27
absence of some of the best breeders with regret, still I can safely say that
during the many years I have known this Fair I have never seen a better collec-
tion of mares and young stock; the latter especially were noticeable for their
quality. The owner of a filly two years of age—by "Blarneystone "Thorough-
bred Australian—refused R1,000 for her as he preferred keeping her for breed-
ing.
178. The increase in the number of remounts purchased when compared
with last year, was most satisfactory. The numbers stand as follows:—
Army Remount Department
Native Cavalry
1899 .
1900.
1899 .
1900 .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1
6
16
36
Remarking on the Native Cavalry remounts, the Special Judging Com-
mittee state:—
"Taken all round the best yet seen at any Fair. The first two by Thoroughbred English sires."
The prices ruled high, the average being R295.
179. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, in submitting his
report gives some valuable information regarding the disposal of stock. He
shows that the Lahore dealers purchased 55 horses between the ages of three
and six years and that many were bought by smaller dealers.
180. He further shows that 1,267 mules were purchased, of which no less
than 768 were taken across the border and that of this number, 684 were
under two years of age.
The following were purchased for Military purposes:—
Army Remount Department
.
Commissariat Department
.
Bharatpur Transport Corps
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
36
.
31
.
39
181. Remarking on the exodus of mules to Swat, the Deputy Commis-
sioner states:—
"It seems to me a matter of regret that 871 horses, mules and donkeys should find their way to Swat.
I don't, however, see how this could be prevented under the circumstances, but I think the question is one
worth considering whether it is not contrary to public policy to allow transport animals to be removed from
the country in large numbers."
182. The Special Judging Committee reports as follows:—
Shahpur Horse
Show.
"With few exceptions, the stock in this district is in the hands of one or two very wealthy owners. The
result being that the young stock shown were very well grown and cared for. If any improvement could be
made, perhaps a larger infusion of Arab blood would result in a better stamp of animal for remount purposes.
The stock at present is more of a racing than a weight carrying stamp. Another noticeable point in the
brood mares generally speaking was that they were a bit, leggy and short in the croup. The original country-
bred fault which had not been eradicated before the introduction of the Thoroughbred strain. The success
of 'Salient' T.B.A was most noticeable, many of his stock coming well to the front. Forty-eight remounts
of good stamp and quality were obtained in the Fair. The small proportion of those over three years of age is
accounted for by an officer having been round the district and having purchased a good many in January.
As Malik Umar Hyat Khan and Malik Khuda Baksh have been the only competitors for the silver medal for
many years past, the Committee decided this year to withhold the medal from them and give it to a smaller
owner to encourage the rest to go in for horse-breeding. The medal was therefore given to Malik Mahmud
Muzaffar Khan."
183. Of the 48 remounts stated as having been purchased, 8 were young
stock bought by the Army Remount Department and 40 were Native Cavalry
remounts. The average price paid for the latter was R297.
184. I quite agree with the remarks made by the Special Judging Com-
mittee that the fact that such large studs exist in this district, tends to
discourage smaller breeders. Great care was exercised to enforce the rule
whereby large breeders are only allowed to take one prize in each class and I
was glad to see the decision arrived at by the Committee regarding the award
of the silver medal.
185. Attention will be paid to the suggestion of the Committee regarding
the want of more Arabs in this district.
186. It is satisfactory to note that the Australian sires are doing good work
in this district. Two head of stock by "Salient" T. B. A. were purchased by
the Remount Agent who states:—
"I consider the stock exhibited at this Fair very good. Generally speaking, the horses strike me as
having bigger bone and more substance than those shown at other Fairs. There were no mules suitable for
baggage or ordnance."
E 2