51
His Excellency the Governor of Bombay attended the show and presented
a special prize for the best cow in the show. A Challenge Trophy for the
best bull in the show was presented by Khan Bahadur Nusserwanjee R. Mehta
of Karachi and handsome prizes were presented by Indian gentlemen of
Karachi. A sum of Rs. 390 and two silver medals were awarded from Local
Funds.
The Shikarpur show was held in January. Three hundred and twenty-
eight animals competed for prizes and a sum of Rs. 270 was awarded from
Local Funds. The cattle shown were not of high quality.
IV.—SUBORDINATE ESTABLISHMENT.
32. There were 12 Veterinary Assistants employed at the beginning of
the year. One man resigned and two men were appointed. At the end of the
year there were 12 Veterinary Assistants in charge of dispensaries and one as
reserve. Of the 13 Veterinary Assistants 11 are Government servants and
2 are paid by District Local Boards. The work of the subordinate staff during
the year has been fairly satisfactory on the whole. Some men lack practical
judgment when dealing with or making enquiries regarding outbreaks of
epidemic disease. It has been pointed out to them again and again that work
in connection with outbreaks of disease is of the first importance.
V.—EXPENDITURE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
See Table XIV-A.
33. The total expenditure from Provincial Revenues and Local Funds
during the year under report amounted to Rs. 82,723
as compared with Rs. 91,238-0-11 expended during
the year 1914-15. The figures shown under the head "Provincial" have been
supplied by the Accountant General, while those under the head "Local" have
been supplied by District Authorities.
VI.—GENERAL REMARKS.
34. Reporting of outbreaks of epidemic disease has not improved during
the year, and it is improbable that approximately accurate returns of contagious
diseases are being obtained. In several instances remissness on the part of
Tapedars, who are responsible for reporting outbreaks of disease, has been
brought to the notice of the District Officers concerned.
The short monthly tours by Veterinary Assistants, instituted by the
Superintendent in 1913, as apart from visits to attend outbreaks of
contagious disease, have been of very considerable value in making known
the work of the department in the villages and of bringing to light outbreaks
of disease which would not have been heard of otherwise.
The work of the department in Sind and Baluchistan has increased
rapidly in the last few years and it is impossible for one Superintendent to
supervise adequately the work of the subordinate staffs in three provinces and
he can devote very little time to investigation of disease.
The present office staff is unable to cope with the increasing work, and it
was only with the assistance of a temporary clerk sanctioned by the Baluchistan
Administration during the absence of the Veterinary Inspector, Baluchistan,
on a year's deputation that office work could be kept moderately well up to
date. An extra clerk is badly needed.
The number of specimens received from the distrcts for examination is
increasing yearly and the services of an office Veterinary Assistant are
indispensably necessary to assist with the preparation and examination of
specimens and to deal with correspondence on purely professional matters.
J. G. CATTELL, I. C.V.D.,
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
Sind, Baluchistan and Rajputana.