DARJEELING HIMALAYAN S.P.C.A.

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – We (the Committee of the Darjeeling Himalayan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) desire to bring to the knowledge of all who are interested in the welfare of animals that a pinjrapole (asylum for pensioned pets and other disabled animals) has been started in connection with this Society. The land granted to the Society by Government for this purpose consists of about 147 acres, situated near Mahanadi station, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and is known as Shiba Kola. The management of the pinjrapole is in the hands of a competent sub-committee and the work of cleaning the land, building sheds, etc., is in progress. Passes to view the pinjrapole can be obtained from the Manager, Goomtee Tea Estate. Subscriptions and donations for initial and working expenses will be gratefully received by Messrs. Hurdeodas Srilall, Kurseong, bankers to the Society, or by the undersigned. It is estimated that at least Rs 20,000 is required.

A.M. LENNOX.

Hon. Secretary, Darjeeling Himalayan

S.P.C.A.

LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – According to law 43 of the game, if three players have their right number of cards, and the fourth has less than thirteen, and does not discover such deficiency until he has played any of his cards, the deal stands good, and he is answerable for any revoke he may have made, as if the missing card or cards had been in his hand. Law 44, however, lays down that if a pack be proved imperfect, the hand in which the imperfection was detected is null and void. Presumably, a pack of fifty-one cards is an imperfect pack within the meaning of law 44. If imperfection be not noticed at the time of dealing, is the player who holds only twelve cards liable for a penalty under law 43? Moreover would the burden of proof be on him to show that the pack was imperfect or on his opponents to show that the card was in existence? A.R.

UNDEVELOPED LAND IN ASSAM

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – In connection with the agricultural development of the Assam Valley, I wish to call attention to the fact that there are large areas of land within the Forest Reserve which consist of grass and scrub lands and which contain no timber of any commercial value. Now these lands are well suited for the growing of indigo, rice, tea, tobacco, and other crops and would, if thrown open to the public, be at once taken up and developed, this materially increasing the revenue and resources of the Assam Valley. There are a good many thousand acres of these hitherto unproductive grass and scrub lands held by the Forest Department in the Darrang district alone which, if only de-forested, would be immediately applied for. And these lands, at present lying idle and waste, would be converted into prosperous plantations to the benefit of the district and the Assam Valley generally.

OLD RESIDENT.

Shillong.