CHRISTCHURCH POULTRY ASSOCIATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 4531, 21 August 1875, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH POULTRY ASSOCIATION.

EIGHTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION. The comparative list of entries published a few days ago, prepared every one for a larger exhibition of domesticated birds yesterday than last year, and those persons who visited the Oddfellows’ Hall must have been well satisfied with the display both in this respect and in the general quality of exhibits. It is true that the poultry classes do not show so much improvement as could be desired, but the average merit is decidedly creditable,while there is a really fine lot of pigeons and a magnificent collection of canaries. The latter department is in fact a leading feature in the exhibitien, which will be continued to-day, and will amply repay a visit. The exhibits are arranged precisely the same as last year. The poultry occupy the main hall, the pigeons are staged on the platform, and the canaries in the supper room. For (die last named birds new cages have been provided, and not only is the uniformity secured by this more pleasing to the eye, but the exhibits are seen to much better advantage than hitherto. The birds offered as prizes in the Art Union are also exhibited in the ball. There were sixty-six prizes; and there was such a demand for tickets prior to yesterday that the whole number it had been decided to issue—two thousand—were disposed of. This is a great improvement upon last year, and was due, no doubt, to the fast that on this occasion the tickets, which were one shilling each, entitled the holders to admission to the - Show, besides the chance of getting a prize. A new feature in the arrangements for yesterday was a pigeon race from Eolleston. Five birds were entered by members of the Pigeon Flying Club, which is an offshoot from the Poultry Association, and Mr W. Q-. Walker’s Antwerp cook Fleetwing, only thirteen weeks old, proved the winner, Mr Macquarrie’s silver beard hen Fenella being second. ' As it was the first race of the kind, great interest was token in the result, and the winning birds, which were afterwards exhibited in the hall, attracted considerable notice. The five competing birds were started from Eolleston at halfpast two o’clock, and Mr Walker’s bird arrived at the Oddfellows’ Hall at five minutes past three o’clock, Mr Macquarrie’s thirteen minutes later, and Mr A. East’s bird, which was third, fourteen minutes later again. . The birds of course flew from Eolleston to their respective homes, and each one was taken thence to the ball in a cab. The time occupied by the winner in the fly from Eolleston to its home in Chester street east a distance of nearly seventeen miles, may therefore be put down at thirty minutes, which is a very creditable performance. The second bird had a less distance to fly, as its home was in the Western part of the City, and Mr Macquarrie says that it arrived in excellent time, but about fifteen minutes were lost in catching it. A delay of this kind will always be possible, where the birds have to be caught on arrival and all token to one point. Besides which, some may have to be token a longer distance than others. Consequently, as a test of fleetness on the wing, a race of this kind will seldom be satisfactory. The only way to overcome the difficulty would ba to appoint a timekeeper to time the arrival of each pigeon at its home, which would, however, entail' a great deal of trouble. Proceeding now to remark upon the exhibits in their catalogued order, game as usual is first to claim attention. The entries in this department were no so numerous as last year, and there was a decided falling oft in quality. From constant breeding-in, game fowls hero are losing some of the more important characteristics of the breed, making it very evident that