9
Buildings.
45. The new building at Ludhiana was opened during the year by the
Financial Commissioner. It is built on the standard plan.
The new hospital at Simla is finished, and will be ready for
occupation when the fittings are complete. It is proposed to build a new hospital
at Amritsar which is much required. No progress has been made in regard to a
new building for Umballa. The hospitals at Delhi and Rawalpindi are in process
of construction, and the one at Sargodha will be opened early next year. Proposals
to provide hospitals at Karnal, Jullundur, Curdaspur, Jhang, and Jhelum are in
train. Considerable improvements have been made to the hospital at Ferozepore.
Were funds forthcoming the Sialkot hospital would be practically rebuilt.
Veterinary dispensaries.
Table V.
46. The dispensaries in charge of itinerating men continue to do useful
work. This is very apparent from the number of animals
treated at head-quarters. It is generally reported that the
attendances would be much larger if owners could be certain
of finding Veterinary Assistants in.
Accommodation.
47. In many districts, there is still a good deal left to be desired in the
shape of accommodation. A few new dispensaries have been
provided during the year. On representations being made,
a general keenness to build new dispensaries is expressed, but funds are not
available for the purpose. It is hoped that my representations to Government on
this point will be favourably Considered, and some assistance granted to districts
for this laudable object.
Equipmant.
48. Improvements in equipment continue to be made at hospitals and
dispensaries. The increasing popularity and patronage of
these institutions calls for more liberal treatment year by
year, and I have recently had to raise the scale which was based on the absolute
minimum. Equipment is provided from District Funds, and, in the majority of
cases, districts have loyally acceded to my estimates.
Income and expenditure
at Veterinary Hospitals.
Table VI.
49. The income and expenditure at Veterinary Hospitals are shown in
Table VI from information received from districts. Al-
though, with the exception of Murree and Simla, charges
are only made in the case of income-tax payers, it will be
seen that at some of the institutions no inconsiderable income is obtained. A
total income of Rs 15,977-1-10 was realised in 12 Veterinary Hospitals against
Rs. 11,366 for 9 the year before. I regard the increase as an index of the
popularity of these institutions.
Part III—Breading Operations.
(1). BOVINES.
Stud bulls. Table VIII.
50. There were 205 stud bulls in the districts at the close of last year.
During the year under report, there were 36 additions and
27 casualties, leaving a balance of 214. Some of the casual-
ties were due to old and useless animals having been got rid of under the advice
of Superintendents, Civil Veterinary Department, after inspection. It is pro-
bable that many of those still on the strength require replacing.
Supply of bulls.
51. Indents for 41 Hissar bulls were received, and 31 were supplied.
Some of the indents from districts were received very late,
and consequently they could not be complied with. It is
hoped that the Hissar Cattle Farm can meet our demand in future. Hissar bulls
are suitable and appreciated in the southern districts. A considerable number
have been supplied to the Chenab Colony, and the young stock there have much
improved in consequence. More bulls would no doubt be asked for if
districts could better afford to pay for them, and there is no doubt that
a very large number are required to have an appreciable effect on cattle
breeding. The important question of the supply of bulls and the improve-
ment of cattle breeding generally is under consideration, and it is hoped
that, with Government assistance, a definite and progressive policy in the
matter may shortly take shape.