71
position to make the necessary recommendations to the Government of India
for the ensuing year.
373. During the past year, a question which for some time had been
under discussion was decided. It was one that would have had a far-reach-
ing influence on horse breeding, and therefore it was one to which I attri-
buted great importance. The question arose on certain recommendations
made by Mr. Robertson when Director of Land Records and Agriculture,
Punjab, and resolved itself into whether unbranded mares and their
progeny either by Government stallions or not should be allowed to compete
for the prizes offered by Government. On being consulted, I gave it as
my opinion that if this were allowed, I considered it would be a very
retrograde movement, as although I had no fear of the stock got by Gov-
ernment stallions being defeated by stock got by country stallions, still,
that it would be an inducement for breeders to use their country stallions.
I am therefore pleased to say that the Government of India have decided
that no alteration in the existing rules is to be made.
Special Judging
Committees.
374. As usual, two Special Judging Committees were assembled, one
for the Punjab—this Committee also judged at Sibi (Baluchistan)—the
second for the Horse Shows in the North-Western Provinces.
375. The first-named consisted of—
Major S. F. Biddulph, 19th Bengal Lancers.
Captain H. R. Cook, Royal Artillery.
Veterinary Lieutenant W. A. MacDougall, Army Veterinary Department.
376. This Committee did its work well, and judged with care and carried
out their duties expeditiously. My thanks are due to them for the manner
in which they did their utmost to give satisfaction in duties which at times,
owing to the number of entries in the classes with which they had to deal,
were very onerous.
377. The Committee assembled in the North-Western Provinces con-
sisted of—
Captain C. P. G. Griffin, 1st Bengal Lancers.
Captain E. R. Phillips, Royal Artillery.
Veterinary Lieutenant H. M. Lennox-Conyngham, Army Veterinary Department.
378. I regret to state that this Committee was not as satisfactory as
that which assembled in the Punjab. Captain Phillips was really unable
to take part in the judging as he was suffering from an injury to the knee
received before he joined the Committee, and was therefore unable to leave
his carriage. Veterinary Lieutenant Lennox-Conyngham was absent from
the judging on the first day of the Muzafarnagar Show, having been
detailed for duty at Roorkee. These points have been brought to the notice
of the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Forces, Bengal, who, in reply,
states that endeavour will be made to prevent similar complaints having to
be made in future.
379. I regret further to add that Captain Griffin proceeded to England
without submitting his report on the Aligarh Horse Show.
SUMMARY.
380. By a reference to Table XV it will be seen that 1,32,521 horses,
mules, etc., were present at the Fairs against 45,692 last year. This at first sight
would portray a vast and unaccountable increase, but it cannot be relied on
as the increase is due to that which is shown as having existed at Batesar and
Makhanpur, at both of which Fairs statistics are never reliable; this increase,
amounting as it does to 83,986, should be deducted from the total; this will
leave the numbers very much what they were last year.
381. The numbers competing for prizes amounted to 13,784 against 11,861
last year, showing an increase of nearly 2,000; this increase is satisfactory
as it points to a large number of a better class of horses being present.