KENNEL AND FIELD.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue X, 8 September 1900, Page 440

KENNEL AND FIELD.

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“Tui.”

The doR, In life the firmest friend. The first to welcome, foremost to defend. —Byron. WHISPERS OF THE FANCY. It is in recognition of the increasing interest in kennel matters that this column is included in the “Graphic.” Items of interest, such as whelpings, importation of pedigree stock, dates of shows, schedules, photographs, and performances in the field, will receive notice if addressed to “Tui,” Kennel and Field Column, “N.Z. Graphic.”

The Auckland Kennel Club's show is now a thing of the past, but its career was marked with great success. Those exhibitors who managed to acquire awards naturally do not complain in any way of the management of the show, or the judge's decisions. Those who only got h.e.’s or v.h.c.’s held a different view of everything in detail, and the judge suffers in the argument. The exhibition was held in Aitken's Auction Mart, a very undesirable place for a dog show, especially one of the magnitude of the Auckland Club. The number of dogs benched was 246, and these were in a great many cases pressed for room. .Not only is this a serious objection as regards the dogs themselves, but the public cannot get the same opportunity of seeing- them when on show after the judging. The dogs very often fight, especially if the chain has been allowed too much play, as was the ease on Saturday night, when two bull-dogs got together. The judging ring was small, while the fioor space required, for it should not have been covered with sawdust, the presence of which naturally' affects the judging of feet in all breeds of terriers. This item, in deciding the points of a dog, is of importance enough to be considered in the manner named.

Without taking the above defects into consideration, the show was a very creditable one, and proves the popularity of the Auckland institution. The many breeds were numerically stronger than last year, though, to my mind, the quality suffered in comparison to the exhibits of the ’99 exhibition. This was evident in setters, spaniels. Irish, fox, and bull terriers. The judge’s report will not be published until Mi- Lloyd gets to Sydney, then it will grace the columns of the Sydney "Morning Herald” before it is placed before those whom it directly concerns. I cannot understand the club’s agreeing to this, as it should be written and published a week after the show. Last year our show report was anything but satisfactory, though much time elapsed before it was published. The matters do not seem much in themselves, but they caused dissatisfaction, and when that element is apparent other questions of import-

ance present themselves for remedy. In dealing with the catalogue, in first class mastiffs are unrepresented. This breed has never been a favourite with New Zealanders, though across the water many' fine specimens are seen out at shows. Mr Thos-. Quoi's Spencer took first and special in St. Bernards, Mr Farquhar’s Bun being second. Greyhounds were a weak exhibit, though Mrs McCready’s Spring Water in dogs, open, and Mr Chileott’s Lavender Water in bitches, open, took firsts and champion awards, the former getting the special prize. Retrievers were decidedly off, and only earned commended tickets. Pointers were good in quality, Mr Chilcott's bitch Princess, and Mr Speer’s dog Ponto were chief winners. English Setters were not very attractive, though the dog to secure champion honours stood out as a veryexcellent specimen. The same remarks apply to the Irish and Gordon Setters. Collies were a strong class as usual, and I was amazed at the rapid strides made in the production of high-class local stock, Mr G. Read’s bitch Ladysmith, and Mr Bosworth's dog Elton Surprise being most prominent in locals, though Mr Cotter's Heather Spy is also worthy of notice. Spaniels were few in number and poor in quality. Bull dog's were numerous and the type various. King Solano merited the first, champion, and special in dogs, whilst Daphne Solano was so excellent quality as to obtain chief in bitches. Mr Herbert's dog Figaro came out with first honours in open (lass in Bull Terriers. Mr Leighton’s bitch Queen of Diamonds ocupying ;; similar position in the bitch open class. In Airedale Terriers, Mr D. C. Ingram’s Champion Reva of Fernland, and .Bosun of Fernland, swept the board, winning four out of the five classes, the former securing the gold medal, special, and championship. Mr Gavey has a promising bitch in Uira, which took second honours in bitch open class. The dog that secured second in dog’s open class was certainly of insufficient, merit for that position, whilst such a dog as Queensbury Don was competing. Mr Iredale showed a capital puppy bitch though a trifle small. She obtained first award. ■ (

Fox Terriers, always a great class in Auckland, kept up their reputation for number. Mr W. B. Hull brought out a champion in Hauraki Trixie, whilst another from the same kennels owned by Mr Hutchinson, took the championship in dogs. Mr Sliewring's dogs were prominent in the award. Irish Terriers numbered 30 dogs, though they were poor in quality. Waipawa Con, though good in colour and coat, was beaten, who took chief honours, in head, ear, carriage, and bone, by the dog that tlook only third honours. The latter was very good in head ami points mentioned, though light in colour. He certainly should have received more attention in award.

Mr Edgecumbe’s bitch deservedly secured the first and special in open class, whilst Mr Holland’s dog- puppy “Our Bobs,” was fairly treated in his class.

Mr Thomas brought out a fine little Sky Terrier dog in Tear, which secured first, special, and champion. Mr Reid’s dogs winning’ most of oilier classes.

Miss Phillips was again successful in showing pugs, and her Dandy took championship honours. The variety classes were well-filled, but nothing particular was shown.

BRAND