(4)
high. The more patients we are able to show the students, the more know-
ledge they will gain. It is of primary importance to have many cases for the
students' clinical instruction.
28. I propose therefore that the scale of fees should be revised as follows:—
I. Class.—(a) reduce the fee to Rs. 1 a day.
(b) make a minimum charge of Rs. 12 for in-patients and
examinations as to soundness.
(c) a minimum charge of Rs. 5 for out-patients.
II Class.—(a) to remain as at present, but
(b) with a minimum charge for in-patients and examinations
as to soundness of Rs. 8 for a horse and Rs. 5 for a
pony.
III Class.—Hackney carriage animals and tats to pay 8 and 6 annas a
day as before.
29. Cattle should be treated free of charge if fed by owners.
THE FORGE.
30. This Department pays its way, and the work produced is about as
good as elsewhere, but it has not reached perfection as a means of instructing
students in surgical shoeing. Attempts were made by my predecessor and
by me to obtain the services of a workman better suited to the special require-
ments of the Institution, but we have not been successful, as really first class
native workmen are very scarce and can command large wages.
31. It has occurred to me that we might at some time open a special
branch for the instruction shoeing-smiths (nalbands) under a European
workman.
32. During my tours I have seen a great deal of very bad shoeing.
It is therefore my intention to ascertain by application to District Officers if
there be a fair chance of men being sent in sufficient numbers to Belgatchia
to make it worthwhile for Government to move in this matter.
FINANCIAL.
33. I append the usual financial statement (Appendix XII). The in-
come from fees from the Infirmary and Forgo amounts to Rs. 4,784-14-3,
which is an increase of Rs. 527-6-9 over that realized in 1895-96, and
of Rs. 2,303-7-9 over the amount shown in 1894-95.
34. Bad debts.— In my last report to the Committee, I had to draw
attention to the fact that our outstanding accounts had reached the sum of
Rs. 573-1-0. I have been directed to submit the claims of the Institution
to the Department of the Legal Remembrancer for action. I have also been
empowered to demand weekly payments in advance, when it is considered
necessary. But this method requires the exercise of some little tact, in order
that clients may not take offence and withdraw their patronage.
THE HOSTEL.
35. This building is rapidly approaching completion, and will be ready
for occupation when the session opens on 23rd June 1897, if the necessary
furniture and staff is provided. Under this heading proposals have been sub-
mitted for sanction. The Hostel will be a handsome building when completed;
hence it is a great pity that its appearance should be marred and the health
of the students seriously threatened by the necessity of erecting the latrines in
the front part of the building, close to the cookhouses.
36. I have suggested that sanction be applied for to acquire a piece of land
adjoining the west side of the Hostel, so that the latrines may be moved to a
better site.
37. Lecturers' quarters.— This land would also be available for the erec-
tion of lodgings for the lecturers, who waste a great deal of time and money
in travelling from the school to their lodgings. If the distance from Calcutta
necessitates a hostel to save the students' unnecessary fatigue, it would appear
still more desirable that the lecturers should also be accommodated. The land
in question would also bo available for enlarging the dissecting room and the
isolation boxes.