2
examination by way of fine upon such as appear without any intention of
pursuing their studies after passing. Government would be glad to receive
the opinion of the College Committee on this proposal.
5. The resignation of the Farrier-Major at the commencement of the year
and the delay in the appointment of his successor have been unfortunate, though
unavoidable. The question of the means of supplying a suitable man to fill the
post is now under consideration : and meanwhile a native farrier is employed as
a temporary measure.
6. His Excellency the Governor in Council trusts that the decrease in the
attendance of the Committee at their meetings is not caused by any falling off
in interest in the management of the important institution under their control.
No doubt their work in organization has been mainly accomplished, and much
work of a purely routine nature can easily be managed by the circulation of
papers, but the advantages which must result from the personal intercourse of
the members of the Committee for the discussion of points connected with the
welfare of the College are so obvious that Government trust that it may be
found feasible to hold a greater number of meetings in future years.
7. During the year a practical examination shed was constructed, and a
commencement made of a chemical laboratory: the equipment of the dissecting
room and forge has been considerably improved, while numerous additions have
been made to the museum and library. The grounds around the buildings have
also been put in better order, and designs for quarters for resident students
have been drawn up and submitted to Government.
8. Mr. Steel touches in his 18th paragraph upon "the measures best
calculated to secure employment for the veterinary graduates." The subject is
a large one, and cannot be satisfactorily dealt with in an annual report. It is
moreover already under consideration, and comment thereupon may be con-
veniently postponed until the question is ripe for disposal.
9. The duties connected with the repression of cattle-disease were again
during the year carried on from the College, and visits of inspection were paid
by Mr. Steel, his Assistants, and in one case by two students to Ratnágiri,
Broach, Bijápur, Ahmedabad, the Panch Maháls and Sholápur. The results
are said to have been satisfactory: but as they have been made the subject of
special report to Government, and are under consideration in connection with
the whole question of the prevention of disease among cattle, it is unnecessary
to allude further to them in this place.
10. Conformably with the wishes of Government, expressed in their Reso-
lution reviewing his report last year, Mr. Steel has submitted a statement of
account (Appendix E) giving the receipts and expenditure (excluding building
charges and examiners' fees) for the past year. The former are put down at
Rs. 5,130 (Rs. 2,630 from fees and Rs. 2,500 from the municipal grant,) and
the latter at Rs. 20,277. It does not appear however upon what grounds the
grade pay of the two Assistant Surgeons, lent to the College as lecturers, which
amounts to Rs. 3,000 per annum, has been omitted from the debit side of the
account. Nor is it clear whether the fees credited were all recovered within
the financial year. The financial statement has indeed not been prepared with
sufficient clearness, and the Committee should be asked to prescribe a form of
balance sheet which will convey the necessary information in a succinct form
without obscurities. Regarding the arrears of fees, which are an unsatisfactory
feature of the accounts, it is not clear whether any portion of them is due from
those still under education, or whether all the defaulters have left. In the
former case their recovery should admit of no difficulty and ought not to be
delayed. The attention of the Managing Committee should be called to this
point which is well worthy their consideration.