14
80. There is little doubt that the work has increased to an extent that
the Superintendent is much overworked. If in the interests of the Farm
alone, it would seem expedient that a second officer be appointed permanently
to be trained under Lieut.-Colonel Farmer who stands alone in his knowledge
and experience of the Hissar Farm. Should any circumstance arise necessi-
tating Colonel Farmer relinquishing charge of the farm, unless there is an
officer thoroughly conversant with the various duties connected with this
special charge ready to immediately take up the work, I fear it would not be
long before neglect of this precaution was very forcibly impressed upon us.
PART C.—GENERAL.
Expenditure of the Department.
81. The total cost of the Department, as shown in Table XIX
amounts to Rs. 20,29,494-11-2 against
Rs. 20,51,849-1-6 last year, showing a
decrease of Rs. 22,354-6-4.
General remarks.
82. From the pages of the report it
may be seen that—
(a) progress of the Department in every branch continues;
(b) a larger amount of anti-rinderpest serum has been prepared and
issued;
(c) a greater number of serum injections has been performed, and
this method of treatment is becoming more popular;
(d) the results of the working of the Hissar Farm have been successful;
(e) prospects of the discovery of a practical cure for surra in camels
are encouraging.
83. Work continues to increase and it is questionable if the Imperial
staff can accomplish any more than is now being done. It would, however,
appear in several Provinces that Superintendents have a large amount of
office work to get through. It is to be feared the tendency is, to look upon
such and administrative duties as matters of the first importance. Experi-
ence teaches that the amount of office work instead of diminishing year by
year increases enormously, and Superintendents are being prevented (or can
at least make it an excuse) from devoting themselves to the essential part of
their duties, viz., field work. Unless measures be taken to curtail the office
work there is every prospect, and that in the near future, of Superintendents
blossoming into Deputy Directors for veterinary work. The aim and object
of their appointments thereby being to a great extent frustrated. Superin-
tendents are experts and are very few in number; their energies should be
concentrated on veterinary and not be dissipated in clerical work, to do which,
many other cheaper and perhaps more efficient agencies are available. In
order to perform veterinary work proper, in an efficient manner, it is impera-
tive that they be free as possible to employ their time in special work and
pursue it among the agricultural classes. Superintendents who do not spend
the greater portion of the year going about their respective charges, helping
the people during outbreaks of cattle disease and enquiring into all matters
affecting agriculture from a veterinary standpoint, but who entrust such
important duties to subordinates without thorough supervision, will not, in
my opinion, be in full sympathy with the welfare of cattle owners, and must
fail in the special purpose for which they are appointed.
Most of the routine office work can be well done by others not possessed
of their special knowledge. Fully qualified Veterinary Surgeons for district
work in India, Assam and Burma number 17.
Veterinary Assistants trained in Indian Schools and Colleges, when first
put to district work, naturally are far from being qualified to perform the
real work required from them. Central Colleges situated as they are in
large towns cannot provide the experience necessary. The most important
part of their training must come after they have left the Colleges, and it is the
District Superintendents alone who can afford them this special training.