47
high, viz., Rs. 278, but this was partly due to the fact that five horses were pur-
chased for Native officers at enhanced prices.
266. The President, Special Judging Committee, reports as follows:—
"The remounts purchased, both for British and Native Cavalry, were a large and very good class ; prices
were moderate, quality and size being taken into consideration. Thirty-one remounts were bought for Native
Cavalry at an average of Rs. 265-8-0, and I consider them cheap at the price."
267. Remount officers complained sadly of the interference of the Lahore
dealers, and stated that they frequently had to pay much more than they
otherwise would ; there no doubt was an endeavour on the part of these men
to form a ring to increase the difficulties of the purchasing officers. Two
Amritsar dealers, Swail Singh and Lachman Singh, were trying the same
tactics with young stock.
268. This district should be furnished with only thoroughbred and Arab
stallions; the latter should be big horses possessed of good bone and quality.
At present the following are employed:—
2 Thoroughbred English.
3 Thoroughbred Australians.
1 Half-bred.
6 Arabs.
4 Hackneys.
269. The change will be effected as thoroughbred stallions are available.
The sires of winners of first prizes at this show were as follows.—
Thoroughbred English ... ... ...
Thoroughbred Australians ... ... ...
Arabs ... ... ... ...
Norfolk Trotters ... ... ... ...
Country-breds ... ... ... ...
7
2
2
2
1
Dera
Ismail
Khan
Horse
Show.
270. This show was held from 27th to 29th February 1896. The Deputy
Commissioner points out that this is too early a date to ensure success. As
I have frequently pointed out, I am only too anxious to meet the wishes of
district officers, who naturally are better acquainted than any one else can
possibly be with the dates that are likely to suit their districts; still, it is
simply impossible to fix all the horse shows in a Province during March,
which is the most popular month, without one clashing with the other.
271. Although this show is in its infancy, still I believe that it will ulti-
mately develop into one from which Native Cavalry remounts will be available.
For some time, however, it is one that, in my opinion, need not be visited by
Remount officers; any horses suitable for Native Cavalry can be bought, as at
Bannu, by the regiment located there.
272. The President, Special Judging Committee, states:—
"The brood mares, both branded and unbranded, wore, taken as a whole, moderately good. The fillies
and young stock, generally, showed fair quality, but were undersized. 1 particularly noticed at this show that
very few of the young stock showed any inclination to be tied in under the knee; this for country breds
struck me as very remarkable; on the other hand, there was a general falling off behind and sickle hocks were
the rule and not the exception."
273. On this latter point, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
also remarks:—
"One could not fail to be struck with the fact that, with very few exceptions, all classes showed a great
deficiency in the conformation of their hind parts. The fore-hand might be good, but behind the saddle might
be noted, tail badly set on, badly ribbed up, and very bent hocks, and general falling off altogether."
274. The President, Special Judging Committee, then proceeds to state:—
"The District Board stallion here [a grey country-bred Sanghur (Dera Ghazi Khan) breed] has this fault,
and I am informed that he is the popular stallion of the district and his services are far more in request than
that of the Government stallion."
275. This is perfectly correct. Up to the end of February this horse had
covered 56 mares; but on my representation, the Deputy Commissioner agreed
to purchase a good small Arab which I hope will be a success in the district.
The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, was enjoined to be very
careful when allotting stallions for service in this district, to select none but
such that have very straight hocks.