Smoke Concert

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11910, 5 July 1906, Page 3

Smoke Concert

Last evening a most enjoyable emok> concert was tendered the judges and visiting exhibitors by the Wanganui ABsociition at Dustin's Rooms, Dv Porritt (President) presiding over a large attendance of the fancy. Host Dustin provided a very good spread, whic-h was appreciated, as was also tho splendid programme of songs, musical items, recitations, etc., which had I eon arranged. The toast of "The King," was duly honoured, after which the Chairman proposed "The Visiting Exhibitors," which was responded to by Messrs Hollis and Goodacre. The latter gentleman referred to the difficulties which had arisen through th* .Association not having catalogues printed, and said that he had been quite floundered in his efforts to supply information to the reporters owing to the system tried by the Association not proving successful. He suggested that tho Association should cither revert to the catalogues or provide fuller information on Ihe cards. Mr Hart, of Pahiatua, also said <i few words congratulating the Society on the excellence of the general arrangements. Mr A. Townsend proposed tho toast of "The North Island Association," in a neat tpeech, in the course of which he lemarked that he thought the rule passed at the meeting 1 of the Association re the question of the appointment of judges was a step in the right direction, as it woul.l tend to bring about the setting up of a definite standard throughout the sland. Tins would mean Ihat breeders would know what was expected of them, and be a great improvement on the present want of systom Ho also hoped that the Association would deal with the question of the allotment of dates, and prevent any clashing, Messrs Pickering (President) aud Jarvis (ex-President) suitably responded. At this 6tage of the proceedings the Chairman announced that it had been suggested, as a means of bringing members of 1 the societies on this coast into clneer touch with one another, and to increase the interest in the fancy generally, to institute a series of two guinea cups for the principal breeds — say Orpingtons (2), Wyandotted (3), Leghorns (2), and ducks and pigeons one each — three to be supplied by each Society (New Plymouth, Wanganui, and Hawera) and to rotate annually — that is to say, the cups competed for at Wanganui will go on to Hawera, the Hawera cups to New Plymouth, and so on. These cups would be for young birda, and to be won twice, and open to members of the societies mentioned. As a cup is won it is to be replaced by proportionate subfecription from oacli Society. The winners of a leg-in will be entitled to hold the cup for one year, and to- return same to Society when won, to lie handed on. The President said he considered the suggestion a very good oue, and he announced, amidst enthusiasm, that he would have much pleasure in donating the three cups for the first year. These cups would be West Coast cups, to be won aud held for 12 months by the winners in the Orpington, Wyandotte,, and Leghorn classes. Mr Pickering stated that he would donate two other cups for Minorcas and Canaries, and Mr N. Higgie generously promised three cups. Mr Richings, in offer- 1 ing to give special prizes valued at 2 guineas and one guinea for competition in the breeding pen classes, spoke in favour of special prizes as against cups, wlreh could only oe held from year to year. He pointed out that the Association got larger entries for classes in which special prizes wore offered than in the case of the other prizes, as exhibitors desired to win Hornc{liin» right out even if it were of lesser value. The toast of "The Judges" was proposed by Mr A. P. London, who, in a very eulogistic speech, roinniented on the splendid work achieved by the judges. The amount of care thnt w;i« bestowed in the hamllin? of the birds showed how determined the judges were to see that each bird was properly judged. Messrs Palmer and Dacie responded in appropriate speeches. The former pointed out that the breeds were improving, particularly the heavy «Ih«*. Mr Dacie spoke of the exceptional merit of three of the Wyandottes. The Indian Runner ducks also called for special mention, as did also the working Homing pigeons, which were characterised a3 absolutely the finest ever .seen. Mr N. Higgie proposed the toast of "The Government Poultry Industry." Mr Pounceford. in responding, stated that the grading industry hail made great strides, and mentioned that the ducks recently cent Home had rea'ic-ed from 8s to iOs per pair. Other toasts honoured were — "N*ew Societies," 'Wanganui Poultry, Pigeon, and

Cage Biro! Association." and "The Ladies." During tho evening songrf were contrilmtcul by 'Messrs H. Campbell, I\ Gi'oombridge,^looker, Penhall, P. Lewis, and Hiehmgfi; recitations by Mcb-.is J. G. Swan and A. Hogg, a. pieolo solo- by Mr ('. Foster; and a trombone solo by Mr T. Gray. A most successful function terminated with the singing of "Auld Lang Syn*>."