4
are such as could not be accepted by a graduate, consequently men will have to
be trained for this purpose; but as these men will be recruited from the poorer
class, it cannot be expected they will be able to maintain themselves while at
College, or to be in a position to pay fees ; therefore, stipends of not less than
Rs. 10 per mensem, with a free education, should be given to suitable candidates,
and that Government retain a lien on their services at the termination of their
course, should they be required. My proposals in this direction have been
submitted to Government in this Office letter No. 60, dated 22nd January 1892.
If this proposal meets with the approval of Government, I shall be glad to for-
ward a detailed report upon it. It may be mentioned that similar proposals
were made by the Board of Examiners for 1891, while discussing the necessity
for instituting a higher diploma. To quote from the report of the Board
contained in this Office letter No. 346, dated 5th June 1891 :—"The meeting
strongly recommends that the College be authorized to issue certificates to
students after two years' study of a totally practical nature, as such certificated
men are likely to get service in the Commissariat Department, in the districts,
&c., while the present diploma may be granted to only a selected few, whose
general education may be substantial, and whose scientific and practical
knowledge is, in the opinion of the Examiners, such as will enable them to take
a high standing in the profession."
Another advantage which would accrue from having a class of this descrip-
tion is, that several students, who at present find themselves unable to pass the
severe examination tests held for graduates, would be enabled to fall back upon
this class, and thus obtain a patent, which, although not of such high standing
as the diploma, would place them in a position to earn their daily bread, whereas
now men, who are plucked and unable to pursue their studies further, have
either to turn empiric or starve.
This scheme, too, would be favourable in raising the status of the College,
because it would enable a better selection from candidates to be made especially
in regard to their primary educational capabilities, and their general fitness for
the profession. Thus men who were considered not quite up to standard could be
relegated to the lower class. This would go far in time to procure the recognition
and affiliation of the College by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons,
which is a most desirable end.
Information relating to
students.
8. Appendix E gives the number of students of each nationality on the
College rolls during the year under report. It is
satisfactory to note that in the new admissions there
are 3 Eurasians and 3 Pársis—classes which are more
desirable for Veterinary work, and of which of late years there has been a falling
off. Appendix F shows the number of students attending, supported by
local fund boards and Native States. It will be observed from the return,
that out of these 11 men only 2 are Mahomedans and the remaining 9 Hindus.
The number of students derived from this source has fallen to 11. Out of the
17 who were on the rolls in the year 1890-91, 6 passed in the junior class and 2
were plucked, 3 obtained the diploma, and 6 failed at this examination. Two
joined during this year—one from the Dhrángadra State and one from the Hyder-
abad Assigned Districts. Out of the 8 State students who failed, 2 were favourably
reported upon, and on recommendation their stipends were continued; 4 were
reported unfavourably upon and their stipends withdrawn, but they rejoined as pri-
vate students; 1 left the College ; and the last man, although reported favourably
upon, was refused further aid from his State; he, however, continued his studies.
I cannot but think that the large number of failures in this class of students is
due to the fact that their selection is not in the hands of the Principal of the
College. The result is that men are sent here to study who have, in many in-
stances, no liking for the work, and even, however zealous they may be, are
physically unsuited for it and timid to a degree in handling animals ; therefore, it
seems most desirable that their selection should be left, as far as practicable,
with the Principal. During the year all the Government free studentships have
been allotted to poor and deserving men, after careful enquiry into each in-
dividual case. There was no vacancy in the Municipality free studentships.