new blood is required. Importations of game have been undesirably scarce, but this cannot continue much longer if even a fair standard is to be maintained. The black breasted red are of moderate quality! The male bird in Mr Porter’s first pea is a good one, but the hen is very short and dead looking. The pen of exhibits in the “Brown breasted and ginger red class” only received a third prize, which is quite as much as it deserves. The latter remark also applies to the class black and white game, in which there are three entries. The black breasted red class, in single cocks, is a good one. Mr Leversedge’s first prize bird is a really good representative of his kind, an the best in tbo game classes. MrSuellie’s second prize oock is not much inferior. The Duckwing cocks are of the old type, and not deserving of a first prize. The same remark applies to the class for black and white, Mr Andrews’ black exhibit in this class is the best seen at the show for some time, but is deficient in the shoulders, and only worthy of a second prize. The single bens are no better than the cocks. Mr Porter’s first prize black breasted red hen has been shown for five or six years now, and it speaks badly for the spirit of breeders to see her unopposed. Mr W. Calvert’s first prize Duokwmg hen is nicely made, and Mr Leversedge’s third prize hen is a beautiful colour, but has a coarse head. Mr 0. James’ black hen, in the black and white class, is a very pretty one, well deserving of first prize. The Dorkings are, as a whole, very good, though not so numerously represented as they should be. The white classes are decidedly the best, and it is much to be regretted that such a handsome useful kind •£ bird is not more extensively bred. Mr J- F. Miles first prize pen* of adult birds axe very good shaped well feathered birds, but dirty. Mr Perryman, second prize pair, are also much above the average. Mr A. Saunders carries all the ! prizes in white Dorkings, under 12 months, I »nd the whole of his exhibits are very fine, well deserving of notice. In any other variety ' class, Mr W. Potts’ exhibits, a pen of good

birdi, which the judge* hare disqualified, aa they ought to have been entered in the coloured clan. The cook it very good, and the hen , is a remarkably fine one. The Spanish are not only more numerous but much better in ' quality, than last year. The prise pens are certainly worthy or notice. The Cochins, though an improvement upon the exhibition of 1874, are by no means ao good as they ought to be. The hen in Mr T. Stapleton’s first prize pen of buffs is a very good one, and Mr Thomas Williams’ first prize pen of whites are exceedingly fine. With good square frame they combine beautiful plumage, and are decidedly the best ever seen here. Mr Williams has also a well-bred pair of Grouse Cochins in the any other variety class, and if their feet had not been injured, they would have taken first prize. In the Brahma classes the exhibits were all good, but there was a decreased number of entries. Among the absent exhibitors in this department is Mr G. A. Beid, who has unfortunately been ill for some time, and could not send his birds. Mr James Wood, as usual, takes the leading position in the prize list, and deservedly so. His first prize-taker in the Dark Adult Cocks is a magnificent bird, and in another year will show to still greater advantage. The young cooks are a very promising lot. Mr Wood took all the prizes in this class, the first prize bird being a fine_ 'square-built, short-backed, wellfeathered bird. In dark adult hens, Mr Hill defeated Mr Wood with a beautiful exhibit, both in shape and plumage. The light Brahmas are a very good feature in the show. Mr James Wood’s first prize bird in the adult male class is remarkably fine in every respect, and would take a great deal of beating anywhere. Mrs Pareduy’s birds are not so well got up as usual, and therefore do