( 13 )
There are thus. 378 on the register on the last day of the year, against 417
and 476 of 1880 and 1879 respectively, so that the numbers have fallen off
considerably. Seeing the numbers that have been arrested for soliciting and also
practising unlicensed prostitution, one cannot say that registration is effective in
including all the prostitutes. But at the same time, because more have been
arrested carrying on clandestine prostitution, I would not say that such was on
the increase, but rather that more care and time have been devoted to the working
of the Act during the past year ; and at the same time I believe that these arrests
will tend to diminish the tendency to clandestine prostitution, because the women
will find it is of no avail. Registration extends to all classes, Europeans, Natives,
and Burmese. The Natives, chiefly Telugu women, are the most numerous. The
number of the Burmese remains much the same as in the previous year. The area
over which the Act extends has been much increased, since it has been extended
to an area of seven miles beyond municipal limits; it extends now over about an
area of 102 square miles and a population of about 185,723 souls. It is on this
account that over such an area and population I think the staff insufficient. I would
recommend it to be increased. Defective as registration may be, still, from what
I have seen of the working of the. Act, I have no hesitation in saying it is produc-
tive of much benefit to the community at large.
VII.—Whether re gistration fees have been levied and at what rate.
There are no fees now levied on prostitution. Fines during the year have been
levied to the amount of Rs. 1,187-10-0. Of this amount Rs. 283-10-0.were levied
by the Medical Officer for breach of hospital rules and Rs. 904 by the Magistrate.
The amount of fines levied by the Medical Officer has been much smaller than
'bat of the year 1880, the women being in a better state of discipline.
VIII.—Whether the women have been regular at their a periodical examinations ; any remarks as to the
cause of irregularity, the number of individual women reported for non-attendance, the fines or
other punishments awarded and the amount realised.
The attendance at the periodical examinations, although fairly satisfactory,
was nevertheless not so satisfactory as it ought to have been. The total number
of examinations was 57 and the mean number of prostitutes on the register 436.96.
At each examination there has been an average attendance of 289 . 15. Out of these
17 . 6 on an average were found diseased and detained in hospital and 27 . 03 were
passed on the score of unfitness. The average number of absentees was 42 . 2, as
against 40 . 33 of last year. The total number during the year reported to the Magis-
trate was 2,220. This number is a summary of the weekly report sent to the Magis-
trate, but does not give the exact number brought before the Magistrate, as those
who have deserted are reported weekly for eight weeks before their name is struck
off the register, so that one deserter is actually reported eight times. If these
deductions be made together with others who have had leave, the total number of
absentees was 396, and these were disposed of by the Magistrate as follows
Deserted...
...
...
. . .
. . .
... 180
Excused as sick
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
74
Sent to jail on hard labour
...
. . .
. . .
...
11
Fined ...
...
. . .
...
...
... 125
Cautioned
...
...
...
. . .
...
5
Discharged
...
-
. . .
...
Total
. . .
...
1
396
During the year there have been no escapes from the hospital. It would be
an advantage if all who were excused on the score of sickness were made to attend
at the General Hospital during the year. I have sent one of the Hospital Assistants
to the houses of those who are absent on the score of sickness as often as possible
to verify the statements, but with only one hospital assistant there is no time for
him to do so.
IX.—The arrangements for examining and treating the women of the city and cantonment.
All are treated and examined at the lock-hospital, which is situated, as
regards town and, cantonments, centrally. The Medical Officer has been present at
nearly all the examinations, and, when absent on other duty, Mr. Fonseca, the
apothecary, has conducted them. There are generally two hospital assistants
sent, but for the last two months only one. There are also two matrons who assist.
Mr. Fonseca and the hospital assistants carry out the in-door treatment, bring-
4