2
not much confidence in the results likely to be obtained from the suggestion made m
paragraph 41 of the report to impress by lectures upon the village chowkidars and con-
stables the necessity of prompt and accurate reporting of cattle-disease and mortality.
5. The number of outbreaks of contagious diseases reported during the year was
210 against 698 in the previous year and the province was practically free from any
serious or extensive outbreaks of cattle-disease. As the outbreaks of rinderpest were
fewer than usual, there was a considerable fall in inoculations. The number of
inoculations carried out for rinderpest was 10,817 as against 33,295 for last year.
The results were satisfactory. Out of the total number of 20,391 animals inoculated
there were only 34 deaths, while 1,512 animals died before inoculation. The largest
number of inoculations against riaderpest was done by the Assistants at Sibsagar and
Tinsukia.
6. The number of cases treated on tour was 53,916 and of animals castrated,
210 against 49,718 and 17.3, respectively, last year. This increase in the number
of cases treated is promising, proving, as it does, that the Depaitment is energetic
aud probably gaining the confidence of the people.
7. No addition has been made to the number of hospitals during the year.
8. Cattle breeding at the Shillong farm is managed by the Agriculture Depart-
ment and really should not appear in this report at all. The general scheme for the
breeding of cattle in the province is still under the consideration of the Local
Administration.
9. Three Veterinary Assistants were appointed during the year, one Assistant
reverted from military duty and one resigned. At the close of the year there were
43 Assistants, of whom 4 were on military duty, 1 on the staff, 5 in reserve and the
remaining 33 were available for local service. Eight Assistants were appointed at
the close of the year and this has completed the cadre of 51 Veterinary Assistants
for the province.
The Superintendent has reported that some of the Local Boards have refused
to employ a second Veterinary Assistant for want of funds, but I find that when the
Boards' budgets were submitted to him, he neglected to suggest the provision for such
additions and I consider that we cannot expect the Boards to appoint men unless they
have funds provided. The need for a second Veterinarv Assistant under most Local
Boards was adumbrated in paragraph 2 of the Chief Commissioner's Resolution
No. 2194R., dated the 24th September 1912, on the report of the Veterinary
Department for 1911-12. As the Chief Commissioner was prepared to grant the
necessary financial assistance to any Boards which are unable to employ the additional
staff owing to shortness of funds, it is desirable that they should apply for the same
in time. I have asked the Superintendent to suggest provision for additional staff
when the Boards budgets are submitted to him.
In pursuance of parr graph 5 of the Resolution on the last year's veterinary
report I submitted to the Chief Commissioner a proposal for the post-graduate
training of Veterinary Assistants in rotation, and the question is still under considera-
tion.
30. The Department has been efficiently managed by Mr. Harris throughout the
year, despite the fact that he has had to work with a depleted staff. I have to bring
to the notice of the Chief Commissioner the names of Babus Guru Prasanna Sen and
Srish Chandra Ghosh, Veterinary Inspectors, and the few Assistants whese services
have been specially commended by the Superintendent for good work. Owing to the
absence on leave of Mr. Harris, Babu Gum Prasanna Sen has been appointed to act
as Superintendent since 21st May 1919.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient Servant,
J. McSWINEY,
Director of land Records and Agriculture, Assam.