not show to advantage. The cooks under twelve months are a highly promising lot. Mr Wood’s first prize bird, though rather light In the hackle, is in all other respects exceedingly good. Mrs Pereday’s second prize exhibit is a handsome bird, but not so dean as he should be. The first prize adult hen, by the same exhibitor, is a perfect beauty, and would command attention at any Show. Mr Wood’s prize hens in the class under twelve months are also exceptionally well-bred. Hamburghs are poorly represented in numbers, but the average quality is creditable. Mr Saunders’ first prize pair of Golden Pencilled are well formed, beautifully marked birds, with perfectly white ear-lobes. The latter is one of the beat teats of good breeding, and is a rarity among birds of this kind here. Mr Saunders had two other pens entered, but could not catch all the birds. The. Golden Spangled were a decent lot, Mr Williams’ prize pen being nicely marked and having the best ear-lobes. The Houdans ace a highly creditable lot. There is not a bad pen in the class, the true type.of the breed being shown as well as in any other department of the Show. The prize-takers are all beautifully coloured birds, and almost equalin merit. Mr 0. Jones is the only exhibitor of Barndoors, and his birds are not worthy N a prize. The Bantams are a fair lot. Mr Gould’s first pair, in black-breasted red game, are really good, the hen being particularly clear in the ear lobes. Mr Gould, who is unopposed, has four pair of duokwing game of fair quality. Only one pen of geese and one pen of turkeys are exhibited, and neither are worthy of a prize. The Aylesbury ducks, of which Mr Gould, who takes all the prizes, has five pens, and Mr Banks one, are decidedly good. The first prize pair not only possess size and beautiful plumage,,, but pure flesh coloured bills, which is the great teat of good breeding. The Bonens are rather small, but well marked, especially the first prize pen exhibited by Mrs Boroday. The entries of pigeons are in excess by two of last year, but the competition is far from keen. Mr Macquarrie carries off seventeen prizes out of twenty-nine, a success whieb he fully deserves. He has always displayed great spirit in breeding pigeons, and during the past twelve months has imported on less than twelve pairs, Mr Wilkin stands next on the list of prize takers. The Carriers are an excellent lot. Mr Macquarrie’s first prize pair (black) comprised a beautiful hen in good condition, and a cock, which though' loose in feather has a capital beak and eye whattle. Thejeoond prize pair (Duns) are nice birds, particularly the hen. The cock is extremely heavily whattled, but wanting in condition. The Almond Tumblers are, with one exception, a very good lot. Better specimens than those in Mr Macqnarrie’s first and second prize pens could scarcely be got; the former, indeed, would take a great deal of beating anywhere. There are four very good pairs of chocolate birds in the any other variety class. The first and second prize pen are much superior to their opponents,and Mr Macquarrie ought to breed some very good stock from these and the almonds next season. Mr Macquarrie’s first prize pair of pouters are exceedingly good, and the cock in Mr Wilkin’s pen of blue is one of the best in the Show, but there is room, for improvement in the others. They are devoid of feathers on the legs, and are badly pinioned. The two pairs of jacobins exhibited are much above the average, and especially Mr Wilkin’s first prize pair of yellow. Mr Macquarrie, with one pair, was the only exhibitor of fantails, with a nice pair slightly out of condition in feather. It is to be regretted that Mr Fletcher, an old exhibitor, who possesses good birds of this breed, has not exhibited on this occasion, Mr A. Williams’ first prize pair of barbs are nice birds, in much better condition than Mr Wilkin’s. Mr Macquarrie is the only