54

Amritsar
(Dewali) Fair.

278. This Fair was held from 20th to 29th October 1897, when 5,188
horses, &c., were present as compared with 6,397 last year. I place but little
reliance on these figures as being in any way a guide to the number of remounts
obtainable, as there is always so much rubbish brought to this Fair that no calcula-
tion based on numbers present are at all reliable, still we must remember that
Amritsar is the big horse market of Northern India and that in this way it has to
supply the wants of the public as well as those of the services. To give an idea of
the trade done at the Dewali Fair, I would quote the following extract from the
report by the Deputy Commissioner:—

As much as Rs. 600 was paid for a Country-bred horse.

279.     One hundred and five (105) remounts were purchased by Native
Cavalry; 3 head of young stock by Major Goad for the Army Remount Depart-
ment; but in addition to these, Native States obtained 97 remounts.

280.     Naturally at a Fair of this size there is much difference of opinion
expressed by Remount Officers. These opinions are epitomised by the Deputy
Commissioner as follows:—

I would note here some rather contradictory views recorded by, purchasing Officers which on the whole, however,
arc favorable to the Fair.

While one purchaser speaks of the horses exhibited as rather a small lot and another that he could get very few
remounts of the proper ages, one purchaser considers them as decidedly better and another, who had not seen an
Amritsar Fair for 14 years says:—' I feel I am in a position to fully realize the very great improvement in stock.'

281.     Various complaints are constantly made as to the management of this
Fair, but the opinions expressed are so greatly at variance that I have recommended
that if a sufficiently representative body of Native Cavalry Officers could be
assembled at the Bysakhi Fair, it would be advisable to call a meeting to decide
what is actually required. Take for example the complaint which is made by some
Officers that no classification is attempted, and that horses suitable for remounts
should be collected in one place; this recommendation is strongly objected to by
others on the grounds that if this were done it would bring all purchasing Officers
in too close contact, and it would tend to increase competition. As, however, it is
necessary to give every facility to purchasing Officers in order to encourage trade
in this large horse market, I trust that Remount Officers will have been given an
opportunity to discuss their requirements with the Civil Authorities.

282.     At the earnest request of the District Authorities prizes are again awarded
to brood mares and young stock at Amritsar. The annual grant had been
withdrawn, as at Batesar, on the grounds that this was a purely dealers' Fair. I
cannot say that I am of opinion that the renewal of these prizes has been a success,
as only 42 animals competed.

283.     I feel I cannot close the review of this Fair without recording my deep
regret at the loss which this Department has sustained by the death of
Mr. Nicholl, C. I. E., the late Municipal Secretary. He had done much to foster the
horse trade at Amritsar, and was always anxious to meet the wishes of this
Department and those of Remount Officers. I feel that, by the death of this
Officer, this Department has lost a warm supporter.

Amritsar
(Bysakhi) Fair.

284.     This Fair was certainly not equal to that of last year; there were only
3,773 horses present against 5,049 in 1897. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
Department, attributes the decrease to the number of animals lately purchased for the
Frontier Expeditions, and to famine. He further states that the falling off was
mainly due to the small number of the poorer class of horse stock which attended
on this occasion.

285.     Remount Rolls were submitted by only 3 regiments, but the Superintend-
ent, Civil Veterinary Department, gives 5 others as having been present from
whom no rolls were received. I consider that the Superintendent should have
applied to these regiments for them, and he has been informed that incomplete
reports should not be submitted.

286.     The 3 regiments above alluded to bought 53 remounts, to which can
be added 10 purchased by others, making a total of 63. This is a small number