KENNEL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5566, 15 May 1896, Page 4

KENNEL NOTES.

— ♦ [by Sirius in " Canterbury Times."] I have received a copy of the schedule of the Southland Society's show, to be held on July 29 and 30. . There are forty-four classes, arranged as the experience of the society has dictated. I notice that nonsporting pairs and teams are not provided for. Will Mr C. W. Brown kindly send two or three more copies ? I am pleased to hear that Mr J. W. Smyth, of Melbourne, will probably judge all classes at Dunedin. Mr Maude, also of Melbourne, will probably officiate at Wellington. Mr Clifford, of Wellington, is named for Blenheim. Dog-owners will scarcely relish having their exhibits at Dunedin shown in a tent ; I think most of them would prefer the old cellar. A very good bearded collie is just now a patient of Mr Charlton's veterinary hospital. One of the dog's eyes was knocked, out by an accident, and was lying on its cheek. Mr Charlton cleansed the parts and replaced the eye, and has hopes of a complete recovery, including the sight of the eye. A large batch of circulars has been issued by the Executive of thfe New Zealand Kennel Club, some of them useful, some needless and -some which, I shall be mistaken if affiliated societies do not resent as' impertinent interference. Circular No. 4 states that the attention of the executive has been specially directed to "faking and tampering," and judges' and committees are desired to be watchful and deal severely With infringements of the rule. I should be extremely sorry to believe that the circular is necessary, though a Wellington fancier spoke to me some time ago as if- the . law was being broken in the matter. Circular No; 8 calls attention to the need of uniformity in the information given in show catalogues. This circular has already. been superseded by one containing some useful, suggestions as to the information which should be given in schedules and catalogues. It is, however going to a ridiculous length to propose uniformity in "printing and setting up." . Circular No. 12 on the question of obtaining patent benching for the joint use of affiliated societies was issued without knowledge" of the expenditure involved, and in the present position of the societies does not require consideration. The position as to Circular No. 14, regarding the introduction of a challenge trophy, is also premature, and the lines on which it is proposed to be competed for, are such as would be detrimental to $he best interests of the' fancy. The provincial element might be reduced, but the conditions — the winning of most points at the year's shows — would confine the competition to large kennels or pot-hunters. Challenge trophies, even if of small value, for the best dogs of the leading breeds would do niore to elevate the quality of our dogs. Circular No. 6, regarding separate registration forms, can be answered by the secretary. The separate forms are necessary, and should be most carefully preserved for reference. Circulars No. 5 (membership of societies), No. 7 (arrangements with judges), No. 9 (judges' notes), No. 10 (exchange of schedules and. catalogues), No. 11 (entry fees), and No. 13 (award cards), all deal with matters which are purely the business of the local societies, and with which it is difficult to see that the Kennel Club has any right to interfere, or could it in any way enforce compliance. The zeal of the executive is commendable, and I should be sorry to discourage it, but itjhas certainly not been profitably, expended in the compilr ation of the circulars noted in this paragraph. The " Circular Letter " of May 6 contains some much needed hints to show committees and secretarie i. The printing of a definition of the classes at the head of schedules is very necessary, but the circular requires revision. The definition of " limit " classes, as for "dogs that have not won more than one first prize in an open class, up to the date of closing of entries," will scarcely meet general approval. In the first place the definition might better have been left to the individual local clubs, as in England. Then one win should not be sufficient to qualify a dog for the class— at some of the English shows eight wins are necessary, and the class has been introduced for the benefit of winners in classes which do not qualify for entry in the Stud Book. The words "up to the date of closing entries" will also lead to confusion, the qualification for all other classes being "up to the time of judging." The wording of the definition of the champion class is not in accordance with the Kennel Club regulations. The date of birth of puppies should in all cases be included in the catalogue, and ring stewards should distinctly convey this information to judges. The circular notifies that the annual o-eheral meeting will beheld about Sept. 19, and asks local clubs to consider the various suggestions as well as the present rules, so that necessary amendments may then be made. I would suggest that the amendments in the English cbde, of which I have given an outline last week and in the' present issue, should also have consideration. . At the last meeting of- the New Zealand Kennel Club sub-committees were, appointed as follows : — Schedules, Messrs Triggs, Horrax and Morris ; Eegistrations, the same gentlemen ; Finance, Messr3 Brown, Bligh and Didsbury. Some other business &c.j was transacted, but as the official notification has not been sent, and for other reasons, comment is deferred until due tinie\ ,; „■„,.—