66
406. The Committee worked most conscientiously and well, sparing them-
selves no pains to select the best animals in each class. Major Balfour showed
the greatest interest in all matters connected with the welfare of horse-breeding in
each district, and has made many valuable suggestions which will be attended to
and carried out when possible. We were very fortunate to obtain the services of
Captain Hardy, possessing as he does, a thorough knowledge of the mule require-
ments of a Mountain Battery. Veterinary-Lieutenant Holmes was most assi-
duous in his examinations, and showed great discrimination in judging brood
mares for hereditary and nonhereditary diseases. The Committee worked in har-
mony with all District Officials, and altogether was very successful. I cannot speak
too highly of the value of these Judging Committees; when properly constituted,
they tend greatly to secure uniformity in judging which could not be secured in
olden days.
BALUCHISTAN.
Quetta Horse
Show.
407. This Show was held from 5th to 8th October 1897 which is thought too
late a date to allow of the dealers selling here and proceeding down country.
It is also considered too late for the local breeders as the nights become very cold
at this time of the year, and they do not care to expose their stock to it. Sufficient
time, however, did not exist to give the importers notice of any change, and it
was thought advisable to adhere to the original date this year. Next year it has
been decided to hold the Show during the second week in September, and the
Northern dealers have been acquainted with the fact.
408. Judged in comparison with the Show held last year, it was a great
success. This Show must be considered from two points of view:—
(a).—The Breeders. This is calculated on the number of locally bred stock
present.
(b).—The Importers of Northern Horses. The success or otherwise of this
section is arrived at by noting the number of remounts purchased.
Taking the former I am glad to see even a slight increase on last year
when the increase in this section was very great. The following figures will
speak for themselves:—
No. of breeders' stock present.
1895-96
1896-97
1897-98
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
240
393
407
These figures are all the more satisfactory when we consider that no rain
fell in Quetta Pishin since April last, and that owing to this fact, there was an
unusual early exodus to Kachhi where there was a good rain fall.
409. All classes filled well and were considered of good quality. I am
pleased to see that the breeders do not dispose of their stock at a very early age, as is
the case in some other districts. In the 2 year old filly class, 55 competed.
410. There was a slight increase in the gelding class, 96 competing against
89 last year, but I am sorry to see that there was a great falling off in the
yearlings of this class. This is all the more to be regretted as the Superintendent
can offer no explanation except by a hint which he throws out that the Salutris
have not worked as well as they might. On this point, he says:—
The number of yearling colts shows that the Salutris have a lot of work before them, and I have urged them
to make a greater effort during the ensuing cold weather.
411. The Remount Agent bought 8 head of stock, all by Government sires.
Captain Birdwood makes no remarks in his Remount Roll that will account for the
small numbers bought, but the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
remarking on those purchased, says:—
Both Captain Birdwood and myself considered this the best lot of young stock that he has ever taken away
from Quetta.
The small number was owing to the fact that the Government of India have reduced the number to be
bought by half.
412. That many more could have been obtained I do not doubt, as this Show
was better than its predecessor when Captain Birdwood purchased 20.