POULTRY, PIGEON, & CANARY SHOW.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1687, 17 July 1879, Page 3

POULTRY, PIGEON, & CANARY SHOW.

Tho annual exhibition in connection with the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society opened on Wednesday afternoon in the Oddfellows' Hall, which was properly fitted up for the occasion, the committee of management having been careful in making their arrangements to study the advantage of exhibitors as well as tho comfort and convenience of visitors. On the whole the show was about equal to that of last year in the number of exhibits, but in particular directions there was a noticeable improvement in the quality of exhibits. In order to make this distinction apparent, however, it is better to describe the different classes in their proper order.

In the first place come the poultry, which being the most numerous class, are exhibited in the body of the hall, occupying two rows of cages, or pens, one on either side, and one double row in the centre. In this class a great number of the birds were very superior to any shown in previouo years. Black-red single game cocks, the first in tho catalogue, were well represented, the birds being of a good stock generally, from which it may be understood tbat the first prize-taker was a bird of superior quality. Class 2, brown breasted, or ginger-red game cocks, were of an average class, a fine upstanding bird belonging to Mr Donohue, carrying off the chief honour. In the Duckwing class, there were only three entries, and Mr Donohue again took the leading place. In class four, Mr Goodman was the only exhibitor, and no prize awarded. Any other variety of single game cocks—four entries j Mr T. Hick's pile bird took first prize. There was not really much to make special mention of in the different lots coming under the general class heading of game fowls, but it may be said that the exhibits were numerous, and, generally speaking, creditable. Mr Nancarrow, in class one, took a special prize, as also did Mr J. M. Fraser, in class 6 and class 11. There was a good show of Dorkings. In class 19—coloured Dorking cocks—were some splendid specimens. Mr G-. Pope took first and special prize. There were only three entries, and each of the exhibits were more than creditable. The hens in the same class (under twelve months) were equally good, Mrs Richards taking first prize. This bird was excellent in colour, with good square build, fine legs, and an upstanding carriage. The second prize-taker was not so good in colour, but a magnificent bird in all other respects. In coloured Dorking cocks under twelve months, Mr Cookson took first and special prizes. The second prize taken was little less to be commended, and the third at first sight appealed to have equal claims, but the trained eye could detect a deficiency in the breast, which is a point of considerable importance. Mr Oookson also took the special prize awarded for the best colored Dorking cock under twelve months. White Dorking cocks, there were only two entries, both from Mr Peryman, and a second prize was awarded to the best; the other got a third prize, although it was perhaps the finer bird of the two, but its feathers wore rather slow colored. Mr Peryman was the only exhibitor in the different classes of white Dorkings, and he secured several prizes. Class 31, Spanish cocks, presented a very fine appearance. In fact it was admitted that a better class of exhibits had not been known in Ohristchurch. Both male and female birds betrayed unmistakeable good breeding and splendid condition. Only one bird in tho collection had a very noticeable defect, and in that one it should have been sufficient to keep it out of the exhibition. The defect lay in the comb, out of which a side sprig had grown; in all other respects, however, it was a fine specimen of its class ; but that was sufficient to disqualify it. In the Spanish selections, Mr W. White took two special prizes. There were a considerable number of entrios for Cochins, and generally speaking the exhibits were of a superior quality. There were also a large number of entries in the Brahma classes. In Langshans and Hamburghs they were more limited. In the Polish class, the principal feature wbb a pair |of Andalusians, very rare and splendid specimens, but they were only highly commended because they wero both hens. