THE KENNEL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 28

THE KENNEL.

Stud Visits .inct Vv'helpings will lie inserted nmler cho Kkn-nmx Notks iii the New Zealand Mail for ONE SHILLING each insertion. Kur Salo advertisement'', &C, not exceeding fix lines, is each Insertion. , L . The Kennel Editor will be pleased to answer, through tliib column, any question no to canine (Hsohsoh, <r disorders, or any inquiries on malterd generally d alir.tr with dofjS. Items of t-eneral interest to do? fanciers will at all times be acceptable, and oik readers are invited to forward any information to the Kcnuul Editor, Acii; Zfalanl Mail.

DATES OF COMING SHOWS

July I—Sydney July 1 —Blenheim July 17 and 18—Dunodin August 12 —Melbourne September IS and 19—Wellington

NOTES.

By Fanciek

The s.s. Tainui, which arrived at Wellington last week, brought to New Zealand one of the most valuable consignments of digs landed in this Colony for some considerable time. They are the properly of Mr Maitland, a Scotch fancier, who intends to remain in Mew Zealand for somo months at any rate. The consignment comprises two fox terriers, dog and bitch ; two bull dog and bitch ; and one great Dane dog.'

The fox terriers are exceedingly well bred, being by Vis-a-Vis, and are moderate specimens of the breed.

Tho bull dog is a beautiful little chap, a nice fawn in colour, and is evidently a very typical dog, and particularly goodtempered. Tho bull bitch is on the small side, and is marked white and brindlo.

The great Dane is.a majestic looking animal, stands nearly three feet high, and is a harlequin in colour. Ho is a beauty.

All the dogs havo landed in good condition, and loft for tho Quarantine Station for tho usual six months' incarceration on the 6th hist.

It is to bo regretted that tho term of quarantine will not expire so as to allow of the dogs being exhibited at the principal shows of New Zealand this year.

Mr Maitland must bo complimented upon his pluck in bringing out such a valuable consignment in the face of tho drastic quarantine regulations, and it is to bo hoped that his determination will meet its reward.

Mr Horrax, of Harrison and llorrax, informs mo that be has sold the stud collie Sandy at a highly satisfactory figure.

Dr I'urdy, of tho Bower Hutt, has purchased a splendid young spaniel, which I am informed shows great promise. 1 wish the popular doctor luck.

A meeting of tho committee of the Wellington Kennel Club was held on the 7th May, Messrs Triggs (in tho chair), Bligh, Brown, llorrax, Didsbury and Stevens (hon. secretary) being present. Messrs J. W Taylor and Maitland, the two Homo fanciers, now m Wellington, woro also present at tho invitation of tho committee.

A large amount of routine correspondence was read and dealt with, amongst which was a letter from Mr Maude, of Melbourne, notifying his willingness to come to Wellington and judge the show in September next, and quoting terms.

ft was agreed to accept Mr Maude's offer, and that ho bo asked to arrange to bo in Wellington during tho currency of the show, and that bo furnish a written report upon tho classes adjudicated, as has beon dono by all previous judges.

A letter from the secretary of the Wellington Camera Club was also read, enclosing rules to bo inserted in the conditions for tho photo competition to ho held in conjunction .vith tho show. The secretary was instructed to reply thanking tho club for the attention shown to the matter, and state that tho rules would be incorporated in the conditions, and to ask them to lie good enough to submit the names of half-a-dozen gentlemen for the committee to select three from, who would act as judges in the photo competition.

ft was agree.l to add another class for the photographers to bo called "subject pictures."

The r.chedulo committee submitted the schedule for approval. The number of classes has been largely increased, and should prove a schedule capable of meeting all requirements. Brace and Limit classes have been added at tho discretion of the committee, as well as classes for kennel requisites, dog medicines, &o.

After considerable discusiicn the schedule was passed, and a sub-committee- was appointed to arrange about the printing of same.

Quito a large number of special prizes have already been promised. Gold medals from the following: Dresden Piano Company for fox tender puppies, .Mr Neil McLean, for the best spaniel in the show; Mr l'k A. Ilaggen, for retrievers (open dogs); Mr Maitland, aa a. first prize for Irish terriers. The Hccnhuj Post medal has not been allotted yet. Mr Moorhouso lias promised a trophy, also unallotted.

The New Zealand Mail Collar will go to the collie (novice) class as before, but; with the condition that it must bo won twice in succession or three times at intervals before it becomes the solo property of tk,o winner. This, in my opinion, U an

advantage to all concerned, as it will create a deal of interest in the class, that at present is not taken. It seems a pity that such a valuable trophy as this is (five guineas) should bo won right out. There should now bo some keon competition for it,

I am very pieased to be in a position to report that'the Duuedin Fanciers' Club has decided to adopt the suggestions contained in the circulars recently issued by the New Zealand Kennel Club Executive (copies of which have appeared in this column) with the exception of the ono relative to patent benching. Tho Club propose procuring benching on their own account, which they intend to lend out to other clubs.

Mr J. 11. .Towitt has beon appointed a vice-president of the Now Zealand Kennel Club, representing Dunedin.

The Marlborough Society approve of tho circulars, but cannot see their way to contribute to the patent benching, or tho Interprovincial Challenge Trophy.

The " Fastest Trotting Dog in tho World" is the heading of a paragraph above an illustration of a softer in harness in the Stock-keeper of 20th ult.:—"Although unknown in England, the ' trotting dog' is by no means uncommon in America. The subject of the illustration can, we aro assured, lay claim to the best record, and pulled an SOlb boy on an iron-wheeled cart a quarter of a mile at the rate of 3min ISsec to the mile. He is it big, strong English setter, bred and reared in Michigan, weighs in condition 801 b, is three years old, and is one of the most gentle, amiable dogs alive. This dog is a natural gaitod trotter, loves the sport, requires no actual driving (only steering and slight encouragement), and trots and scores like an old track horse. The pneumatic-tyred, bicycle-wheeled sulky which be draws was specially built, and weighs Kill), and tho harness 21b. He has trotted at fairs and exhibitions against horse, waggon, boy on bicycle or running, and will also show great pace alone. His usual driver was Major George Wilson, a free coloured American, no freak or cripple, but only •IHin high, and 35 years old, weighing 501 b. The dog is perfectly under control, gets at once into his gait; there is no element of ' forcing ' in the performance, and bo can always, in condition, show a quarter at a 3.20 gait —a wonderful performance."

I notice by the British Fancier that tho entries for the Manchester show closed with a total of 1170. Fox terriers led tho way with 282. Out of this excellent entry (i!) were in tho wire-haired classes. Collies follow with 137. The above were tho only breeds that got into three figures. Irish terriers 01, St. Bernards 7<S, and setters 7f>, were the next in order, (he remainder running down to single figures.

Messrs Harrison and llorrax report tho sale of the very handsome young collie Clan, by Herdwick ex Holm wood, to a Wellington lady fancier.

Mr llorrax has given mo the very pleasing assurance that tho New Zealand Mail is very frequently quoted by country fanciers who are on the lookout for good dogs, and who write for prices, &c, from seeing notes and advertisements appearing in this paper. Two applications of this kind have been received by him within the last few days from people away up in the country.

Bocal fanciers will, I am sure, be pleased to learn that the Dunedin Fanciers' Club havo now come to terms with Mr W. 1. Smyfhe, of Melbourne, to judge all classes of dogs at their show in July. I must congratulate my Dunedin friends on their choice, as I feel confident he will givo satisfaction to all concerned, being, as ho is, a man of wide experience, both in tho breeding and judging of dogs.