12
it is to be borne in mind that the average strength of the force during 1876
wa s o n l y 9 1 7 . 3 , wh e r e a s i n 1 8 7 5 i t a mo u n t e d t o 1 0 2 4 . 4 1 . An i n s p e c t i o n o f t h e
return also shows some diminution in the number of admissions from primary
syphilis, the number in 1875 being 65, and in 1876 only 56. The most marke
difference between the returns for the two years is under the heading of secon-
dary syphilis, the number of cases of which amounted to 66 in 1875, and only
18 in 1876. This is highly satisfactory, indicating, as it must be admitted to do,
that the type of disease is of a mild character, instead of being marked by the
virulence which is so frequently displayed in syphilitic disease contracted by
Europeans from women of the coloured races. The returns so far cannot, I
think, be considered unsatisfactoy but it is to be regretted that the same remark
does not apply to the admissions from gonorrhœa, which show a very large in-
crease, as compared with those for the same disease in 1875. The numbers are
respectively for 1875 and 1876, 11.9 and 150.
4. Monthly meetings of the Cantonment Sub-Committee were regularly
held throughout the year for exercising supervision over
the rules, examining the returns, and making or receiv
ing suggestions for the better working of the institution.
The officers comprising this Committee are the following :—
The Deputy Surgeon General, N. F.
The Deputy Ccmmissioner of Nagpur.
The Senior Medical Officer British Troops.
The Medical Officer in charge Lock Hospital.
The Cantonment Magistrate.
All these officers, with the exception of the Deputy Commissioner of Nag-
pur, attend these meetings.
The Police were, as in previous years, instructed to capture and send up for
registration and examination any women caught by
them carrying on clandestine prostitution. In addition
to this, the Royal Artillery and 33rd Regiment have
instituted a system of Regimental Police, superintended
by a Provost Sergeant, for each corps, whose duty it is to prevent women
of loose character from gaining admission into or even coming near the
barracks.
It is a well known fact that in Kamptee, as in other large towns, particularly
those garrisoned by troops, prostitution is carried on
to a very considerable extent, and having regard to
this fact, the registration of only 13 women during the
past year cannot be regarded as satisfactory.
There are two classes on the register, viz. 1st class for Europeans, and 2nd
class for natives, and the area of registration extends over 4 square miles. The
number of 1st class women on the register is 38, and of 2nd class women is 27.
A decrease of 10 1st class, and 5 2nd class prostitutes has taken place. In
1875,44 women removed their names from the Register, but as 52 fresh women
were registered, no decrease in the total number occurred.
In 1876, 28 prostitutes removed their names from the Register, died or abscond-
ed, while only 13 fresh women were added to the list. There can be no doubt
that the European soldiers consort largely with women carrying on clandestine
prostitution, and indeed this is repeatedly stated in the weekly reports from the.
4. Whether a Cantonment
Sub-Committee.
5. What special measures
have been taken for control of
prostitution.
6. How far Registration has
been efficient, &.c.