5
Again referring to Appendix III, it will be observed that in January
telegrams were sent to the Superintendents, Civil Veterinary Department,
North-Western Provinces and South Punjab, with regard to report fresh out-
breaks of Rinderpest. On receiving information from these officers in February,
the district authorities were resorted to; their replies were almost of a nega-
tive character. At last the outbreak reported by the Collector of Benares
seemed promising and preparations were made to visit that locality.
21. Benares, Cawnpur, Lucknow Tour.—As it appeared probable from
telegrams received from the Collector of Benares that Rinderpest material
could be obtained from certain villages in that district, and wishing to have
a consultation with the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, North-
Western Provinces and Oudh, I proceeded on 12th direct for Cawnpur, and
arrived on the evening of the 15th March. On the following day, I had an
interview with Mr. Meston, C.S., with regard to the possibility of receiv-
ing early intimation of Rinderpest outbreaks direct from the district officers,
in order to obviate the loss of time which now occurs, owing to the necessary
official routine and which renders such information utterly useless, except in
the cases of serious Epizootics lasting some weeks, as in most instances
the outbreak of disease has run its course before intimation of its occurrence
reaches the Laboratory.
22. In order to save me trouble the Director kindly undertook to tele-
graph to Benares and ascertain whether it was worth my while proceeding
to the outbreak of Rinderpest previously noted. On the evening of the 18th,
information was received from Mr. Meston that " he should not advise me to
proceed to Benares, as very few cases of disease existed, and there would be
difficulty in getting to the infected locality. "
Consequently I proceeded to Lucknow on Saturday the 19th, and an
interview was accorded me by the Lieutenant-Governor Sir Antony MacDonell,
G.C.S.I., on March 21st.
As no information had been received with regard to further outbreaks of
Rinderpest during my presence in the plains, I returned to the Labora-
tory.
23. As an outcome of the above interview with His Honour the Lieuten-
ant-Governor of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, the following
circular was issued by the Chief Secretary to Government to all Com-
missioners of the Division. The contents of the circular letter were as
follows:—
"It having been represented to the Government that considerable difficulty is ex-
perienced in obtaining early information with, regard to serious outbreaks of Rinderpest, and
that such information is of no use if it cannot be communicated promptly, as the disease may
occur and subside before the Imperial Bacteriologist can get to the infected locality, I am
directed to request that you will instruct the District Officers of your Division to intimate
at once by telegram to the Imperial Bacteriologist at Muktesar the occurrence of cattle plague
in their respective districts, notifying if possible, at the same time, the extent of the Epizootic,
and the railway station nearest to the infected area."
24. I am very much indebted to His Honour for the assistance he has so
kindly extended to me at all times, and trust that on the receipt of timely
intimation with regard to Rinderpest outbreaks, the Imperial Bacteriologist
will be enabled to visit the affected localities and there obtain the necessary
material for experimental purposes.
25. Experimental Depôt in the Plains.—In a letter submitted to the
Government of India, dated August 5th, 1897, one of the most important items,
for which sanction was asked, was the institution of a small ' Experimental
depôt' in the plains—a building, if possible, to be secured on the site of some
old and disused sarai in a central position, where easy access to the main lines
of railway would be possible.
At a later date, 28th October 1897, a letter was received from the Gov-
ernment of India, in which it was stated that " before accepting this suggestion,
the Government of India desire to receive more detailed proposals, showing the
exact manner in which work will be carried out and the expenditure which it