59
Lahore Horse
Show.
334. This show was held on 26th and 27th March 1897, and cannot be said
to have proved a success. One thing which must always militate against the
success of this show is the fact that the dealers are always very active just
before the show commences, and that they buy up all the best animals in
the districts; this year, of course, things were worse than usual, owing to
famine.
335. Only 713 animals were present against 1,018 last year, but there
was an increase in the number that competed for prizes, the numbers being
247 against 220 in 1895-96.
336. The branded mare and filly classes filled well, and amongst them
the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department reports that many were
fine mares with at least one strain of English or Arab blood.
337. Five head of stock were purchased by the Remount Agent at an
average cost of R300, and two remounts were purchased by the 15th Bengal
Lancers at R270 each. On this point, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
Department, remarks:—
"I hear that many horses that had been bought by dealers before the show commenced were bought for
Native Cavalry."
338. The Senior Military Member of the Special Judging Committee, in
his report on this show, states:—
"More thoroughbred English and Australian stallions are required and less Norfolk Trotters,"
The Deputy Commissioner, in forwarding this report, says:—
"I entirely concur in Major Stockley's remarks, and I sincerely trust that efforts will be made to supply
more thoroughbred or Arab stallions to the Lahore district, where the brood mares are so good."
339. I have explained to the Director of Land Records and Agriculture,
that every effort will be made to meet the wishes of every district, but that
as this complaint is general, each district must take its share of Norfolk
Trotters until the present number on our strength is lessened.
Multan Horse
Show.
340. I am especially pleased to find that, notwithstanding scarcity, this
show suffered but little. Last year fodder was very scarce in this district so
that the breeders have had two bad seasons to face, and the success which
attended this show is all the more pleasing, inasmuch as horse-breeding in
this district had visibly declined up to 1894, since when there has been a
revival, and this show is, I think sufficient proof that it is being maintained.
341. Two pleasing features which impressed themselves on my mind,
were:—
1st. — That the mares and young stock were presented in much
better condition, and gave evidence of more care being bestowed
on them; this is a marked improvement, for the breeders of
this district have always been inclined to neglect their young
stock.
2nd. —The quality of the young stock showed a marked improvement;
this is no doubt due to the fact that all but two hackneys have
been removed from the district. The best stock in the show was
by "Pahara" and "Jusra" both Arabs. There can be no doubt
that stallions of this class nick better than any others with the
mares of this district. I gave orders that the two hackneys
should be transferred.
342. In making this change, I know that I am frequently accused of
reversing the policy of my predecessor ; but with no wish to effect any sudden
change, I am compelled to do so in order to meet the wishes of the breeders.
On this subject, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
"Generally speaking, however, there was a decided want of quality and far too much Norfolk Trotter
blood, due to the fact that a few years ago most of the Government sires located in this district were of this
class. More than one strain of the Norfolk Trotter in my experience is not desirable, and only thoroughbred
English or Australian and Arabs should in future be allotted to this district."