exhibitor of baldheads, and his first prize red pair would be difficult to beat anywhere. In beards, Mr Macquarrie, again unopposed, takes first and third prizes, the former with a very well marked pair of yellows, and the latter with a rather sloppy pair of blues. Mr Maoquarrie’a first prize nuiis are the best ever seen here, as clean as a whistle, and in splendid condition. The others in the class were only of fair merit. Mr Wilkin, the only exhibitor of owls, secured a first prize with a first-class bird which could scarcely be beat. Mr Maoquarrie, the only exhibitor, has an extremely neat pair of turbits, but as they do not match in colour, no prize was awarded. There ore three entries of Antwerps, bat Mr G. Walker’s first prize pair only are worth-mention. In any other variety class, Mr J. J. Parker receives first prize for a pair of trumpeters, and Mr J. Gould first, for a pair oi runts ; though scarcely deserving it. The former are large coarse birds and a bad colour. The latter remark also applies to the runts. The show of canaries is very fine. The entries are numerous, and as the judges—who are recent arrivals from England—remarked, comprise many birds as good as they had overseen. It is also gratifying to note that there are several exhibits from Otago, which however, do not by any means throw the. local birds into the shade. Mr T. Stapleton, _as usual, heads the list of prize winners, and though many may envy him, not one can say he does not deserve his success. The exhibits of Belgian clear yellows are a magnificent lot, making the class conspicuous above the others, both for stand, form, and colour. Mr Stapleton’s first prize bird could scarcely be surpassed in these points, and Mr J. B Bradshaw’s is scarcely inferior, except in condition. Mr Schmidt has several entries of fair merit, but one of them (193) sh ;uld be in the Norwich olass. The Belgian clear buff class is also o remarkably good one, bath for number and merit. Mr Stapleton’s first prize exhibit is the best shouldered bird in the exhibition, and is one of the best of its kind ever seen in the Colony. His second prize bird is rather smaller, but stands a. little better, and altogether is a very good bird. Mr Bradshaw s third prize bird deserves commendation, but, like all the other birds belonging to the same exhibitor, is not in very good condition. The Norwich birds, though good, might be improved in colour. In the clear yellow class, Mr Stapleton’s first prize cook ia a very superior bird, and would tako a great deal of beating even at Home. Thu clewbuff Norwich class has only two exhibits, by Mr Stapleton, both being good birds. Ihe yellow and buff variegated classes are fairly, represented, both in number and quality. The Lizards are rather deficient in spangles, caps, and colours but the cinnamon ben exhibited is only poor. The green canaries are very good, though Mis. Williams first prize bird ia rather too dark. Of the gold finoh mules, it may safely be said that nothing belter has ever been seen m Now Zealand. Mr Stapleton is the only exhibitor, with three entries, and the judgesi thought oE (wo of them, as to make the very rare ftddi

tionof highly commended to the first and second piues. The same addition was mode to the first prise awarded to Mr Stapleton’s linnet mule cock, which is the first of the real ■tamp ever seen here. There is a very good •how of ticked birds, Mr StopletoaV too prize exhibits being especially good. Miss Deacon’s third prize bird is a very good one, land if it stood up a little better, would be very difficult to beat. ( Mr Bradshaw’s first prize bird in the buff class, though rather short, is a good one of its kind. The exhibits in the class “ Best cage of four danaries ” are highly creditable. In the class any other variety songster, Mr Gaisford stands first with a fine skylark, Mr Stapleton second with a goldfinch cock, Mr J. J. Parker