THE LATE GEORGE ALEXANDER MACQUARIE.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 151033, 26 July 1919, Page 3

THE LATE GEORGE ALEXANDER MACQUARIE.

(By Will B. Mc&enzic.) I had hoped that I would have been present at the -Nelson Show of 1919, largely en account of my ciesire to meet again some of tm> fnncicr.s I met tiiero <m the occasion of my last, visit iv 1907 out mainly-because of the opportunity I would have.been given at the Poultry Association's dinner of saying a few words in honour of that grandest* of all pigeon fanciers, the late G. A. Macqtmrie, who died on 15th July. 1914. to say' that the Pigeon Fancy in this Dominion suffered tremendously by his death is a truism.. There never was— in all the Dominion's feather history— so true a fancier, so keen an upholder of all a fancier's privileges, or so implacable an enemy of all frauds or faking. Never so liberal a fancier friencr, or so generous a helping hand us he extended to many a struggling fancier. There never was so unwavering an opponent of the intolerance of controlling- associations, or go worthy an upholder of tho rights of the "small feather" portion of cur fancies and our shows. Though the late Air Macquarie was not an exhibitor at the first Christ-ch-urch show in 1863, he came into thfe field very .shortly ofterwards, and until '■he early "nineties" his name was constantly appearing in the Christchurch catalogues. Then was formed that great partnership with Mr Arthur Smith, w hich reflected so much glory on the name "Macquarie and Smith". In the ! year 1875 when was held the first horn ing pigeon raco I can find any record of in New Zealand, the late Mr Macquarie flow therein a, Silver Beard hen named "Finella," and there were .also competing, in the same race a- Black bald cock, and some Antwerps. Since that year, of course, the homing or racing pigeon fancy or sport has extended tremendously in New Zealand, and the late Mr Macquarie was always most enthusiastic and generous in promoting and forwarding this sport's best interests. To give but one instance of his generosity, I would mention.' that he practically started (by gift birds) the riow flourishing Homing Society of P*»tone. ' » The nc-g that tia Nelson Poultry

Pigeon and Canary Association is now launching a scheme for the securing of a Challenge Trophy to his memory, will give great pleasure to all those who had the privilege of calling Mr Macquarie "friend", to all those who competed against him, and to all those younger fanciers who had not the benefit of knowing him in either of these capacities. And T sincerely hope that the trophy which will be procured will do justice to the memory of the "grand old man" of New Zealand's fancy feather circles.

There are already in existence two fine trophies in his honour. The Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Club's Challenge Shield, allotted each year to a. certain breed of pigeons, and which trophy has a permanent home in the club's ; premises at Christchurch, und the winner of which each year has his name engraved on same, and the other Shield that of the Christchurch Pigeon Club, a handsome trophy in carved oak, the centre of which contains a photo of the man it honours in a silver frame Oiis latter trophy is-competed for in alternate years at Christchurch and Wellington-and the winner each year can actually hold the trophy till the next 'competition.

So when we who knew him and loved him are gone, there will yet remain tangible expressions' of honour to his name, continually calling out for probity in our sport, and for the true spirit of comradeship in our great and glorious hobby.