THE FEATHER FANCY

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 228, 19 June 1908, Page 11

THE FEATHER FANCY

[Notes byDomino."] ■ POULTRY SHOWS. June 19, 20.—Auckland. Juno 23, 24, 25, 26. —Palmerstou North. July 2, 3, 4.—Wellington. July. 3, 4.—Newton. July 7, 8. —Carterton. July 8, 9.—Wanganui. July 8, 9, 10, 11. —Waikato. • July 10, 11.—Wairarapa. July 17, 18.—Hastings. ; July 23, 24, 25.—Taranaki. i July 28, 29.—Marton. August 6, 7—Taihape. During tho Christchurch show tho usual smoke-concert was held, and ivas attended by a very largo number of fanciers. Reference was made by several sneakers to tho effcct that the various specialist clubs had hadupon the Fancy in the South. Tho Wyandotte. ,Club, the newly-formed Christchurch Pigeon Club, and the Canary Club were eulogised, and those in a 'position to know wciro strong in their oninions that in the future very much good work would bo done by these clubs in the fray of furthering the good'work of fancicrs. Amongst the speakers was Mr. Hyde, the poultry expert, who ridiculed the idea that fanciers and utility breeders could not work side by .side. He. remarked: "Why, even utility men had time to admire a good-looking bird, and thero was. :iio'reason why they should, not visit tho fancier, when in search of good strains. Show birds numbered amongst them many possessing good laying qualities." "Another speaker, in responding to tho toast of, "The. South Island Poultry Association," remarked that the success of this, organisation was undoubtedly duo to showing a "stiff back," and he instanced casts where this had-proved, their salvation. I quite agree with these.remarks, and would like the execu- • tive of the sister association in this Island to note them. I do not wish to infer that our association: is "spineless," but. I certhink it requires to stiffen its back. I. amin hopes a good tonic will bo served out at-the annual meeting to be held in Wanganui ■ next month. I . liopo that tho incoming 'executive,, will strive to make tho • Association in tho future a real live body, commanding the respect of the Fancy, and whose authority will not Tie set at naught. I understand tho Christchurch Pigeon Club has had under consideration certain matters . in connection with tho pigeon classes at tho recent southern show, namely,' tho unfair trimming'of birds, and has decided to' issue a circular to all interested with a hint that in future such practices will<not bo allowed. It .seems to mo thero is material here for the proposed Magpie Club to work upon, should it be launched. This is ouo of tho best, arguments in' favour of such a club. Roll up, Magpie men, and launch your craft, and £et to work at once. Tho Hawera show, hold this wock, drow a number of entries from Wellington. Aspirants for'championship'honours in the Onen-' tal Frill, the Frill, and the Black Orpington championships sent'away good teams, and it will surprise mo if some of the honours don't come.hack with the. birds. Bantams are moving very strong just now, and I hear >a whisper that a Bantam Club is proposed. Why not? There is good material ... m tho Dominion, and recent importations have ■ strengthened it.-' In this city alono thore are many enthusiasts, and as fanciers are.situated here, with small backyards, etc., it is just a suitable hobby. Year "by year we seo a diminution of the big birds and an increase of the smaller fry, so it is quite probable that our future shows, will be composed chiefly of these varieties. It will, surprise. me greatly if the near future does ' not, seo; a';,very lino Bantam, Pigeon, and Canary Show in place or the big bird show. It" rests entirely with tho poultry, enthusiasts.' \.They must shake themselves up if they wish' to hold their own.' The workers in the "small bird" interest are doubling 'them: and their enthusiasm loust assert itself." .. ' Entries for the Wellington show close on June 2p (to-morrow). ; 'A really good entry is anticipated.. The Silver Wyandotte, the Snow Homer, and tho Yorkshire Canary champion-* ships should draw well- .In addition.to which is the Leghorn Specialist Club's handsonio. shield, besides the spccial prizes to be competed for. Intending exhibitors may receive schedules on application to ,tho secre--..tary, P.O. Box 256. I am informed that _ nearly five hundred entries have been received for'the poultry classes at the show to be held in PalmcrstonNorth next week. It is said that several of the leading'breeders in the South Island have made entries. Tho show should be a good one. • Mr. T. R. Boyes,' of liarori, claimed at catalogiio price two' very useful birds, winners in their respectivo classes, at tho Christchurch, show, namoly, a White Wyandotte hen and a golden hen. Mr. Geo. Butcher, the well-known Black Orpington breeder, recently sent to Napier a trio of birds, a cockerel to Blenheim, and a cockerel-to.-Hawera.