127
Akyab.—This was a poor show. The Deputy Commissioner remarks:—
" There is very little interest taken in this district in these shows, and no keenness to com-
pete, I am afraid it is not likely that there will be any for many years to come."
Tharawaddy.—This show was held at Thonze on the 9th March, and was
very well attended. On the whole it was very successful. Cattle were fairly
well represented, especially draught oxen. The buffaloes exhibited were fine
specimens.
Henzada.—This show was a failure. The few exhibits were confined to
Henzada town or the immediate vicinity. The object of the show was explained
to the people, and certain prizes given. The Committee considered that villagers
would be encouraged to come forward with their animals next year.
Minbu.—This show was held at Kyaungdawya. There was a good show of
cattle, 158 pairs; some of the animals were very fine specimens, a great number
of them were from the Salin sub-division.
Yamethin.—This show was held at Pyawbwe on the 11th March. It was
the first show held in the district, and was not largely patronized. The Super-
intendent remarks:—
" On the whole there was an improvement in the shows held this year, and I think that the
people appeared to be more interested. The Barmans are a strange race ; if it suits their conve-
nience, and entails little trouble, they do not mind bringing their animals, but otherwise they prefer
to take it easy at home. At one or two shows the cattle entries were fairly numerous and the
quality was good."
340. With regard to the attendance at cattle fairs the Superintendent,
Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab, notes as follows:—
" I would take this opportunity of pointing out that my attendance at these cattle fairs
seriously interferes with my other duties, and now that such strict attention is insisted on in
connection with horse breeding, it is quite impossible to devote my time to both, in trying to do
so horse and cattle breeding alike must suffer. My work is increasing fast, the introduction of
district board stallions, the establishment of district dispensaries, the required supervision of Vete-
rinary Assistants, none of which existed to any extent under the old system in the days of the
Horse Breeding Department. In addition to these matters I have had two more districts placed
under my charge, and I have also been placed in charge of depôt and Instruction Farm at Babugarh ;
during the whole of last touring season I certainly did not spend more than 10 days in the depôt.
It will be quite impossible for me to hold any supervision over the depôt and Instruction Farm
unless I can devote more time to the place than this, and I would suggest that the time now taken up
at cattle fairs would be far better employed at depôt, With the present small staff of Veteri-
nary officers in the Punjab, I consider it impossible to expect them to take up the subject of
cattle disease, etc., with any hope of practical results."
With a view to obtaining more useful information regarding the supply
and demand for cattle, the prices of various kinds of stock and other matters
of importance, a form of report has been submitted for general use at all cattle
fairs, and this will enable us to deal with these points next year.
There is some improvement in the reports on cattle fairs and shows, but
a great number still remain unreported. Many of them cannot be attended
by the Superintendents, but endeavours are being made to obtain reports on
all the important fairs in the country from the officers in charge.