(8)
PEGU DIVISION.
From Lieutenant-Colonel C. W. STREET, M.S.C., Commissioner of the Pegu Division, to the Secretary to
the Chief Commissioner, British Burma,—No. 13-2, dated the 30th January 1882.
I HAVE the honour to forward the annual report upon the lock-hospital in
the town of Rangoon.
2. The area to which the rules extend would appear to be 102 square miles,
and not 120 as given in the last report, whilst the estimated population within
that area is 185,000.
3. The Act under which the rules are in force is III of 1880, and not XXII of
1864 as is stated in the report, but the rules are those which were prepared under
the latter Act.
4. The average cost of each European patient has increased from Rs. 177 to
Rs. 226. This is attributed to the expense incurred on account of one patient
who was treated for a long time in the hospital and required special diet. The
average cost of Native patients has decreased from Rs. 92 to Rs. 76.
5. To judge from the figures given in the report as regards the decrease in
disease, the result of the working of the rules is satisfactory.
6. The number of women, however, who evaded examination appears to be
very large, and it is remarkable that out of 2,220 reported to the Magistrate, the
disposal of 216 only can be accounted for. It may be that the names of those
who abscond are included in the weekly report for two months ; but even allowing
for this there would still be at least 500 women who have been reported but of
whom no account is given.
7. The power of apprehending without a warrant should not, I think, be
necessary. The more fact of a woman absenting herself would be a sufficient
ground for applying for a warrant without going in search of her in the first place.
8. The advantage of requiring those who are excused from attending on
account of sickness to appear at the general hospital is not very apparent. It is pre-
sumed that they are not excused without furnishing a satisfactory medical certifi- .
cate.
9. It was recommended in the last report that at least five constables should
be placed at the disposal of the inspector attached to the hospital, and considering
the large area to which the rules apply this number would appear to be necessary.
From Major M. C. POOLE, M.S.C., Deputy Commissioner, Rangoon Town District, to the Commissioner of
the Pegu Division,—No. 9-4, dated the 19th January 1882.
I HAVE the honour to forward the report upon the lock-hospital in the town
of Rangoon. The report is satisfactory as showing the practical benefits derived
from the working of the Act and the consequent diminution of disease. The
building appears to be insufficient in the accommodation it supplies, and has
been frequently overcrowded during the year. The Superintendent points out
the insufficiency of the gate establishment, and considers that one durwan is not
sufficient ; a better style of gateway, guarded by turnkeys, would be a more effec-
tive means of preventing intrusion or unauthorized departure. Some of the
provisions of the Act appear defective, those especially that require a warrant to be
obtained in order to compel the attendance of a woman at the hospital.
RANGOON.
I.—The nature and extent of the hospital accommodation, whether it is suitable, and whether there has
been any change in it during the year.
In regard to this the plan of the building is the same as described in previ-
ous reports. The only improvement carried out during the year is the completion
of good pucca drains which I recommended in my last report around the asphalt-
ed basement floor beneath the hospital. This has been a great improvement, as
during the past rains there has been no stagnant water in the compound.
The accommodation during the year has as usual been deficient, although
not quite so crowded as last year ; it is built for 71 patients, but the daily average