BABY SHOW AT SYDNEY.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 634, 19 March 1870, Page 3

BABY SHOW AT SYDNEY.

On January 26th, the centenary celebration of the Colony of New South Wales took place at Sydney, where there was a regatta, athletic sports, and a baby-show. The Herald Bays:—Of course, the principal attraction was the Baby Show. There were no less than seventy-four babies entered for competition, and of these about seventy actually were exhibited. Competent judges, too, said that these exhibits were " very fine"—" reflected the greatest credit upon the Colony" —and were, in fact, babies of which any parent might be proud. There certainly was a very imposing array of mothers and children. They were drawn up in double lines on each side of the marquee, each mother nursing her infant, and in some cases displaying its " points" with a somewhat obtrusive, but perhaps pardonable pride. The exhibits were nearly all very fat and big, and moderately good-tempered. There was not much squalling among the seventy; and the heat was so severe that probably most of the little cherubs found thjj exertion of squalling rather weakening. Many were asleep on their mothers' knees; most of those who were not asleep were receiving sustenance, and some were examining the spectators and their novol surroundings with grave and wide-eyed wonder at their positions. The mothers Were, for the most part, rather nervous, and evidently horribly jealous of each other's babies. One or two proud fathers stalked about among the visitors,

pointing out the beauties of their offspring, expatiating upon infantile disorders which had attacked thesa lovely infants, giving scientific descriptions of the mode of feeding which had been adopted, and impressing upon the company " that they knew where the prize ought to go." The show was certainly a very novel affair, and, as most people declared, a very successful affair. The following prizes were given: First prize, 5 guineas and silver tea service, value 6 guineas; second prize, magnificent cradle, value 4 guineas, and splendid clock; third prize, silver chandelier, value £3 10s. Five youngsters were also " honorably mentioned." The judges said there should have been about a dozen prizes given, so good were the exhibits.