16
the demand which exists for them from other sources, must be regarded as
satisfactory. There is a slight increase all round except in Burma where owing
to casualties having occurred and there being no men available to fill the
vacancies so produced, 3 men less than last year have been employed. Some
provinces are still very backward, Madras with only 15 men for the whole
Province for instance. Bombay is also very short-handed and the same is the
case in regard to Eastern Bengal and Assam. The Madras College will, how-
ever, turn out some graduates next year and these will doubtless be employed to
fill vacancies. The Punjab College is making special efforts to supply more
graduates as are also Bengal and Bombay. Various provinces have submitted
schemes for the reorganization of their Veterinary Departments which provide
for considerable numbers of Inspectors and Veterinary Assistants and in many
cases Deputy Superintendents. These schemes will be gradually carried out as
men become available. In some provinces, the Punjab for instance, more
would have been obtained had the terms offered been as good as those in other
provinces and Departments. This matter has been represented and will no doubt
shortly be rectified. Naturally the staff at present employed is totally inade-
quate for the work and our operations are greatly hampered by the want of
qualified men, so that we cannot seriously attack the various problems to be
dealt with. Improvement in this direction must be gradual and we must devote
our best attention to the Schools in order to get good men turned out in as great
numbers as possible. The veterinary assistants at present employed are working
either in dispensaries, hospitals, at inoculation work in the districts, or in
Colleges and Schools.
95. The Superintendents have reported very well on the work performed
generally by the subordinate staff and it is satisfactory to note that an improve-
ment in discipline and efficiency is taking place. When Superintendents' char-
ges are made small enough to be workable and to allow of their imparting
practical instruction to the subordinate staff in the field, we may hope
to see a very marked improvement in their knowledge of disease and useful-
ness.
PART B.-IMPERIAL ADMINISTRATION.
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
96. Doctor A. Lingard, Imperial Bacteriologist, remained in charge of the
Laboratory throughout the year, and as usual, work was carried out both at
the central Laboratory at Muktesar and at the branch at Bareilly. There
have again been unavoidable changes in the staff, Mr. Montgomery, Assistant
Bacteriologist, being replaced by Mr. Martin. The work has, however, been
carried on successfully. Owing to the great increase in the work, necessitated
by the preparation of the various sera now sent out from the Laboratory, it has
been found necessary to appoint a second Assistant Bacteriologist, and applica-
tion has also been made for the services of a third European Laboratory Assis-
tant. Neither of these joined during the year. Some necessary additions have
been made to the establishment, and sanction has been given for the appoint-
ment of a Hospital Assistant to take charge of a new dispensary which is being
built for the treatment of the staff.
97. The water supply scheme has been completed, and the 8 H. P. Engine
and centrifugal machine has been removed from the branch at Bareilly to the
central Laboratory, and it is hoped, will be in position shortly.
98. Plans and estimates for new buildings have been submitted, and
when these are completed, they will greatly improve the utility of the
Laboratory.
99. The arrangements made for fodder have been so far satisfactory, but
owing to increase in the number of animals, it has been found necessary to obtain
more land for fodder production, and proposals for doing so are now under
consideration.