The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1913. TROOP HORSES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 60, 13 March 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1913. TROOP HORSES.

Australia is probably the most horseloving country in the world, and yet the supply of horses required for military purposes is proving limited. To such an extent lias this become‘apparent that it has been decided to place a sum on the estimates to provide for the foundation of a national horse supply. Hundreds of horses are required annually for thp permanent artillery, which is being increased every year, for the remount depots,] and for various other branches of the service. The Government at present is paying £3O per head for animals, many of which are far from being satisfactory and are below the standaid required. In Britain, singularly there is a similar outcry, and military correspondents state that tiro Home authorities express grave concern at the serious shrinkage in the number of horses available for army remounts, and strong representations are being made to the Government to prohibit as far as possible the export of horses by agents of foreign Governments. For several years past, it is stated, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia have been draining the English markets of their best stallions and mares. The army of France, when mobilised, requires 030,000 horses, and as many as 13,000 remounts are bought nually from the breeder, the type of horse used being based on the English thoroughbred plus the Arab. One Australian who has been investigating the problem recommends as a solution that the practical management of the Commonwealth Government stud, or studs, should bo loft in the hands of a commission of live practical breeders, who could select suitable areas for the farms. Each State might be divided into as many districts as the commissioners should think necessary, and a system of premiums for stallions founded. Horse shows with awards large enough to secure the entry of high-class animals would help on the desired end.