hospital
Assistant Mahomed Abdool Rahman, who is attached to the civil dispensary,
also performed duties connected with this hospital.
III.—The extent of venereal disease among European troops as shown by weekly returns.
No troops are stationed in this town.
IV.—Whether a Cantonment Sub-Committee for exercising special supervision over the rules has existed
during the year. and what officers have composed it.
None.
V.—Whether special measures have been taken for the control of prostitution, and specially for prevent-
ing the dangers arising from unlicensed prostitution.
The last Superintendent reports :—" The strictest surveillance is exercised by
" the Superintendent over the movements of the regular prostitutes, through the
" matron of the hospital, who is directed to make searching enquiries from those
" already on the register, and who live in a certain locality of the town. The
advent of any fugitive prostitute from military stations (who only leave these
" with the hope of being able to practise their avocation in a place where they
" think there is less risk of detection) is speedily reported, and the new arrival
" immediately apprehended and examined by the Civil Surgeon. The police
authorities contribute their assistance as far as possible ; but when the paucity
of the numerical strength of the force is considered, it cannot be expected that
" they could render much help." From this it will appear that the Superintend-
ent and the matron must have been a host in themselves for the detection of prosti-
tutes, and of far greater abilities than the body of police, who seem to have been
so insufficient in number, if not in other qualifications, as to be unable to render
assistance to the Superintendent.
VI.—How far registration has been efficient, to what it extends, and over what area ; any increase or
decrease in number as compared with the previous year.
Registration is reported to have been properly effected, but these were few
in number as compared with the actual strength of prostitutes in town who prac-
tise clandestinely. The area over which the registration extended was about
three square miles. The total average number of registrations in the year up till
April was three.
VII.—what registration fees or payments of any kind have been received from prostitutes,
None.
VIII.—whether the women have been regular at the periodical examinations,
The attendance of women at the examinations was very fair.