1 (at)
2 48. It is evident, then, that the uncollected balance is only an °
3 inappreciable fraction, and out of Rupees 100
4 demand, 98} are easily realized, so that really the
5 whole demand is realized, and this result is effected without any of
6 the coercive processes authorized by law, such as sale, farm, transfer,
7 or direct management, by Revenie Officers, of the defaulting’ estates.
8 Such measures were adopted only in 2 cases during 1853-54, 13 in
9 1854-55, and 16in 1855-56. These numbers will appear small when it
10 is remembered that there are 28,000 estates and probably no less than
11 three millions of tax-payers to be dealt with. On the appointed quarter-
12 days (the Revenue being paid in four instalments, two for the spring and
13 two for the autumn harvest), the headmen bring the money’ for their
14 respective villages If there be any delay, a notice to pay is sent
15 to them, which usually has the desired effect. But even these notices
16 are not likely to increase. In 1853-54 there were 65,874, in 1854-55,
17 58,747, and in 1855-56, 69,464, There is notoriously much uncertainty
18 of season in the Punjab, The upper Districts have generally a fair
19 supply of rain, the central Districts a scanty fall,
20 and the lower Districts hardly any at all. From
21 the Meteorological Registers, it appears, on the general average, that in
22 1853-54 there fell 19°38 inches of rain ; in 1854-55, 23:84 inches; in
23 1855-56, 15°18 inches, and these years were not unusually dry, except
24 perhaps the last.
25 50. For the collection of the Land Revenue there are employed 108
26 Collectorate Establish. Tuhseeldars or chief Native Revenue Officers, 576
27 ments. ; subordinate officials, and 2,317 peons or messen-
28 gers. The aggregate cost of these Establishments amounts to Rupees
29 4,67,856 or £46,785 per annum, or 3 percent. upon the collections.
30 This Establishment and per-centage do not appear excessive when it is
31 remembered that the country has been recently acquired, and that in
32 | many parts the villages are much scattered, and that the Establishment is
33 employed in numerous collectorate duties other than the realization of
34 Revenue, which duties are often of a judicial and administrative character.
35 51. In former Reports it has been explained how much judicial and
36 Administrative busi @dministrative business devolves on the fiscal col-
37 ness. leetorate, and on the proper despatch of which so
38 much of the comfort and well-being of the agriculturist depends. The
39 Facility of collection.
40 Average fall of rain,