67
2 smaller Arabs, to cover small mares, had been allotted to Baluchis-
tan.
This year:—
2 Thoroughbred English,
3 Thoroughbred Australians,
3 Arabs,
have been allotted, and these horses must stamp their stock. I therefore trust
that the Remount Agent will in future years be able to note an improvement
in quality.
Major Butler, Commanding 6th Bombay Cavalry, states that the locally-
bred horses show a decided improvement. This is very satisfactory, as, of
course, our first object is to foster horse-breeding in our own territory.
Captain Belli-Bivar, 7th Bombay Cavalry, says:—
"A few very good horses, but prices very high for them."
404. As, however, this officer states that all but one, was up to the aver-
age, and as 7 of his purchases were four years of age, and 9 from 5 to 7 years,
and as his average was only R260-10, I do not think he has much to com-
plain of.
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis, Commanding 5th Bombay Cavalry, states:—
"Taken all round, the remounts purchased this year wore quite up to the standard of former years, but the
field of selection was much smaller and consequently the prices paid were high."
405. As, however, more horses were present than last year, I cannot
understand how the field of selection was smaller, for the quality of the indi-
genous stock was better, and that of the Trans-frontier horses was about the
same.
406. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, remarks very
forcibly on the inadequate allotment for prizes. To exemplify this statement,
he shows that in the Brood Mare class, 60 competed for R120 and in the
Yearling Gelding class, 65 competed for R40. He further adds: —
" Considering the immense harvest the Quetta-Pishin District reaps by the sale of lucerne, bhusa, and grain
to some hundreds of horses that stand there for several weeks before the fair, I think a local grant, at least
equal to the Imperial grant, should be made towards prizes for the horse classes."
407. It would appear that even the sum of R100 promised did not fall to
the share of the horse classes. I have addressed the Agent to the Governor
General on the matter, and have informed him that I shall, if possible, recom-
mend the grant of R1,000 from Imperial Funds, but at the same time I have
expressed a hope that the amount will be increased by local contributions. The
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, has also suggested that the
Khan of Khelat should be asked to contribute a certain amount annually;
this recommendation commends itself to me, as the Khan's subjects
derive the greatest benefit from the Imperial grant, as 20 Imperial stallions
are maintained in that Agency at the cost of Government. This question
is one which must be left to the decision of the Agent to the Governor General,
to whom it has been referred.
An increase is undoubtedly called for, as all the officers Commanding
Regiments of Sindh Cavalry, wish a sum of R200 to be allotted as prizes
for Northern horses in order to stimulate the importation of this class of
Remount.
Sibi Horse
Show.
408. The Sibi Show was held from 4th to 7th January 1897, and a distinct
falling off in the numbers of locally-bred stock was noticeable ; this, however,
was mainly due to so many branded mares and fillies not having been
brought in; for the number of young stock that was exhibited only showed
a falling-off of 42, there being 298 present this year.
409. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, accounts for the
smaller attendance this year as follows: —
"Owing to there being no rains slat year in Kachi, fodder is very short and many breeders have sent
their stock to Sind.
"The Sind Show being held within five days of Sibi, many of the Magassi horses, as well as those
which were sent from Kachi to Sind, could only attend the latter Show."