Congested Districts Board (Scotland) (1897-1911)

McElfish, writing from Lochmaddy, North Uist, informs Ewart that his application has not been granted as he had previously thought; rather, his petition has been sent to Lord Lovat for his official report. He asks Ewart to try to enlist the sympathies of the Congested Districts Board.

MacDonald states that he does not require the young stallion back and asks Ewart to let him know if anyone wishes to buy another of his stallions. He speculates that the Congested Districts Board might pay him a premium for the use of either of his stallions as studs to the crofters' ponies.

Forsyth confirms that his colleagues have agreed to the purchase of four of Ewart's ponies and the stud farm subject to certain conditions. Forsyth recommends that Ewart contact John Ritchie to engage him under terms recommended by Lord Arthur Cecil.

Forsyth welcomes Ewart back from his travels in Mexico and states that he is enclosing a letter from Cecil about the ponies (which are in the process of being purchased by the Congested Districts Board). He makes arrangements to see Ewart.

Forsyth reports that the Congested Districts Board are now ceasing to breed ponies for the crofters as they believe they now have enough stock to keep them going. He thinks that the Board would be happy to purchase the ponies 'Fatima II' and 'Rhona' with their foals and agrees with Ewart that a Highland Pony Society should be formed to make for fairer judging between different breeds.

Forsyth asks Ewart to accompany him to Monkstadt (the experimental farm of the Congested Districts Board) to see the ponies. He also wishes to consult him about the some public allegations that the Congested Districts Board are reviving the Highland ponies by crossing them.

Forsyth instructs Ewart not to answer the recent letter in The Oban Times from a J. Macleod. He reports that Maclean of Nunton wants £25 to £30 premium for his stallion to serve in Benbecula but he has instructed the office of the Congested Districts Board not to offer more than £10. He is buying the yellow dun mare from Ritchie and will send for the Connemara pony. He concludes that there will be no Scottish Land Legislation this year.

Forsyth informs Ewart that William Laidlaw of Kinellan, Strathpeffer, will accompany him to the Ullapool district. His wife has sent Ewart last week's Oban Times containing an anonymous attack on the Congested Districts Board.

Forsyth provides some family details and information about the meeting of the Congested Districts Board at which Forsyth argued the case for Ewart's 'Pony Report'. He also reports meeting with the new Secetary of State for Scotland, 'Tullibardine' of Blair Atholl and a pony salesman.