42
The result of this must be that if this procedure on the part of the dealers and such
Remount officers as forestalled the fair continues, the future of the fair will be doomed.
This matter has been thoroughly discussed with the importers. They clearly see the
danger ahead of them, and have themselves suggested that an order should be issued prohibit-
ing the sale of imported horses until ten days before the fair is advertised to commence.
He concludes by saying:—
The Committee can only reiterate that, unless an order to this effect is issued, the fate
of the Quetta Show, as regards northern horses, is sealed.
281. With this suggestion, the Agent to the Governor-General in Baluchi-
stan differs, and on this subject states:—
I cannot agree with the Committee in thinking it necessary to put any restriction on
the free sale of horses by confining the sales to certain dates, and am of opinion that the
remedy proposed would be worse than the disease, and that if enforced it would certainly ruin
the fair. All that seems necessary is a little combination amongst Cavalry officers and
a mutual trust in each other's bonâ fides and powers of judging horses.
282. The Agent to the Governor-General then proceeds to suggest that an
officer stationed at Chaman, or one from the Native Cavalry regiment stationed
at Quetta, might be deputed to Chaman for, say, 15 days before the annual
horse show commenced, and that this officer, having made himself acquainted
with the requirements of each regiment, should then purchase for all regiments
requiring remounts.
283. The Deputy Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Depart-
ment, however, states with reference to this proposal:—
This proposal, I am to remark, is practically one for the reintroduction of the old
Remount Purchasing Committee system which has been tried unsucessfully by the Military
authorities; and although this system is very good theoretically, the Government of India.
are convinced, from past experience, that it will not work in practice.
He further adds:—
His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief will be requested to inform officers command-
ing Native Cavalry regiments that the dealers forestalled their Remount officers last year by
purchasing at Pishin, and to suggest to them the advisability of trying to be first in the
market in future.
284. I certainly think that this is the only solution of the question—the
most enterprising will be sure to succeed. The same argument would apply
to nearly every show held. Dalals are posted some miles out on roads leading
to the place at which shows are held, and endeavour to buy before the horses
are brought in.
285. I doubt, however, if the Punjab dealers are in a position to give as
good prices as the Remount officers do; and I think that if the various Native
Cavalry regiments that propose to send purchasing officers to Quetta were
annually to acquaint the Political Agent with their intention, notices could
then be sent to the importers, informing them of the fact that so many regiments
would be represented at the horse show. This would, I feel certain, induce
many to hold out for better prices with the dealers.
A few such checks would in time, I think, deter the latter from proceeding
to Pishin with a view of forestalling the Remount officers.
286. With reference to the Committee's remark above quoted, that unless
an order preventing the sale of horses ten days before the show is issued,
the fate of the Quetta Show is sealed, I would point out that one of its
primary objects is that of fostering the horse-breeding industry of Baluchistan.
This, I think, should not be lost sight of. Already I have shown that 323
brood-mares and fillies were exhibited, and that 29 remounts purchased were
the produce of Government sires.
287. There appears, from the various reports received, great danger that
this important point will be overshadowed by the question of the northern
horse trade.
Sibi
Horse
Show.
288. This show was held from 9th to 14th February 1894; and although
the actual numbers competing fell from 1,332 in 1893 to 1,196 on this occasion,
still the show may be said to have been more successful than its predecessor, 121
remounts having been purchased against 98 last year.