29
It is pleasing to find the Australians furnishing such a large proportion of
British Cavalry stock, as it proves that they are giving bone.
195. Remarking on the young stock purchased, Captain Turner states:—
"The horses exhibited at this Fair are certainly superior in numbers and quality to those I have seen at
any other Fair: considering, however, the large number of young stock presented, I am disappointed that I
was unable to find a larger number suitable to my requirements. The prices run very high."
The main point to be considered in these remarks is contained in the last
paragraph, and noting on this the Superintendent states:—
"I know the only unsuitable point about several youngsters not bought by the Remount Agent was the
price."
This emphasises my remarks made on some of the Shows held in the North-
Western Provinces that breeders find better markets than that offered by
Government.
196. The average price paid by the Native Cavalry for the 32 remounts
purchased, was R275.
197. The Lahore dealers purchased 70—mainly remounts—at this Show and
with other small dealers the number thus bought was probably about 150.
198. Mule-breeding is actually making a start in Baluchistan which I
never thought it would. Thirty-five mares competed for prizes this year all of
which had been covered by donkey stallions.
SIND.
Jacobabad (Sind)
Horse Show.
199. This Show suffered materially from the prevailing scarcity, many of
the excellent brood mares and young stock from the Garani country in Baluchi-
stan were not present as no food or water could be obtained on the road.
200. The superiority of stock by Thoroughbred English stallions was main-
tained, but the Superintendent states:—
"The Thoroughbred Australian stallions and Arabs are both doing good work. This year, 18 prizes were
awarded to the progeny of Thoroughbred Australian horses as against 8 last year, and stock by the Arab sires
secured 44 as against 28 last year. Thoroughbred English stock took 37."
201. The Remount Agent obtained 7 head of stock but as Captain Gough
had purchased 6 in the district recently, the number 13 is the same as last year.
202. Thirty-five remounts were bought by Native Cavalry as against 34
last year. Police purchased 44 against 22 last year.
203. The general opinion of Native Cavalry Officers was that the stock was
good but that the numbers were small. This is accounted for by the prevail-
ing scarcity, but it is pleasing to note that so many remounts were obtained.
Nearly all remounts were locally bred. The average price paid for Native
Cavalry remounts was R288.
204. Mule-breeding continues to make satisfactory progress in Sind. On
this subject the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
"Sub-dividing mule classes according to age, was also thoroughly appreciated by breeders. I was instructed
to buy mules at this show for the Commissariat Department but being ordered not to purchase under 4
years of age and not to exceed R150 in price, I was quite unable to purchase any. Seventeen mules were
shown in the three year old class, 15 of which were purchased by the 5th Bombay Cavalry; over R150 were paid
for some of these, so it is hardly to be expected the Commissariat Department will get them a year older for
less money. Most of these mules will develop into 1st class Baggage mules."
205. Great alterations were this year made in the classification of animals
and the introduction of two closed classes for Sind breeders which gave great
satisfaction and will doubtless tend to improve horse-breeding in that Province.
Moro Horse Show.
206. Under the existing orders regarding the preparation of the Annual
Administration Report of this Department, I would not allude to this Show, were
it not that as horse and mule-breeding are in their infancy in the Hyderabad
District of Sind, I deem it advisable to make a few remarks.
207. Two points require attention in this district before success can be ex-
pected, and in a letter to the Commissioner in Sind I stated:—
"(a) Castration.—I regret to find that only 2 geldings competed for the prizes offered. Veterinary
Assistants have been appointed to the various districts in Sind; they are skilful operators and
no fees are charged I trust that every endeavour will be made to develop this most necessary
adjunct to horse-breeding as without it the Government stallions will not be used.