(6)
was 159 (Appendix XIV). Of these 139 were cured, 9 died, and in 11
cases the result was unknown; in other words, the owners either removed the
animals or ceased to bring them for treatment. The Veterinary Assistant was
sent to investigate one outbreak of rinderpest, and the figures given under this
heading appear to refer to it. While on this work, he seems to have come across
a case in which animals had been poisoned.
51. I am glad to be able to report that the veterinary dispensary is
making its way. Mr. Russell wants me to get a first rate nalbund for his sub-
division; unfortunately I have failed up to the present.
52. Patna.—The Patna Municipality, owing to the advent of an outbreak
of rinderpest, has started a veterinary dispensary in a hired house and has
engaged a Veterinary Assistant, Sarat Chandra Pal, on Rs. 40 a month. The
comparatively large numbers of cases treated since 12th February, when it was
established, shows that the Institution was urgently needed and should have
been established earlier.
53. The total expenditure of Rs. 159-14-3 is balanced by the income of
Rs. 159-14-3 which is provided from a municipal grant; 236 cases have been
treated (of these 174 were of rinderpest), 33 are shown as under treatment, 91
died, 112 were cured (Appendices XV, XVI).
54. Howrah.—There is a proposal to establish a veterinary hospital at
Howrah, for which a donation of Rs. 20,000 has been offered by Babu
Rameswar Maliah. Inquiries have been addressed to the Magistrate of Howrah
to learn what is being done in this matter, and an answer is awaited.
55. Muzaffarpur.—In this place there is, in connexion with the firm of
Ruxton, Coryton & Co., a veterinary infirmary in which two veterinary assis-
tants from Lahore are employed. The business is managed as a commercial
undertaking and is practically confined to horses and dogs. It is a useful
establishment for owners in the neighbourhood, but it in no way supplies the
want of a more or less charitable dispensary for the cattle of poor people and
raiyats.
56. Dumraon.—I am glad to be able to report that the Maharani of
Dumraon has undertaken at her sole cost to establish and maintain a veterinary
dispensary there. The matter is now before Government for sanction.
57. Dacca and Bhagalpur.—With regard to these places, both of which
were supposed to be willing to establish veterinary dispensaries, I have to
report that Dacca has done nothing, because the Municipality refuses to bear
its share of the cost with the District Board, and I have addressed Bhagalpur
twice on the subject of dispensaries and received no answer.
58. Besides the above establishments, a requisition for a veterinary assist-
ant on Rs. 30 — 60, by yearly increments of Rs. 5, has been received from the
Akyab Municipality. Veterinary Assistant Ashat Ali has applied for this
appointment.
59. The Commissioner of the Chittagong Division enquired if the services
of a Senior Veterinary Assistant would be available for work in the Tippera
and Chittagong districts. In reply, the Commissioner was recommended to
appoint two Veterinary Assistants from Belgatchia on Rs. 40 a month. The
District Board of Tippera is willing to appoint a Veterinary Assistant on Rs. 35
per month and Rs. 15 allowance (for travelling), provided he remains out at
least 21 days in a month.
60. I append a complete list of the passed men of the Belgatchia
Institution arranged according to seniority and showing employment, &c.
(Appendix XVII.)
CATTLE FAIRS, SHOWS, &c.
61. Of the many fairs held in Bengal, I have only been able to attend
four, and these have been held close to the railway. Much remains to be
done in this branch, and I am glad to report that the work has been facilitated
by the issue of tents to me under Government sanction. The nature of his
work will hardly permit the Superintendent to visit all the fairs in the
year, but he may vary his tours so as to visit most of the important ones,
sooner or later. I hope the time will soon come when at least one Veterinary
Assistant will be available to visit every fair of any size.