25
"The Judging Committee this year was composed of the following officers:—
President:
A. H. T. Martindale, Esq.
Members:
Veterinary-Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. B. Hallen, Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department.
F. Moore, Esq., 3rd Bombay Cavalry.
E. J. Foy. Esq., Executive Engineer.
H. Clogstoun, Esq., District Superintendent of Police.
Secretary:
Lieutenant H. L. Showers, Assistant Agent to the Governor General in Rajputana.
"The Committee consider themselves specially fortunate in having the benefit of the
professional knowledge and advice of Colonel Hallen, who himself attended the fair
this year, and are obliged to him for the valuable assistance he rendered.
"The prizes were distributed and certificates signed by the President, A. Martindale
Esq., Commissioner of Ajmere, in the presence of a large assemblage, including Rao
Bahadur Singh of Masuda. Mr. Martindale, in his speech on the occasion, dwelt on the
causes that had militated against the complete success of the present fair. He also
expressed the hope that the Istimrardar Chiefs of the Ajmere District would at future
fairs more freely attend and encourage an institution of such public benefit and
importance.
"The Committee have also to thank Captain A. F. DeLaessae, C. M. G., C. I. E.,
District Magistrate of Ajmere and Chairman of the District Board, for his liberality in
kindly placing at their disposal a sum of Rs. 50 from District Funds to be awarded as
prizes for the best horses brought to the fair and not purchased for Government, army,
or police. This amount was utilized in giving tea prizes of Rs. 5 each to 10 horses
selected from among 100 or more that competed. Out of these ten, one horse was an
Irani, 7 were Marwari, and 2 Kathiawari.
"General Remarks.—The
horses shown were for the most part of the Marwara breed.
Returns were received from some of the officers purchasing remounts, but they added no
remark on the nature of the fair or the quality of the horses they purchased. The few
competing for prizes, however, were decidedly of a good quality. There was a good
number of colts and fillies, many of which were of promising appearance. Although the
classes of animals encouraged by Government were few in number and perhaps indifferent
in quality, taken all round the stamp of horse was much the same as that usually produced
at this fair."
As noted by Lieutenant A. G. Moore, the number of remounts available was small.
Probably the fact of the Jeypore Fair occurring shortly before prevented many horses
being brought to Pokhur. Moreover, the recent severe drought and the prevalence of
fever of a severe type throughout the surrounding districts led to many young horses not
being brought to the fair on account of their not being in good condition.
The class of remounts obtained at Pokhur is one admirably suited for Native Cavalry,
averaging from 14-1 to 14-3 in height, and possessing great quality, and as a rule good
legs.
The arrangements for the horse show were, as usual, most satisfactory. The officers of
the Agency in Rajputana invariably take much interest in this fair, and I have to express
my best thanks for the cordial co-operation which I have ever received during the many
years I have officially attended this fair.
Sonepore Fair.
This horse show and fair was held from 28th October to 11th November 1892.
The Chairman in his full report notes: "The show was extensively advertised in the
newspapers, together with copies of the prospectus and rules as approved. English
and Hindi notices were also posted in conspicuous places for general information.
Major H. N. Webb, President.
Captain W. H. Gunn, Superintend-
ent, Civil Veterinary Department.
Dr. Whitwell.
Mr. E. B. Abbott.
Mr. R. S. Lockhart.
"A Judging Committee, consisting of the marginally
noted members, was formed for awarding prizes to
horses at the fair, and the Officiating Collector was the
Secretary.
"A place was marked out for the. exhibition of horses, and the exhibitors were provid-
ed with tickets made of stout cardboard for tying round the horses' necks.
"The judging for prizes of goldings, mares, and yearlings was held on Saturday, the
5th November 1892, from 1-30 P.M. to sunset, and again on Sunday, the 6th, from 7 to 11
A.M. The British Service remounts and Bengal Cavalry were examined on the 7th and