4
17. In regard to hospital improvements Mr. Framji Bomanji Jeejibhoy
has given a donation of Rs. 3,000 for a colic box and the work is in hand. The
hospital authorities have built a new road in their compound adjoining the
road of the new Veterinary College. The question of building an operating
theatre has been again referred to Government for a fresh plan and estimate to
be prepared by the Executive Engineer, Presidency.
Steps have been taken to place the library on a proper footing.
18. Madras.—This young institution has suffered severely from the fact
that it has, so far, had no whole-time Principal to look after it and although it
has been nominally in charge of the Superintendent the fact that he was also
responsible for the work of the Provincial Veterinary Department rendered it
impossible for him to give the necessary attention to the training of the stu-
dents. I have on several previous occasions pointed out what an impossible
position this is and how both the duties must suffer in consequence of it. The
result has been that practically all the teaching work, as well as the charge of
the college and hospital, have been thrown on to the shoulders of the Assistant
Principal and native staff.
19. The Madras Veterinary College has many advantages and with a good
staff and sufficient teaching accommodation should be able to turn out very
good Veterinary Graduates. The students are intelligent, have a good knowledge
of English and are good material to work on. There is the makings of a good
practice which a skilled Veterinary officer should easily double or treble and
plenty of accommodation is available for the few extra buildings which are
required.
20. Sanction has been accorded to the appointment of a whole time Princi-
pal and it is hoped that he will be able to improve matters and obtain a better
class of student than is now joining the College. The Board of Examiners
remark in their report: "we regret to notice a falling off both in numbers and
quality of the students in A. and B. but especially in A. class and we do not
consider that the material in this class can in any way compare with that in
class C."
21. All things considered the results are good. 12 students out of 15
passed the first year's test, 16 out of 20 the second and 24 out of 29 the final ex-
amination. 2,873 cases were treated in hospital and Rs. 11,462 realized in fees.
22. No improvements in the facilities for teaching are reported but I am
informed that the question of erecting more stables, providing a pharmacy
room and a small laboratory and contagious disease ward are under the con-
sideration of the Government.
23. Burma.—At the Burma Veterinary School the staff has remained
unchanged during the year. The removal of the school to Insein in November
caused a break in the studies. 25 out of 28 students passed the final examina-
tion.
24. General.—The total number of students who completed the courses in
the various classes during the year was 590 against 629 last year. The total
number of students who graduated from the Colleges was 160 against 148 last
year. From the Punjab College 69 or 63 per cent, Bengal 25 or 86.20 per cent,
Madras 24 or 83.9 per cent, Bombay 25 or 73.91 per cent. 25 students passed
out of the Burma Veterinary School against 4 last year.
25. There were 505 students remaining under instruction at the Colleges
and 24 in the Burma school at the end of the year against 485 and 63 in the
previous year.
26. With regard to the demand for admission it is very great indeed in the
Punjab, considerable in Bengal and Madras, but not so good in Bombay.
27. The demand for vernacular trained men is still enormous and in order to
meet it and to relieve the congestion and overcrowding at the Punjab College,
proposals have been submitted to the Government of India for the establish-
ment of a new vernacular college which is absolutely necessary. Even with
two colleges working at full pressure the demand for trained men will scarcely
be met.