with a linnet cock, and Mr Stapleton is highly commended for a chaffinch cook. For exhibition only, there are four goldfinch mules by Mr Stapleton; an aviary and canaries by Mr Walker; and a fine lot of stuffed birds by Mr T. H. Lloyd. It is worthy of note that Mr Stapleton takes twenty-six out of forty prizes offered in the canary classes, and of these thirteen are first, eleven seconds, and two thirds. Veteran competitor as he is> and though veiy successful in previous years, this result is highly creditable to him. The prize list is appended. PEIZE LIST. JUDGES. For Game, Malay, aud Bantams.—Messrs E. Bees and J. Todd. For Dorkings, Hamburghs, Polish, and Brahmas. —Messrs T. Stapleton and A. Walker. For Cochins, Spanish, La Fleche, Houdans, CrSve Coeura, Barndoors, Turkeys, Geese, and Ducks.—Messrs A. Saunders aud E. H, Banks. For Pigeons,—Messrs J. S. Williams and J, Short. For Canaries. Messrs G. Muschamp and Batchelor. GAME. Black Breasted Bed.—Six entries, first prize and Mr E. W. Fereday’a prize, value £2 2s, W. H. Porter; W. H. Porter, 2; Gelland, 3; W. James, highly commended. Brown Breasted aud Ginger Bed.—One entry, A. Johnstone, 3. Dnokwings.—No entry, Black and White.—Three entries, J, Andrews, 3. Any Other Variety.—No entry. (Single Cooks.) Black Breasted Bed. Eight entries, E. S, Leversedge, 1; B. Snellie, 2; W. James, 3; J. J. Parker, highly commended; C. James, highly commended; Gelland, highly commended. Brown Breasted and Ginger Bed.—One entry. No award. Duokwings.— I Three entries, J. J. Parker, 1; W. Calvert, junr., 2.Black and White.r-Two entries, J, Andrews, 2, Any Other Variety.—No entry. (Single Hens.) Black Breasted Bed.—One entry, first prize, silver plated cruet, given by Nashelski ana Co., W. H. Porter, ; Brown Breasted and Ginger Bed.—Two entries, J. J. Parker, 2; A. Johnstone, highly commended. Duokwing . and Grey. Three entries, W. Calvert, junr., 1; E, S. Leversedge, 3-. Gelland, highly commended. Black and White.—Three entries, C. James, 1; J. Andrews, 2; T. Williams, 3, Any Other Variety.—No entry. Malay.—No entry. Game Chickens.—No entry. DO BEINGS. Silver Grey.—One entry. No award. Silver Grey, under 12 Months.—No entry. Coloured,—Pour entries, first Mr J. Qovud’s prize, value £2 2s, J. Gould; J. Hepworth, 2, Coloured, under 12 months.—Three entries, C. Adkin, 1; J. Hepworth, 2. While-—Four entries, first Mr A Saunders, prize £2; J. P. Miles second; Mr, A Saunders’ prize, £l, H. W. Perryman. • „ . ~ White; under 12 months.—Four entries, first Mr A. Saunders' prize, £2, A. Saunders ; second Mr A. Saunders* vnze, £l, A. Saunders; third Mr A Saunders’ prize, 10s, A. Saunders. Any other variety.—One entry. No award. Any other variety, under 12 months. No entry. SPANISH. Eight Entries.—First Mr H. P. Baker’s prize, £1 Is, Swift; T, Williams, 1; C. Downhom, 3. .COCHINS. Buff.—One entry, T. Stapleton, 1. ' ' Buff, under 12 months.—Three entries, Mrs Lows 1; Mrs Lowe highly commended. White.—One entry, T. Williams, 1. Any other variety.—Three entries, T. Stapleton, 1. Any other variety, under 12 months.—One entry. No award.

BRAHMAS. Dark Adult Cooks.—Four entries, first Petersen and Co.’s prize, £2 2s, James Wood, 1; J. B. Hill, 2; J. B, Hill, 3, ■ . T Dark Cooks, under 12 months.—Five entries, J. Wood, 1; J, Wood, 2, J. Wood, 3. Dark Adult Hens.—Five entries, J. B. Hill, 1; J. Wood, 2; J. B. Hill, 3. Dark Hens, under 12 months.—Three entries, J. Wood, 1, . Light Adult Cooks—Five entries, first, Mr George Gould’s prize, value £2 2s, J. Wood; Mrs Pereday, 2; Mrs Pereday, 3. flight Cooks under twelve months—Five entries,. J. Wood, 1; Mrs Fereday, 2; C. Jones, 81 Light Adult Hens—One entry, Mrs Pereday, 1. Light Hens under twelve months—Two entries,. J. Wood, 1; J. Wood, 2. . HAMBURGHS. Golden Pencilled—Three entries, first, Mr T. Shaud’s prize, value £1 Is, Mr A. Saunders. Golden Spangled—Three entries, T. Williams, 1;; J. Hepworth, 2 ; Wm. Brizley, Si ' Silver Pencilled and Silver Spangled—No entries.; Polish—NO .entry. La Fleche—No entry. houdans. , Five entries, J. Wood, 1; Mrs Buchanan, 2; J. Wood, 3. Grove Coaur—No entry, BARNDOORS. One entry, no award. BANTAMS. Black Breasted Bod Gama—Five entries, J. Gould,. 