58
317. The conditions prevailing on the Frontier are naturally quite different
with those existing elsewhere, and I see no objection to the Powindahs making use
of our Government stallions, as they will find that the best market for their young
stock is in British territory and we shall reap the benefit; but what I do complain
of in this district is the number of branded mares belonging to zemindars that are
covered by Country sires. On this point the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
Department, states, that this is the case with the best mares in the district. I
have already alluded to this when referring to the Bannu Show, and I cannot but
reiterate the opinion previously expressed that until prizes are confined to the
produce of Government sires, the breeders will continue to use Country stallions.
These two districts are the only ones where this prevails.
318. The Judging Committee expressed an opinion that horse-breeding
in this district required the most careful supervision in the immediate future, and
that there exists a nucleus for successful manipulation. I quite agree, but we require
more assistance from District Authorities. This Department has done its best to
foster horse-breeding in Dera Ismail Khan, and already Nawab Abdulla Khan, an
influential man, has been allotted a Thoroughbred stallion. This may have a bene-
ficial result, and it may be advisable to endeavour to enlist the assistance of more
men of this stamp. The matter will be referred to the Local Government.
319. Another point brought to notice by the Superintendent, Civil Veteri-
nary Department, is that there are 98 certificated mares in this district which
remain unbranded. This question will also be referred, as it may happen that as
these mares have not been inspected by the Superintendent, they may either be
unsound or unfit to be covered by our Government stallions.
320. Three remounts were purchased by the 2nd Punjab Cavalry. Colonel
Stuart, in reporting on these, status:—
Horses, as compared with other Fairs, are inferior. Although the remounts available for purchase were inferior,
I think the class of horse in general at the Fair has improved.
More mares should be branded. I understand many were left unbranded.
321. There can be no question that the district possesses undeveloped
capabilities, and every endeavour will be made by this Department to overcome the
prejudices of the people by selecting good stallions, and it is hoped that with the
assistance of the District Authorities this will be achieved.
Grogeira
Horse Show
(Montgomery
district).
322. A purely local Show was held at Gogeira, in the Montgomery district,
from 1st to 3rd April 1898. No Show has been held in this district for years, and
the present one was entirely due to the exertions of Khan Abdul Ghafur Khan of
Zaida, the Deputy Commissioner, who must be congratulated on the success which
attended his efforts to foster horse-breeding in the Montgomery district.
323. The Judging Committee was composed of the Deputy Commissioner, as
President, with the Tehsildars of the 4 tehsils of Montgomery, Dipalpur, Pakpattan
and Gogeira. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
attended as Adviser to the Committee.
324 The best classes are reported to have been horses 3 years of age and
under, in which class 30 competed, amongst these 5 were well grown and reported
by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, as suitable for Native Cavalry.
Branded mares with foals at foot. In this class 27 competed. This is a
healthy sign in Montgomery where horse-breeding is in a backward state.
Branded mares over 3 years of age covered by Government stallions during
the past year—45 competed.
325. During the Show 28 mares of a good stamp were branded.
326. The Deputy Commissioner is a lover of horses and is anxious to
foster horse-breeding in his district. He obtained the loan of 5 very fine mares
from the Probynabad Stud Farm in order to show the zamindars the class of mare
it was advisable they should keep if they wished to make horse-breeding pay.
327.
The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reporting on this
Show, says:—
The Deputy Commissioner asked me to place a Thoroughbred English stallion at Gogeira (where there is
stabling accommodation for one) and to replace the Norfolk Trotter stallion standing at Pakpattan by a good Arab.
This I hope to be able to do at the distribution of stallions in October next.
He further adds:—
I would strongly recommend that this Show be held again next year, but at an earlier date and at such a time
that it will not. clash with other Shows, and that it be included in the list of Horse Shows published annually by the
Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department.