4
(b) Whether the teaching should
be in English or the vernacular, it
being remembered that Hindustáni is
not a vernacular in any portion of
the Presidency ?
(c) Whether the two years' course
should be complete in itself or be a
part of the longer course for the di-
ploma ?
(b) That the instruction should not
be in English. The class of men requir-
ed for the work to be done is not found
among those who have learnt English.
The instruction should, therefore, be
given in the two principal vernaculars of
the Presidency, Maráthi and Gujaráti.
(c) The two years' course should not
form part of that for the diploma, which
is conducted in English and which
includes throughout subjects unneces-
sary for purely practical purposes, but
should be separate. It is intended to
teach a different class of men whose
instruction will be almost entirely
practical and who will be under the
supervision of the diplomates.
It is hoped that this question will be favourably dealt with, both by the Local
Government and the Government of India, and sanction for the establishment of
this class accorded. As represented from time to time in my reports on this
subject it is, in my opinion, very necessary to have such a class of men trained
for service in this Presidency and the outlying Provinces and Native States.
They will stand the hard work of itinerating, be a cheaper agency and will in time
assist to fulfil the wishes of the Government of India in as much that every
táluka will have a Veterinary Assistant.
I am given to understand that for district Veterinary work in the Central
Provinces men are recruited from Lahore or Calcutta. This is also done in some
of the Native States in proximity to this Presidency. Had Bombay such men,
they no doubt would have been given the preference in these instances. It is,
however, equally incontrovertible to retain the class of men we are at present
turning out, without whom the Veterinary Service would be incomplete, as their
superior knowledge is requisite to fill the immediate supervising appointments
in the districts in relation to horse and cattle breeding, cattle diseases and to be in
charge of Veterinary dispensaries.
Vacation
6. Hitherto the College broke up for six weeks, twice in the year, but it
has now been resolved, on the recommendation of a
conference appointed by Government, that the College
should have a continuous vacation of three months from 1st April to 30th June.
This change came into force, for the first time, in this year, and will no doubt
be of great benefit both to teachers and students.
Deputations for
cattle
disease repression.
7. An outbreak of anthrax was reported to have broken out amongst the
horses belonging to the Mounted Police of Sholápur,
and Mr. E. Brand, G.B.V.C., was deputed to inspect
the animals, but the disease had disappeared before
he reached the place. Mr. S. V. Soman, G.B.V.C., was deputed to Máhim in
the Thána District, with a view to ascertain whether rinderpest existed there and
to procure hides from such cases. Mr. A. K. Duberia, G.B.V.C., was deputed
to inspect tonga ponies suffering from Surra at Bassein. I also visited the
place.
8. The following extra duties were performed by
me:—
(a) Controlled the Glanders and Farcy Department in Bombay.
(b) Advised as to the management and treatment of animals at the
Victoria Gardens in the capacity of Honorary Veterinary Surgeon.
(c) Inspected horses in Bombay and Bándra Stables, at the Harbour
and the Sewri Lazaretto.
(d) Acted as Co-Examiner at the Bombay University in Veterinary
subjects for the Diploma and Second in Agriculture Examinations.
(e) Treated sick animals belonging to the Commissariat Department.