41
grounds of the North-Western Provinces. I am glad to say that the position
this year was entirely reversed, and this Department must thank the District
Officers for having effected this change and for the success which attended this
show.
191. General Sir John Watson, V.C., and I attended this show.
192. The statistics show that whilst last year only 260 head of stock, the
property of zemindars, was present, on this occasion 502 were brought in;
and that 539 competed for prizes against 364 last year; this is most satisfactory.
The actual numbers that attended did not show a material increase, viz., 1,100
against 997; this was entirely due to the fact that the numbers brought
by dealers were considerably less.
193. The number of remounts purchased was as follows:—
Remount Department ... ... ...
Native Cavalry ... ... ...
1894-95.
12
15
1895-96.
15
24
194. Captain Westlake considers that the quality of the young stock was
rather above the average seen at North-Western Province fairs, and considers
that the numbers were less.
195. I cannot endorse his opinion with reference to the numbers, as many
more were present, and I note that he was able to purchase 15 on this occasion
against 13 last year.
196. The Collector reports as follows:—
"The Government grant for prizes to horses was this year reduced from Rs. 1,250 to Rs. 1,100, but I am
glad to note that a sum of Rs. 350 was subsequently received by transfer on account of the abolition of the fair
at Delhi, and the whole amount offered Rs. 1,450—1,000 from the Fair Fund, was awarded in prizes.
"The Special Judging Committee has recommended that the amount of Imperial prizes for the next year
should be the same as this year, and I trust that this recommendation may be given effect to. Major
McLaughlin told me that the Committee could have awarded more money if it had been available, and it
appears to be the general impression that the horse show was the best of the year."
197. I would indeed be glad to give effect to his recommendation, but
owing to the fact that so many fairs and shows are improving, the calls on this
Department are so great that it is impossible to meet all demands from the
amount sanctioned in this Department's budget for prizes.
Etawah Horse
Show.
198. Owing to the fact that this show has never proved a success, it was
decided not to continue it.
Garhmukte sar
Horse Show.
199. Last year, for the first time, this show was noticed in the Administra-
tion Report of this Department and then it was classed as a Mule Fair, owing to
the fact that it had always been such previously. On this occasion, however,
it deservedly can be classed as a horse show, and I have every hope that it
will develop into a most successful one.
200. Three recommendations were made last year, all of which were
carried into effect:—
I.—The show only lasted four days instead of eight; this was a decided
improvement.
II.—Rs. 500 was allotted as prizes from Imperial Funds. This had the
desired effect of inducing owners to bring their young stock in.
III.—Major Shirres, Royal Artillery, attended with a view of purchasing
Ordnance mules; none, however, were considered sufficiently good
for this purpose.
201. The number of mules attending this year is reported to be less, but
the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, doubts the registration of
these animals.
202. 323 horses attended against 40 last year, and of these 289 competed
for prizes.
203. Six remounts were purchased by a native officer of the 8th Bengal
Cavalry, at an average of Rs. 175, and were decidedly a good serviceable lot at
this figure.
11