24
Northcote Cattle Farm and 52 were in charge of dispensaries with touring duties
in one or more tálukas in connection with epidemic disease and general veterinary
work. At the close of the year there were 10 reserves who were attached to the
larger dispensaries for training and for relief duty. As previously stated they
were frequently employed for attending epidemics under the orders of the
Veterinary Inspectors. During the year the sanctioned establishment of
Veterinary Assistants has been under strength and on March 31st there were 3
vacancies. Recruits are not obtainable and at the time of the submission of
this report there are no less than 12 vacancies. The matter has been represented
to Government and it is hoped that it will be possible to provide suitable
candidates in future. The progress of the department is much handicapped by
lack of sufficient staff.
37. The work of the subordinate staff during the year has not been marked
by any exceptional enterprise as a whole though many men have worked hard in
connection with outbreaks as testified by the number attended and the inocula-
tions performed. Endeavours have been made to bring home the fact that
there is very great scope for originality and enterprise and that the future of
the department depends upon the individual. Work in connection with out-
breaks of contagious disease is of primary importance. Dispensaries are
usually well conducted and good work is being done at many of them. Frequent
absence is unavoidable especially when there is much disease in villages. It is
necessary therefore for every veterinary assistant to see that his dispensary staff
is well trained and capable of dealing with urgent and ordinary cases. Rules
to make compounders more efficient have been recommended to local bodies.
In addition to ordinary treatment of animals in villages Veterinary Assistants
have now been required to make enquiries in regard to cattle-breeding and
other kindred matters interesting to the department and even if no great results
are to be immediately expected the educative value is important.
38. The sudden death of Rao Sáheb J. K. Bhatt on March 2nd was a great
loss to the department. He was a popular and energetic officer. Veterinary
Assistant (now Veterinary Inspector) P. V. Nagarsheth did very good work as
Manager of the Cattle Farm and deserves his promotion. Veterinary Inspector
Maniar who was appointed to the newly created Násik Division showed a good
grasp of his work and applied himself energetically and intelligently. The
following Veterinary Assistants did commendable work : A. D. Lopez (Poona),
S. V. Soman (Sholápur), H. B. Shirsathe (Bárámati), J. G. Kulkarni (Hubli),
B. B. Patel (Godhra), M. K. Garudachar (Sirsi), G. K. Mainkar (Málegaon).
V.—EXPENDITURE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
See Table XIV.a.
39. The expenditure of the department is shown in Table XIV-a from
information furnished by the Accountant General and
Commissioners of Divisions.
VI.—GENERAL REMARKS.
40. The year has been marked by satisfactory progress particularly in
dealing with epidemic disease but, as has been pointed out, operations are
frequently hampered from lack of sufficient staff. Attention is being paid to
the intricacies connected with the care and improvement of the cattle of the
Presidency. The Superintendent read a paper at the annual Provincial Co-
operative Conference at Poona on Co-operative Cattle Insurance and the scheme
was approved. It remains to get it taken up in favourable localities. Several
schemes for the improvement of the department and for enlarging its scope are
under consideration but as extra expenditure would be involved they are not
being pressed at present. The internal administration of the department has
been subjected to certain revisions and innovations during the year and
Mr. Buxy, the Deputy Superintendent and the clerical staff have worked hard
and loyally.