46
251. This officer shows 31 horses in his Remount Roll as having been
purchased at Amritsar at an average of Rs. 205. He adds:— " Besides these I
bought 14 horses from the dealer Afzul Khan while at Amritsar." It is
therefore to be supposed that the 31 were bought from breeders, which is very-
satisfactory.
Bannu Horse
Show.
252. This show was held from the 24th to 27th February 1896, and I regret
to say was one of the few failures we have had during the year.
253. Last year only about half the number of horses competed when com-
pared with 1893-94, this was attributed to disturbances across the border, still 740
animals were present; on this occasion, only 525 attended and the number that
competed for prizes fell from 740 last year to 395. This terrible falling off
during the past 2 years is greatly to be regretted, as the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, entertained great hopes that this would prove one of
the best Trans-Indus shows. I fear that his hopes will not be realised.
254. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
"On the whole I was disappointed with the class of animal competing. With the exception of the animal
exhibited by Malik Yar Mohamed Khan of Kalabagh, the stock shown was undersized and somewhat weedy
there not being one animal present suitable for purchase by the Remount Agent who was present."
255. He further reports the brood mare class to have been practically "a
one mare class," and when I say that the average number that competed in the
various classes for young stock and geldings was only 8, it will be at once seen
that this show was a miserable failure.
256. Only one remount was obtained for the local police.
257. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, concludes his
report on this show in the following words:—
"In order to popularize breeding in this district, great efforts will have to be made in order to further cas-
tration and the coverings of mares, by Government stallions; of course breeding is only in its infancy in these
parts, but I am of opinion that the large amount given in prizes is to a certain extent wasted; many of the
recipients being quite unworthy of prizes at all."
258. In these circumstances, I fear that Bannu will have to be noted as
one of the shows from which allotment of money for prizes can be made to
those held in more deserving districts which are in much need of help in this
direction.
259. The Deputy Commissioner takes exception to the Special Judging
Committee; this question I shall deal with when the review of all shows held
in the Punjab, is complete.
Dera Ghazi
Khan Horse
Show.
260. This show was held from 12th to 14th March 1896. It is quite a
pleasure to turn from a disappointing show, such as Bannu, to one like Dera
Ghazi Khan. I grant that it is much older, still many older shows do not main-
tain that enthusiasm which is shown in this district. I was present, and as
I had not visited it for 13 years, I was able to notice the marvellous strides
made during that period.
261. As to actual numbers present, they were very similar to those of last
year; there was, however, a falling off in the number that competed for prizes.
262. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports as fol-
lows:—
"I am happy to be able to state that the animals present were mostly far above the average showing clear-
ly that horse breeding is flourishing in the district and that the Government stallions are doing exceedingly good
work and producing stock with quality and bone fit in every way, for remounts for both British and Native
Cavalry."
263. With this I fully agree. I would add that a finer lot of mares than
those exhibited in the brood mare class could not be wished for. One of the
most noticeable features of this show was the great number of geldings; nearly
200 competed for prizes and not a single entire yearling colt was to be found
in the show; this is most satisfactory.
264. Captain Birdwood, Remount Agent, was able to buy 24 head of young
stock, and a finer batch of youngsters never entered a ring; they were well
grown and shapely, were possessed of bone, and showed quality.
265. Thirty-three remounts were purchased for Native Cavalry, and a good
level lot they were. The average price paid would at first sight appear to be