41
152. An error has occurred in Major Gordon's report. He shows the average
cost of the remounts purchased by Major Dawson, 9th Bengal Lancers, to
have been Rs. 390; this should be Rs. 285, as shown in the Remount Roll sub-
mitted by Major Dawson.
Multan Horse
Show.
153. This show was held on 11th and 12th March 1895. The disappoint-
ment expressed by me last year is increased on this occasion. Again there was
a great falling off in the numbers, both of those that actually attended and of
those that competed for prizes. The numbers stand as follows:—
Number of animals present
Number competing for prizes
...
...
...
...
...
...
1894.
904
348
1895.
715
309
But not only were the numbers reduced, but also the quality of the stock
was poor. On this point, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
reports as follows:—
"Both the mares and young stock, generally, were poor in condition and seemed half starved.
"The mares which came up for branding this time were an inferior lot, wanting in stamina,
in poor condition, and looking generally uncared for; 27 were selected out of 59."
This officer further adds :—
"The Multan zemindars at present seem to be singularly apathetic in the matter of horse-
breeding, and it is hard to account for it. Last year it was represented that the Norfolk Trotters
were not approved of and better bred horses would be more appreciated. Two Thoroughbred
Australian and English horses were sent to Multan itself, in addition to one country-bred and one
Arab; these horses reached Multan in September last. The experiment hardly seems to have been
a success. ' Exbank,' Thoroughbred Waler, only covered three mares in about 5 months, and it
has been considered desirable to remove him to Ferozepore.
" Not Beaton", the Thoroughbred English horse, will remain at this stand for a month or
so longer, but unless utilised it will be necessary to remove him to Dera Ghazi Khan or Feroze-
pore district. It will be remembered that when I went through the Multan district in December
last, only 25 mares were found fit for branding.
" Personally I attribute the unsatisfactory state of affairs in this district to be due to the
following:—
" 1stly.—General indifference to the subject of horse breeding on part of zemindars.
" 2ndly.—Disinclination during last few years on the part of the Tehsildars to stir up any in-
terest in the matter.
" 3rdly.—Want of castration. The show yard was full of screaming stallions, and during the
whole three days of the show, although there were 9 to 10 stallions available for
service, some having been brought in from other tehsils, very few mares came up for
covering."
The Deputy Commissioner states in his report:—
" Sufficient interest has hardly been taken by the Tehsildars in promoting horse breeding,
and this probably accounts to some extent for its decline in recent years in the district. I think
it necessary that Revenue Officials should stimulate the interest of the people in a matter of the
kind, and orders have been issued to the effect. A proposal will be laid before the next meeting
of the District Board that a pecuniary reward should be given to every horse owner who has had
his foals castrated."
154. The only redeeming feature of this show was that 8 remounts were
obtained for 15th Bengal Lancers, and these were a useful lot of horses, better
than the remounts purchased last year. The Remount Agent was present
and was prepared to buy young stock, but could not obtain any; this I
attribute to want of care of foals by their owners.
155. It is to be regretted that a good district like Multan has been allowed
to decline owing to want of interest shown in the matter. I felt positive,
knowing the district so thoroughly as I do, that such must be the case ; how-
ever, the present Deputy Commissioner is anxious to promote horse breeding,
and if interest is shown in the matter by Tehsildars, I have no doubt but that
horse breeding will once more occupy that position in Multan which it
formerly did.
156. One result, however, of the falling off in the horse show must be the
reduction in the amount of prizes that can be awarded from Imperial Funds.
At present the sum allotted is Rs. 1,500, but I shall feel compelled to re-
commend a reduction to Rs. 1,000, and even this latter sum is beyond the
merits of the show.