142 Journal of Agriculture. [8 March, 1907. 



and the weight of opinion in its favour preponderates largely over that 

 against. For instance, of some 44 correspondents to the Argus newspaper, 

 24 expressed themselves a^. in favour of the Government scheme, twelve 

 others were opposed to the scheme, and eight were neutral on the point. 

 It is true that of these same correspondents three only favoured the use 

 of Welsh pony stallions direct for the breeding of Indian remounts; but 

 it must be remembered that the object of the Government scheme is rather 

 to add weight and bone to the present type of mares, in order that the 

 progenv, on being put to a thoroughbred, may get the animal suitable for 

 the Indian trade. Again, decided opmions in favour of the scheme have 

 been expressed at meetings in different parts of the countrv. and notably 

 at a meeting at Nhill, at which the favorable opinion was emlx)died in the 

 form of a resolution. 



A number of applications have already been received bv the Department 

 for the hire of the stallions when available. These appFications have been 

 from individuals, and also from Agricultural Societies and other bodies. 

 It should be remembered that the object aimed at in this scheme is to 

 establish a stallion-breeding stud which w^ould produce animafs continuously 

 for leasing purposes. In regard to thoroughbreds and Clydesdales, this 

 object is being attained by private enterprise, and it is questionable whether 

 the Government could in anv way improve matters By adooting the.se breeds. 

 While it is admitted that the Arab stallion is very suitable for the purpose 

 desired, it is not feasible for the Government to establish an Arab stud 

 that would make Arab stallions continuously available, the reason being 

 that under the present conditions it is practically impossible to obtain 

 pure Arab mares. Therefore, if a continuous scheme of leasing is to be 

 carried on, a continuous scheme of purchase of stallions would be neces- 

 sary. Given that the selection and the purchase is placed in reliable hands, 

 the scheme for the importation of stallion cobs still stands as the most 

 feasible method for the utilization of the grant.'" 



At this stage Mr. S. O. Wood, V.S., who was about to leave on a 

 visit to Europe, intimated his willingness to act in an honorary capacity 

 for the Government while in England in the matter of selecting the animals 

 required, and his services w'ere accepted. 



The exact scope of Mr. Wood's mission will be best gathered from the 

 appended extracts from his letter of commission: — 



" Having reference to vour offer to assist the Government of this State 

 in the matter of the selection in England of a number oi stallions and 

 mares for importation here, I beg to inform you that the Government has 

 accepted your services in this regard, and I ha\e now the honour to submit 

 to vou the following suggestions for your guidance and instruction: — 



" That the sum of monev to be expended in purchasing should not 

 exceed ^2,400 or thereabouts, so that a balance of -f,6oo out of the 

 ^3,000 made available bv the Honorable the Treasurer mav be kept to 

 meet the expenses of purchase, shipment, and insurance. 



" That your attention should be directed in the first instance to the 

 carrying out of the scheme advised by the Committee on Horse-breeding, 

 and assented to conditionallv by the Cabinet, viz. : — The purchase of 

 animals of the Welsh cob l>reed. 14 hands high (or thereabouts) and up- 

 wards, of stout build, vigorousi, with good actio.n -<ind qualitv, all even in 

 type (and, if possible, colour), so that they may form the nucleus of a 

 standard and typical stud capable of ultimatelv effecting the object the 



