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was in the hands of the civil authorities during the greater part of the year. The
Commissioner is of opinion that the realization of fines, and the expenditure of the
money for the use of patients, is irregular. An account should have been rendered
by the Medical Officer, and has been called for.*
11.—RANIKHET.
51. During the year 1881 a monthly average of 51 women remained on the
register, against 40 in 1880. The results of the management have been unsatisfac-
tory. For the eight years, 1874-81, the ratios of admission to hospital for venereal
disease, amongst the European garrison, have been 175, 143, 52, 381, 468, 313, 276,
and 285 per 1,000 of daily average strength.
52. The Medical Officer reports that there has been no change in the lock-
hospital accommodation during the year. During the year an increase in the number
of women registered was effected, as the European garrison was greatly increased.
The garrison in 1880 was 659, the women 40. The garrison in 1881 was 1,358,
the women 51.
Some women suffering from incurable disease were refused registration. There
was considerable increase of disease amongst the women in 1881, as compared with
the prevalence of 1880. But only two suffered from secondary disease. The women
were examined weekly and were regular in their attendance.
Amongst the soldiers a small increase of disease in 1881 also occurred, as com-
pared with 1880. Syphilis prevailed chiefly amongst the soldiers living at Chau-
battia, where they have greater facilities for intercourse with unregistered women.
The soldiers unjustly accused the registered women of causing disease—statements
found little worthy of credence, as, in some of the women reported of, not a trace of
disease could be found. Gonorrhœa was contracted mostly from women suffering
from leucorrhœal discharges. Several cases of secondary disease were sequelæ of
cases not contracted at Ranikhet, and primary disease was imported by men of drafts
or detachments.
The weekly venereal returns were regularly received. The Lock Hospital Sub-
Committee met regularly. For the suppression of illicit intercourse regimental and
cantonment police were employed. Several women were arrested and, as usual, found
diseased.
The Medical Officer is of opinion that soldiers concealing disease, or consorting
with unregistered women, should suffer punishment. But the recent " Regulations
of the Forces Act" forbids punishment of men who conceal or aggravate disease. In
the Medical Officer's experience punishment, by stoppage of pay while in hospital,
confinement to barracks, enforced duty on special pickets, has always had good effect.
Many soldiers appear to like the enforced idleness of a stay in hospital. The
soldiers take little advantage of the means provided for ablution after intercourse.
Without deterrent punishment, they afford little assistance to others or to them-
selves.
53. The Cantonment Magistrate reports a continuance of the difficulty, which
arises from the employment of a large number of women in cantonment public works
at Ránikhet. These women are immoral, and the broken nature of the site provides
many hiding-places, for the practice of illicit intercourse. The garrison has been com-
posed, in great portion, of young soldiers prone to yield to temptation. Twelve
women were arrested during the year and all found diseased. Three, detected in
consort with soldiers, were punished.
54. The Commissioner of the Division submits the report, with the remark
that if soldiers cannot be punished for inefficiency resulting from venereal disease,
other means of enforcing the rules will be of little use.
* The account was forwarded on the 10th of May. It shows a total of Rs. 34-4-1 realized as fines.
Rs. 14-10-9 expended for petty hospital requirements. Rs. 19-9-4 balance in hand.
It is headed " Lock Hospital Special Funds."