| caption: |
site for new dispensary at Ghukiya; possibility of paying revenues in kind, during cash shortage |
| text: |
11th. To Ghukiya - a number of cases. |
| text: |
12th. Halted Ghukiya. Selected a site for the new dispensary buildings, about which the Semas are very pleased. The Mokokchung Semas paid Rs.2000/- into the treasury immediately it was called for, while the Kohima Semas have made all arrangements for carrying the materials to the site from Kohima, 74 miles. They did not offer cash as there is none at present in the Sadar Sema country except a little in the chiefs' houses. Shevekhe still have some revenue due but are waiting to pay it till they can get coins. What will happen when revenue has to paid next year no one knows, and it will probably be offered in kind. Shevekhe said frankly that if I wanted revenue at all while present conditions obtained I must be prepared to accept dogs, pigs and paddy and sell them by auction. This would not be much use, as the Kohima market would be too easily glutted. Rice might possibly be accepted up to the quantity required as the battalion ration, but would raise the difficult question of packing and storing and the risk of much going bad before it was wanted for consumption. Henima could be rationed in this way and it might be possible to do something of the same sort in Mokokchung and Kohima if rice could be called in gradually. |
