67
413. One hundred and forty-eight (148) remounts were purchased by 3
regiments, viz: 5th and 6th Bombay Cavalry and 15th Bengal Lancers. Nine were
bought for Police and 33 for Zhob Levies, making a total, with Captain Birdwood's
purchases of 198. Compared with last year the numbers stand as follows:—
Remount Agent
Native Cavalry
Zhob Levies
Police
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1896-97.
20
109
31
2
162
1897-98.
8
148
33
9
198
414. This is satisfactory, especially when we find the following opinions
expressed by the Remount Officers:—
Major Butler, 6th Bombay Cavalry, states:—
Northern imported horses, a greatly improved and larger class than last year and the year before.
Imported horses much better. Locally bred horses about the same.
As this Officer last year expressed his opinion that the locally bred horses
showed a decided improvement, it is pleasing to note that this improvement has
been maintained.
Colonel Francis, 5th Bombay Cavalry, states:—
The class of remounts brought down this year was, in my opinion, far superior to those of the last two years.
Major Willes, 15th Bengal Lancers, states:—
I have only once purchased remounts before in Baluchistan, i. e. at Shikarpore in January 1896. I
consider the remounts now obtained superior to those.
I consider the produce of Government stallions of good quality but smaller than those at Fairs in the
Punjab. There are some good Heratis but I do not like the Northern and Kandahar horses, as they appear to
me coarse necked, straight in the shoulder and a very mixed lot.
415. I quite agree with this Officer that the imported horses are a mixed lot,
but where I would ask, when you have a large collection of horses, is not this the
case. It is here that the good purchaser comes to the front, and of all places where
local knowledge is essential, it is at the Quetta Show. I quite agree with Major
Willes that some good Heratis are brought down, but I do not understand the
stamp which he calls Northern, and which he classes with Kandahar horses. I
quite agree that very few of the latter are ever calculated to make good remounts,
but I notice that he entirely omits the best of all the classes of imported horses,
viz: those from Meshed; these are the remounts that always give the most
satisfaction.
416. On this occasion the local funds contributed Rs. 300 to the prize list.
Imperial funds contributed Rs. 1,000. At the earnest solicitation of the three
Sind Regiments of Cavalry, prizes to the amount of Rs. 315 were given to the
owners of imported horses bought as remounts. This was done as the Officers
Commanding these regiments were very anxious to foster a trade which supplies
so many remounts which give them satisfaction. On this point, Colonel Francis
states:—
I consider that it was very sound to allow the Northern dealers to again compete for prizes and trust
that this suggestion will be maintained.
417. The Quetta Show was fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr.
Wallace, District Superintendent of Police, as Secretary. This Officer has great
experience in the management of a Show, as he was formerly connected with that
held at Dera Ghazi Khan. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
speaks very highly of the assistance afforded him by Mr. Wallace.
Sibi Horse
Show.
418. This Show was held from 24th to 27th January 1898. There was a
slight increase in the number of locally bred animals exhibited when compared
with last year, the numbers being 866 in 1896-97 and 904 in 1897-98.
419. At last I am glad to say that we are in a great measure able to trace
most of the stock, as the breeders are beginning to see the value of the Covering
and Produce Certificates. Very few had this year to be disqualified on these
grounds.
420. The question of the date on which this Show should be held, in order
that it should not clash with the Sind Show, has been carefully considered, and it
has been decided to hold it next year on 20th February 1899 and following days.