162
During the outbreak of Rinderpest at Patna segregation lines were opened, where several sick cattle were
treated.
The total number of cases treated by the Veterinary Assistant is 285, of which 154 were cured, 54 relieved and
77 died. Three oxen and 8 horses which were castrated by the Veterinary Assistant are included in the column
"Other diseases:"
Bhagalpur.—This district has been in the Calcutta Gazette for cattle disease for 41 weeks out of 52. In my
predecessor's time there was, I believe, some idea of opening a Veterinary Dispensary there. But it will be seen
from my synopsis of cattle disease that nothing has been done. I have visited Bhagalpur and find the neighbourhood
rich in cattle.
Muzaffarpur.—This is another place in which the subject of a Veterinary Dispensary has long been under
consideration. The district has lost heavily from Rinderpest, and I understand that something will be done next
year to establish a dispensary to combat cattle disease.
Dacca.—The Municipality of Dacca has appointed a Veterinary Assistant permanently. I have sent Veterinary
Assistant Nanda Lal Mitter, who should do well in the appointment. They will probably start the Veterinary
Dispensary which they have had under consideration for a long time.
Saran.—I believe Saran would willingly establish a Veterinary Dispensary, but all the money has been spent
on the purchase of land at Sonepur and on famine relief, so that the district cannot even support a Veterinary
Assistant.
Kanti.—In consequence of a serious outbreak of Rinderpest on the Kanti Indigo Concern, which carried off
some Rs. 3,000 worth of cattle, Mr. Toomey resolved to establish a Veterinary Hospital at his own cost.
I sent Babu Brojindra Lal Sur, who passed first in 1897, to him, and he has given satisfaction.
When I visited the place, I found all the instruments and the necessary medicines had been acquired. A piece
of land near the village of Kanti had been selected as a site for the hospital, and a large and comfortable house was
being erected, specially for the Veterinary Assistant and his family. The people were beginning to appreciate the
services of the Veterinary Assistant, and I hope he will do well.
945. The Hutwa Raj is, I believe, about to establish a dispensary and
appoint a Veterinary Assistant. Medicines and instruments have already been
collected.
South Punjab.
946. There are six Veterinary Dispensaries in the South Punjab and these
have been inspected by the Superintendent in the course of his tour.
Amritsar Veterinary Dispensary.—During the year 679 in-patients, and 2,489
out-patients were treated, a total of 3,168. This is an increase of 409 on the
previous year, when a total of 2,759 animals were treated. This shows that the
popularity of the institution continues to increase.
Hoshiarpur Veterinary Dispensary.—In this dispensary 102 in-patients, and
1,930 out-patients were treated, a total of 2,032 for the year. In the previous year
1,977 animals in all were treated. This is an increase of 55 which is satisfactory.
Umballa Veterinary Dispensary.—During the year 85 in, and 753 out-patients
were treated, total 838. Last year the total number treated was 757. This is an
increase of 81.
947. In a report on this dispensary received from the Deputy Commissioner,
Captain Parsons, he says:—
The institution is now 7 years old and is maintained entirely by the District,
Board. It cost Rs. 943-5-0 during the year under report, as detailed below:—
Salaries of Veterinary Assistants
Salaries of servants
Travelling allowances
Medicines, instruments, &c.
Furniture
Rent of building
Other contingencies
Total
Rs.
„
„
„
„
„
„
Rs.
420
60
180
123
3
120
36
943
0
0
0
0
12
0
9
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
The establishment consists of a Veterinary Assistant on Rs. 35 per mensem,
a bhishti on Rs. 3, and a sweeper on Rs. 2 per mensem. The District Board
Veterinary Assistant and the Civil Veterinary Department Zilladar take charge
of the institution in turns, and each gets Rs. 15 per mensem for touring in the
district which they likewise do in turns.
948. The building occupied by the institution is a private building for which
the District Board pay Rs. 10 per mensem as rent. All the repairs to this building
are also done from district funds. The repairs cost Rs. 53-3-8 during 1897-98.
949. The Deputy Commissioner visited this Hospital in January last, and he
was doubtful how far the expenditure on the institution was justified, he made a
reference to the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Punjab. That Officer
intends to consider the question when he next visits the district. The question
which arises is whether a charitable institution of the kind is a fair charge against
local funds, and whether the money spent could not be laid out to greater advan-
tage in other ways.