PRICE OF FIREWOOD

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – The abnormally high prices paid for coal have apparently resulted in a corresponding increase in the price of firewood. Apart from the high prices paid for coal by the public, the quality of the coal is very poor. Relief was, however, afforded to the public by the work of the Coal Controller, who has done all in his power to render every satisfaction so far as coal is concerned. If there is an abundance of firewood in India, I do not see why local dealers should demand the exorbitant price of Rs 1-8 per maund. As firewood is necessary in the burning of coal, and owing to the inferiority of the coal sold at the local markets, a corresponding sum would have to be spent on firewood to make the necessary fire. This abnormal increase in the price of firewood has had a disastrous effect on the poorer classes on natives, especially the labouring classes, who find it very difficult to buy firewood, and have often to content themselves with half-cooked food.

LIGNUM.

Calcutta.

STREET LIGHTING

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – In these days of restricted street lighting and appeals from the authorities to economise in private lighting, it would be interesting to know why in that portion of the New Central Avenue between Bow Bazar Street and Kalutolla Street lately opened by the Improvement Trust, brilliant electric high-power street lamps are in full illumination all the night, when the street is chiefly used as a playground for children during the evening and a resting place for cattle at night.

If it is permissible to make this almost unused and unknown road a blaze of light then surely some of the important roads which are now dangerously dark at night might be a little better lighted.

COMMONSENSE.

THE ARMY VETERINARY CORPS

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – With the enormous increase in the number of animal transports and units during the present war the demand for veterinary surgeons is still on the increase. Owing to the paucity of European veterinary surgeons available for the Army Veterinary Corps, Government have been well-advised recently to offer certain concessions to the Indian qualified Vets. joining the Army Department during the present war. Only recently a Government communiqué announced the revised rules regulating recruitment and promotion of the temporary commissioned ranks of the Indian Medical Service.

It therefore stands to reason that the best type of Indian Veterinary graduate who has undergone a stiff course of scientific studies in well-equipped Government Colleges and who is not a whit behind his medical brother in his particular sphere  of work would expect some such concessions before he induces himself to join up. A system of careful selection and nomination would surely make up a sufficient number well-qualified to hold the temporary commissioned rank of the Army Veterinary Corps.

ONE INTERESTED.