42

Rawalpindi
Horse Fair.

157. This fair was held from 1st to 3rd April 1895, and although there was
a slight falling off in the total number of animals present—the numbers being
2,228 last year and 2,143 this year—still the number that competed for
prizes was greater by 7 than in 1894.

158. The war preparations for Chitral accounts for the absence of a great
number of horses, as a rumour was spread amongst the people that horses would
be impressed by Government.

159. The fact that many remounts were removed before the judging day
reduced the number competing for prizes.

160. The Commissariat Department are also reported to have made exten-
sive purchases outside the fair, ground.

161. The Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department, was present
throughout the fair, and was pleased to note the quality of the stock exhibited.
On this point, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, remarks:—

" I am pleased to say that the quality was very well represented, the old and young branded
mares being exceptionally good, though I should like to see a Thoroughbred strain largely
infused into the stock of the Rawalpindi district."

162. From Rolls of Remounts received, it would appear that the fol-
lowing were purchased :—

The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states :—

" I regret to say that though all possible means have been taken to acquaint purchasing offi-
cers of the contents of Government of India's Circular No. 20-138, dated 22nd October 1894,
several remounts purchased by Native cavalry purchasing officers were immediately removed from
the fair, consequently the Judging Committee had no chance of forming an idea of their quality or
fitness."

The Secretary to the Fair Committee also brings to notice the fact that
purchases made on behalf of the 10th Bengal Lancers and the Patiala Imperial
Service Troops were removed before the judging commenced.

This is greatly to be regretted, particularly as special arrangements have
been made whereby remounts are judged by the Committee at any time, in
order to prevent their detention at shows or fairs.

I regret to have to record the fact that the officers mentioned above, not
only removed their remounts without giving notice, but also sent in such in-
complete rolls that it is impossible to ascertain what class of remounts were
obtained.

The most perfect arrangements were made for Remount Officers attend-
ing this show. A tent and a roped enclosure were specially set aside for
their accommodation. A Zilladar was warned to be in constant attendance
to afford all information as to sires of produce, and notices were posted all
over the fair informing these officers that the Committee would give first
attention to the judging of remounts brought up for competition, in order to
afford facility for the removal of their purchases.

The constant infringement of orders by the Native Cavalry Remount officers
attending horse fairs and shows will have again to be brought to the notice
of the Government of India.

163. A great feature of the fair was the great number of mules present;
many of these were sold to the Remount Agent and Transport Department, but
it is to be regretted that no information, as to the number purchased by each
Department, is obtainable. In all, 1,168 mules were sold at this fair, and I
cannot but record my very high opinion of the quality of the mules exhi-
bited.

164. The donkeys were of exceptional quality, and, as will be seen by re-
ference to the donkeys purchased by the Department during the year under
review, many excellent jacks were obtained.

165. The general arrangements were perfect, and those made for treatment
of sick animals left nothing to be desired.