HORSES FOR ARMY USE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19985, 10 July 1939, Page 13

HORSES FOR ARMY USE

IMPORTANCE OF SUPPLY GO.MAI ITT EE’S’ WORK CONFERENCE REPORT The importance cf thoroughbred torses in relation to military requirements was emphasised by the president of the Racing Conference, Mr. J. S. VTcLacd, in his annual report submitted to the conference in Wellington. Mr. McLeod pointed out that there was a distinct indication of a growing need for blooded horses for artillery and cavalry work, and that the sport of racing must consider this as part cf ’ts responsibility to the country. ‘“During the 12 months since this conference last assemble-’, we have been through some very anxious moments with the possibility of the great Empire, cf which we are a small unit, being involved in another great war,” said the president. “Such a catastrophe has been averted for the time being. Subsequent momentous happenings since the September crisis have awakened me oeace-loving democracies of the world to the danger of nations ruled by dictators. To be forewarned is to oe forearmed, and we cannot be termed war-mongers when we are forced to arm to be ready to fight to preserve freedom for, and the very existence of, our people.

Success Expected “I am pleased to report that the remount encouragement scheme, wnicn was inaugurated late last year, foi toe first time in New Zealand, has every opportunity of being the success anticipated for it. Thirty-seven .service districts, with remount committdes oi three members for each district, have been formed. The subsidised stallions numbered 32, and the mares served totalled just on 1000. It is too early yet to give any return of the number of foals’ but there is every reason, to believe .that there will be a fair percentage. “At this stage I desire to place on record the thanks of the conference to the members of the various district, remount committees for the splenu.d voluntary services being .rcndeied by them in making a success of this national .safety scheme. We also have to thank Major-General R. Young for the able manner in which he carried out the organising of the service districts, avid their remount committees. Horse Wins Back Its Place “It has been stated that as the result of lessons gathered on the Spanish battlefields, the horse has won back his place in the German artillery sphere, and the army of that nation is partially de-mechanising its artillery and has now 100.009 horses used in artillery and cavalry. Russia has been buying horses from East Prussia, France and Ireland during the past three years, in, an effort to bring the number ,of horses in that country up to the pre-war figure of 17,000,000.

“Once again you will be called upon to consider, and I earnestly trust adopt, the provision of at least one weight-for-age race—or a race at fixed weights according to age.—in the programme of any two-day meeting which is held within the period from September 1 to May 31 in any year. Unless clubs realise that they have a duty in encouraging the breeding of high-class horses, by the .provision of at least one weight-for-age race at a two-day meeting, 1 am fearful of their future prosperity. Such races should not ibe looked upon lor immediate monetary gain, ibut, on the other hand, should be 'treated as an insurance for the continuance of horse-breeding.”