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" Veterinary assistants were in charge of the space allotted for the isolation and
treatment of sick animals, and an assistant in charge of the temporary hospital opened
on the fair ground; but fortunately the health of the animals was good, and no admission
took place.
" The ground on which the fair is held affords ample space, is well wooded, and has a
large tank with easy slopes leading into it.
" The principal causes leading to the small number of animals that changed hands,
viz., 175, and the prices realized, amounting in the aggregate to Rs. 21,706-8-0, are ( 1 ), as
the figures themselves indicate, cheapness when compared with the sales and amount
realized in the previous year ; (2) the non-presence of a large number of traders, who,
satisfied with, or having completed their requirements from, fairs held at the Sialkot and
Jhelum districts, did not come in—a great many of the animals purchased by them in
the former districts were stock of this district; and (3) to the Deputy Commissioner
of Jhelum having stopped the people from bringing their animals to the Gujrat Fair.
" It is to be the more regretted that, when the Government had appointed the fair at
Gujrat for the adjoining districts of Jhelum and Sialkot as well, an order of the kind alluded
to should have issued; and I do not think that this practice is one that will encourage
horse-breeding, since the people are disheartened with the order and with reason,
considering that the Gujrat Fair is an institution dating from 1883, when it was decided
it should be for the three districts, viz., Gujrat, Sialkot, and Jhelum.
" I do not see how such an order could have been passed. Luckily the increase in
numbers present at the fair at Gujrat this year is proof sufficient of its popularity,
and there is not the slightest chance that the number will decrease or fall off, even
if the authorities of Jhelum give orders that breeders should not attend it.
"I recommend that Rs. 1,400 be the Imperial allotment next year for prizes."
The Commissioner (S. S. Thorburn, Esq.) in a note, remarks: " Considering that the
aggregate money spent on purchases at the fair was only Rs. 21,706-8-0, I do not think
that it was very successful. Total receipts from fees were under Rs. 472. If Jhe-
lum, which is a better horse-breeding district, wants to have a fair, it should be allowed
aid, and a fair share of prize money should be allotted. Sialkot, Gujrat, and Jhelum
cannot well all three have fairs in March in the same year. They might have alternate
years, or Sialkot fair (which is also a cattle fair) might be in the autumn, and the other
two districts have a fair every second year in March.
" In regard to the Deputy Commissioner of Gujrat's statement that Jhelum horse-breed-
ers were prevented attending the Gujrat show, the Deputy Commissioner of Jhelum has
noted: "There is not the slightest foundation for the assertion made by the Deputy
Commissioner, Gujrat, that I prevented breeders or horse-owners of this district from
attending the Gujrat Fair.
" I issued no orders and expressed no wish of any kind regarding the fair at Gujrat.
" More than this, I fixed the date of this fair at the request of the horse-owners
solely in order to fit in with the Gujrat Fair, and to enable owners to take their stock on
direct to Gujrat without having to take them back to their homes and wait.
" I think the Deputy Commissioner, Gujrat, should have been more sure of his facts
before entering reports of this kind in an official report and commenting on them.
"I ask that he be called on to state where he obtained his information."
The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department (Mr. Drage), reports : " I was able
to brand a few fairly useful mares during the two days, but I regret to say I never saw
one single brood mare that could be classed as 'very good.'"
It is be regretted that the good brood mares of Gujrat were not brought to this
exhibition. There are doubtless very many excellent branded brood mares in the district.
Probably, as the Commissioner notes, the fact of horse shows having come off in Sialkot,
Gujrat, and Jhelum, all in March, caused the decrease in the number of stock at each
show. Notice was not given to the Civil Veterinary Department regarding the Jhelum
show until a very short time before the event. This year it is believed that Jhelum will
not have a show, as no notice has been received in this Department; and as it has been
arranged for the Sialkot Horse Show to come off on the 1st and 2nd of March, and the
Gujrat show on the 9th and 10th idem, so it may be expected that they will not affect
each other. The month of March is one much in favor by breeders for exhibition, as they
can at that time of the year by feeding on green crops have their stock in good show
condition.
Hansi Horse Fair.
This, the first show held at Hansi, came off on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of October.
The Deputy Commissioner (Captain C. G. Parsons) reports: "For a first fair
it was deemed a considerable success, and hopes are entertained that next year it
will be larger and more successful. Four hundred and thirteen animals of all classes
attended the fair.