26

94. The other event was the panic created at Singheswar
fair by the sudden illness of two elephants when the mela was
in full swing. On receipt of this information from the Dis-
trict Magistrate of Bhagalpur the (Veterinary) Disease Investi-
gation Officer was sent to Singheswar, while Mr. Malik also
proceeded there. Of the two sick elephants, one had already
died, and the other which was beyond all hope of recovery,
also succumbed. A third elephant was also reported to have
been ill, but as it was taken away, the information could not be
confirmed on enquiry. The post-mortem examination held by
Mr. Malik did not reveal any lesions for arriving at a
definite diagnosis. The death of the two elephants was
probably due to heat stroke.

95. Of the 22 fairs and shows on the list, the Sitamarhi
fair was not held during the year. Altogether 259,954
animals were presented for sale, as compared with 211,707 in
the year 1933-34. The average price per bullock, cow and
buffalo was on the increase. The details of the fairs and
shows are given in Tables XIII and XIV.

96. According to the figures supplied by the District
Traffic Superintendent, Bengal and North-Western Railway
Company, Limited, 3,811 bullocks, 883 buffaloes and 223 cows,
or a total of 4,917 animals were booked by rail to various
places from stations on Sonepur district of the said Railway
The number for the previous year was 4,331.

                                 CHAPTER V.

                                Establishment.

                                    Provincial.

97. There was no change in the personnel or jurisdiction
of superior officers of the department the same 3 officers,
Messrs. Malik, Sen and Chattarji having been in charge of
their respective ranges throughout the year.

                                    Subordinate.

98. The number of veterinary inspectors was 13 as before.

An important change was effected during the year in regard
to the appointment of staff veterinary assistant surgeons.
Government were pleased, on my recommendation, to limit the
appointment to a period of three years, with the option allowed
to the Director, Veterinary Services, of extending the same