8
" The Waziris also came in greater numbers than last year, the number of animals
brought in by them being 105. Some cavalry sowars joined in the sports. Among
the official visitors may be included the names of Mr. F. B. Drage, Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, Punjab, and Lieutenant Wake, 10th Bengal Lancers.
"As was to be expected, the number of animals brought in has nearly trebled,
and it is believed the fair will gain still more popularity in future years. The number of
animals selected for competition is a little above 42 per cent. of the total number brought
in. A much larger number might have been fairly admitted to the competition, so far
as soundness is concerned ; but as the prizes were comparatively few, it was desirable to
keep down the number of selected competitors.
"Of the animals exhibited, the branded mares in foal formed a very large
class. Class I B was also a useful class of branded mares with well developed foals
at foot. Class II (branded fillies) was a very useful class of well grown fillies. Class II
A was a fair class. Class III B was an extremely good class. Yearlings formed a very
nice class, were well grown and cared for. Class III C (unbranded mares and fillies) was
the largest in the show. These were included in the prize competition, as horse breeding
operations have hitherto been confined to the Isakhel and Mianwali tahsils alone, and
people from the other tahsils had brought in the greater number of animals.
"A stallion for the Bannu tahsil of the district was much wanted, and one Govern-
ment stallion was received in December 1892, and accommodated in the stable
built for the purpose by the Municipal Committee of Edwardesabad. The Superintend-
ent, Civil Veterinary Department, has promised to send a zilladar to the district, and this
additional encouragement will, it is believed, help to increase the branded stock.
"The Waziri class contained a good many nice horses. Seventy-four mares were
presented for branding, and of these 31 were branded and the rest rejected, being under
age or unfit for branding.
"Of the 96 prizes, 27 worth Rs. 254 in all were won by Malik Yar Mahomed Khan
of Kalabagh, and 11 prizes worth Rs. 112 fell to the lot of Abdul Rahman Khan and
Mahomed Newaz Khan, the two brothers of Isakhel. These gentlemen brought in a great
number of animals at considerable expense and trouble; but it must be borne in mind
that they have the free services of a stallion maintained at Government expense, while
their brethren in the upper part of the district have hitherto not had this privilege.
"Five horses and 3 geldings were sold to the Cavalry for remounts, the average price
realized being Rs. 194. The highest price realized was Rs. 262 and the lowest Rs. 149.
In addition to these, 10 animals were sold to the public at an average price of Rs. 93,
the highest and lowest rates being respectively Rs. 310 and Rs. 50.
"The management of the horse show was placed in the hands of Mr. Bridges, Dis-
trict Judge, and to the interest which he took in it is due much of the success. Mr.
Close, District Superintendent of Police, gave much assistance and made excellent police
arrangements. I desire to thank Captain Murray and the other officers of the garrison who
acted as Judges, and Mr. Drage, Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, who gave
all possible help in judging and in persuading the owners to have their mares branded.
"Mr. Drage expressed himself well pleased with the show of horses, and considered
that the amount of prize money awarded was very small considering the quality and
number of horses exhibited. I trust that for next year's horse show the Government will
be able to largely increase the grant. In this year, the second of the show, the number
of horses brought for exhibition has grown from 405 to 1,150. This increase promises well
for the future, and I think that the Bannu Horse Show may now be considered as well
deserving of encouragement."
The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department (Veterinary-Lieutenant Drage), in
his report on the show, notes: " Remembering that this is the second horse show held in
Bannu, it is impossible to speak too highly of it. There was an immense increase in the
number of animals attending over last year, and all the zemindars seemed very keen,
and took the greatest interest in everything connected with the show.
" All the classes filled well, especially so when it is remembered that this is the first
year Government money has been given in prizes.
" The extra class for unbranded mares was an enormous one, and the judges had the
greatest difficulty in selecting the 12 best animals. They were chiefly large roomy mares,
with lots of bone, and, considering the numbers, remarkably sound. Thorough-breds and
Arabs should nick well with these mares, the Norfolk Trotters being kept for those districts
where the mares are smaller.
" I was able to brand several of these mares in the afternoon after the judging.
" No British Remount Officer attended the show, but I believe several animals were
purchased after the judging for the Punjab Cavalry.
" I would strongly urge that more Government money be given in prizes another
year, as I consider it has a great future before it in horse-breeding if properly encour-
aged by Government. In fact, although it is the first year that the show has been