2
3. The position of the College, its course of instruction, and the provision
of a competent teaching staff with suitable accessories are the three points of
immediate importance. As regards the first of these subjects, the condition of
affairs disclosed in paragraph 16 of Dr. Nariman's report is most serious, and
the attention of the Sanitary Commissioner, of the Municipality, and of the
Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw
Petit Hospital for animals should be at once called to it. This is more than an
educational question, merely affecting the prospects of the Veterinary College,
and a copy of the report should be transferred to the General Department for
the issue of orders, and final disposal of the matter in consultation with the
Sanitary officers. The facts narrated not only have a bearing on the deeply
regretted loss of Veterinary Surgeon Steel, the recent sickness of the present
Principal, and the list of casualties contained in the report, but they justify a
very serious alarm for the health of the population of Parel. The matter,
therefore, requires the very early attention of the General Department. From
the educational point of view, Government are now forced to consider whether
the advantages gained by the connection with the Society and the Hospital, or
even by the provision of the Patho-Bacteriological Laboratory, can outweigh
the dangerously unhealthy surroundings of the Veterinary College. The
Principal of the College of Science has been directed to report on the possibility
of transferring the College to Poona, and Government will await his report
with interest.
4. Regarding the plan of education, it is observed that the revised course
of instruction, prepared by the late Mr. Steel, left Class C insufficient leisure for
practical work, and overloaded both teachers and students. Changes in the
curriculum were therefore proposed by the last Examination Committee and
sanctioned in Government Resolution No. 1487, dated 22nd July 1891. The
syllabus of the College course also needs revisal. On this subject Government
hope to receive at an early date the opinion of Mr. Rayment and the detailed
suggestion of the Director of Public Instruction.
5. The provision of teaching staff has been rendered more difficult by the
ill-repute of the College premises in a sanitary point of view. Government
believe that they have secured the services of an able Principal, and the College
possesses in Dr. Nariman an officer who commands deserved confidence. The
instructors sanctioned by Government Resolution No. 9422, dated 14th Decem-
ber 1889, are considered a great improvement on the old system. The post of
instructor in practical shoeing has not yet been filled. Dr. Nariman's report
shows that the re-organization scheme has worked well, and every year's practice
should make the teaching more efficient.
6. Amongst matters of minor detail Government observe that a cesspool
is urgently needed as stated in paragraph 15. It is presumed that a proposal
for its provision will be separately submitted to Government. The proposals
regarding the water-supply and gas for the Laboratory will be considered if the
College remains in Bombay. The total cost to Government on account of the
College was Rs. 17,400 out of a total expenditure of Rs. 21,939-2-11.