( 13 )
56. The Commissioner notes that of the 37 newly-registered women of the
year many were destitute young girls. He records the opinion that if, as recommen-
ded by the medical officer, the lock-hospital was removed from the city to canton-
ments, the supervision might be real instead of nominal as now.
The increase of venereal disease, both among the troops and civil population, was
due to the general scarcity, which induced many of the poorer classes of natives,
amongst whom disease is fearfully prevalent, to prostitute themselves for a trifle.
(10)— RANIKHET
57. During the year 1878 a monthly average of 54 women remained on the
register against 35 in 1877.
The results of the management have been extremely unsatisfactory.
For the five years, 1874-78, the ratios of venereal cases per 1,000 of the European
garrison at Ránikhet have been 175,143, 52, 381, and 468 respectively.
The garrison at Ránikhet during 1878 consisted of Her Majesty's 1-14th Regiment
(strength 725), which remained at Ránikhet 327 days of the year; detachments of Her
Majesty's 2-2nd and 63rd Regiments (strength 189), which remained 270 days ;
wing of Her Majesty's 34th Regiment (strength 294), which remained 285 days.
Calculated upon these figures the daily average strength for the year was 1,019.
Amongst the men composing this strength 477 cases of venereal disease were admitted
to hospital during the periods of occupation. In addition to the above Her Majesty's
2-22nd Regiment was present for 40 days in the year; but as the strength of this regi-
ment during the time of occupation is no where stated in the returns and reports, it is
excluded from the above statement. During 1877 the strength of the 2-22nd was 378;
assuming for it an equal strength during 1878 for 40 days, this total garrison would
provide a daily average of 1,060 for the year, the total of -venereal cases being 483,
showing a ratio of 455 per 1,000.*
58. The Medical officer reports three changes of medical management during
the year. He thinks the unsuccessful result of the year's management is surprising when
contrasted with the results in previous years; the registered women have been consi-
derably increased in numbers, without, however, corresponding increase of disease
amongst them. And the medical officer thinks it certain that the excessive disease
amongst the soldiers must have been contracted from other than registered women.
The sub-committee has met regularly. The soldiers have been frequently medically
inspected, but very little disease was discovered at these inspections.
The registered women have been examined weekly, and for some time of the
year twice a week. Their attendance has been regular. Much venereal disease was
brought to the station by Her Majesty's 34th Regiment.
58½. The Cantonment Magistrate thinks the chief cause of the excessive disease
of the year was the diseased condition of some men of the 34th Regiment when they
arrived at Ránikhet. These diseases had been contracted on the march. The disease
increased very much, after the occupation, amongst the men of this regiment.
Every effort was made to prevent this increase. Two special detectives were em
ed to apprehend any woman straying near the 34th lines at Chaubatty,and all women
suspected of illicit prostitution in cantonments were registered or required to quit. Of
these 16 were registered, and all found diseased. Six left cantonments. Bi-weekly
examinations of the registered women were enforced. By July of the year disease
in the 34th had decreased; but disease in the 14th Regiment then increased, and probably
illicit restitution was the cause of the increase. To prevent this altogether is
*Note.—As the result of subsequent enqury it appears that Her Majesty's 2-22nd Regiment
(strength 343), remained at Ránikhet 40 days of the year. The average daily garrison for the year was
therefore 1,057., and the ratio of venereal cases 456.8 per 1,000.