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From the Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Henzada, to the Commissioner of the Pegu Division,—No. 73-
42, dated the 29th January 1879.
I HAVE the honour to submit the lock-hospital report for the past year, prepared by
Dr. Naylor, Medical Officer in charge. Satisfactory results are shewn in matters pertain-
ing to the hospital and to the women treated. Disease, when it appeared, has generally.
assumed a mild form.
2. I am not sure that Dr. Naylor has attributed the difficulty of convicting women of
unlicensed prostitution to the right cause. He supposes that persons are afraid to give in-
formation, lest they should draw on themselves the anger of indignant husbands ; but it is
seldom that a woman practices prostitution largely without the knowledge of her husband,
and often with his consent and connivance,—to say nothing of the prostitution which pre-
vails among girls who are known to be unmarried. The probably true cause is the one
which prevails elsewhere, and is not one which can be attributed to apprehension of the
consequences of giving information.
3. Dr. Naylor would seem to . allow this, further on in the report, as he evidently con-
siders that a reward of eight annas per head would be sufficient for the detection of cases,
at least by the police. I should be glad to agree with Dr. Naylor's suggestions in this
matter, but am unable to view the offer of rewards for detection of unlicensed women
(whether large or small) without the strongest reluctance.
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE HENZADA LOCK-HOSPITAL FOR THE YEAR 1878.
I.—Nature and extent of hospital accommodation ; whether suitable, or any alterations have taken place during
the year.
THE hospital has accommodation sufficient for the entertainment of four patients.
The nature of the building has been described in previous reports, and, as no alterations
have been effected, it need not be repeated. It is found sufficient for all the requirements
of the station.
II—Any change in the medical charge of the hospital during the year.
The superintendence of the institution was under my predecessor, Mr. Godbier, from
the 1st January to the 7th May, since which date I have held charge of the insti-
tution. Hospital Assistant Mahomed Abdoor Rohman has performed the duties con-
nected with this institution, in addition to those at the civil dispensary, throughout the
year.
III.—The extent of venereal disease among European troops, as shewn by the weekly returns.
There are no troops located in this town.
IV.-whether a Cantonment Sub-Committee for exercising special supervision over the rules existed during the year,
and what officers have composed it.
No special Sub-Committee has been formed, as this is not a military station.
V.—Whether special measures have been taken for the control of prostitution, and especially for preventing the dangers
arising from unlicensed prostitution.
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 this force is considered,
it cannot be expected that they could render much help.
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 of newly-discovered prostitutes has been properly effected ; but these have
been rather few in number, as compared with the actual strength of the prostitutes in
town who practise clandestinely. In this province it is no easy matter to convict a woman
of unlicensed prostitution, owing to the fact that any man could come forward and claim
connubial relationship with the woman accused, and it would be very difficult to prove the
contrary; in fact, it might be almost sacrificing the life of a witness, considering the
uncontrollable anger and vindictive nature of the race,