1; J. Gouid, 2; J. Gould, highly commended. Duokwing Game—Pour entries, J. Gould, 1; J. Gould, 3; J. Gould, highly commended. Any other variety Game—Two entries.; Golden Seabrights and Silver Seabnghts—Noentries. ' Any other variety Bantams—One entry; no award. TURKEYS. One entry; no award. GEESE. One entry—No award. DUCKS. Aylesbury—Six entries, J. Gould, 1; J. Gould, 2; J. Gould, 3. ■ Eouen—Five entries, Mrs Pereday, 1.; J. B. Hill;, 2; G. Cooper, 3. . . _ _ ~ Any other variety of Ducks—Five entries, J. Gould(Aylesbury acd Eonen cross), 2; Mrs Lowe (black and white), 3. . capons.—No entry. SPECIAL ENTRY. G. King, pair Dark Brahma pullets, under five:; months. PIGEONS. Carriers—Three entries, first (Schwartz and Lezard’s prize, a plated butter dish) G. A. Macquarrie; G. A. Macquarrie, 2; : G. A, Mac. qU Tam&e‘re (almond)— Four entries,. G. A. Mao. quarrie, 1; G. A. Macquarrie, 2 i; G. A. Macquarrie, Tumblers (black) —No entry. . , . _ Any other variety of Tumblers—Five entries. G. A. Macquarrie (kites); 1; G. A. Macquarrie- (kites), 2 • J. J. Parker (kites), 3. . Pouters—Four entries, (MrWynn Wilhamsprizo value £2.28), G. A. Macquarrie,;. J. Wilkin, 2, G. A entries, J. Wilkin, !•; A, Williams, 2 ‘ Fantails—One entry, G. A. Macquarrie, 1. Barbs—Two entries, A. Williams, IJ. Wilfiin r 2 ‘Baldheads.—Three entries, G. A. Macquarrie, 1 & Beards'—'t£o entries. G. A, Macquarrie, 1; G. A. Three entries, G. A. Macquarrie, I}.1 }. J. J. Parker, 3. TTr .„ . ‘ , Owls.—One entry, J. Wilkin, 1. Turbits.—One entry. No award. Antwerps.—Three entries, W. G. Walker, 1. ‘ Any other variety pigeons.—J. J. Parker (Trumpeters, 1; J. Gould (Hunts), 2;

PIGEON BAOB. Prom Eollesfon to Christchurch,, distanoo sixteen miles, five entries, W. Q. Walker s Fleetwing Antwerp oock, thirteen weeks old.. 1; U. a, Macquarrie’s Fenella, silver heard hen, 2.

CANARIES. _ Belgians, clear yellow.—Stoteen entries, ’I. Stapleton, 1; J. B. Bradshaw, 2; Miss E. Deacon, 3 J T. Stapleton, highly commended; J. K. Bradshaw, highly .commended, , , _ Belgians, clear yellow.—Best oook and hen, Mr W. F.wamer’s prize, value £2 2a, r. Stapleton. ’Ralffinni) /ilnnv bllff*—T* ‘ StaplflbOHj 1 } T* j J. B. BraSstaw, 3j W. G. Walker, highly commended; Q. A. Macquarrie, highly oommNorwieh, olear yellow,—Five entries, first John Hill’* prize value £1 T - Stapleton, 2; M Norwich!Sr B buff.-Two entries, T. Stapleton. 1 ’veilowfvariegated.—Four entries, T. Stapleton, 1 • T. Stapleton, %\ W. Bucket, 3. , . 1 ’Buff, variegated.—Four entries, T. Stapleton, 1: T. Stapleton, 2; C. F. Money, 8, Lizards, golden spangled.—Fonr entries, T. Stapleton, 1; X. Stapleton, 2; W.O. Walker, 3. Lizards (Silver spangled) .-Three onrles, T. Stapleton, 1; T. Stapleton, 2 { J.J. Parker, 3. Cinnamons.—One entry,_Mlss Williams, X. Q ree n, —Three entries, Trent, Bro. s prize, value £1 Is, Miss Williams j T. Stapleton, 2; r. StapleMules.—Three entries, T. Stapleton, 1 and highly commended; T. Stapleton. 2 anh highly TCef M^.io?e et hnls. T. Stapleton. X and W !Ho£<ri°bWs, d yellow (to be judged by Belgkn dualities).—One entry.—T- Stapleton, 1; T. Step!*too, 2; Miss M. B. Deacon, 3; W. Schmidt, highly bhd«, buff (to he Judged hy Belgian qualities).— One entry, J. B, Bradshaw, L Best cage of four oauane*.—Five entries, T. Stapleton?!; Mias B. F. Deacon, 2;. Miss Williams, hi &ThT4riel; Canary.—No entry, Auv other variety Songate^—Eight entries, tot Mr A- Duncan's prize* half owt of millet* A. Oaiß* torfT T. 2J. J. Parker, 3 1 T, Stapleton, Paroquet, 0 r Cookatoo.-~0»e entry, Miss and any other variety of Foreign, Birds. —No entry.