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application was received by the Principal of the Lahore Veterinary College for
100 Nalbunds for South Africa.
553. At Lahore, 11 men were under training, 7 of whom passed the
examination. On this subject, the Principal states:—
"These failures are in my opinion due to there being no rules for conducting this examination: the candi-
dates where examined in making shoes which had not been done in former years."
554. I have ascertained the views of both the Principals of Lahore and
Ajmer, and have laid down that the following will form the basis of the
examination in future:—
(a) Remove a shoe.
(b) Lower the foot.
(c) Fit a shoe.
(d) Nail it on.
(e) Point nails.
(f) Have a theoretical knowledge of the pathological shoes most
commonly used, and should be able to apply these.
555. Ajmer.—Only one man was trained at this Institution: this is to
be regretted as 6 men could easily be trained. I have drawn the attention of
the Agent to the Governor-General, Rajputana, to this subject.
Admissions
(Students)
556. Lahore.—Sixty-three men joined the College. The competition for i
admission was not as great this year—88 having competed against 103 last
year; this was due to the fact that the men were entered for a three years'
course. The number of admissions is, however, greater than the teaching staff is
capable of dealing with.
557. Bombay.—There were 18 fresh entries, against 8 during the previous
year.
558. Ajmer.—Thirty-three men joined, of whom 29 were private and
paying pupils.
559. Bengal.—Twenty-three students joined this College against 8 in
1898-99; of this number, 14 continued their studies throughout the year.
560. The above will show that the Subordinate Veterinary Establishment
is very popular. The demand is greater than the supply, and it may be said
that these Institutions are of Imperial importance. Lahore has supplied a
large number of Veterinary Assistants for South Africa, and Ajmer has also
assisted in a minor degree. Satisfactory reports have been received from
Uganda where four men are employed, and in addition to these, we have men
working in British East Africa, the Straits Settlements, and Ceylon.
561. I hope in time that Bengal will be able to assist in furnishing men
for service abroad, as the strain on Lahore and Ajmer is too great. At pre-
sent, this College can only provide for the requirements of the Province.
562. Bombay students will never accept Transport appointments, which is
to be regretted.
General.
563. Lahore.—The want of a Contagious Disease Ward is much felt at
Lahore. On this subject the Principal states:—
"The contagious disease ward has made little progress during my absence on furlough, but I hope to be
able to submit definite proposals and estimates in the course of a month, as I am only awaiting valuation of a
plot of land to submit the scheme for consideration.
"The cost will, necessarily, be heavy owing to the very high price of land in the vicinity of the College."
I trust that this important work will be carried out during the year.
564. Bombay.—A Salutri class of two years' duration has been started in
Bombay and 39 men have joined, 35 being private pupils. The Principal states
that although the widest publicity was given both by Government and the
College to the Military, Police, and District Civil Authorities, only four
students were sent by them.
565. The above, I think, points to the fact that these men have joined
with a view of avoiding a three years' course. I fear they will, however, be
disappointed as, owing to their inferior training, they will be unable to compete
with other Veterinary Assistants and will not be eligible for employment in
the Transport Department.
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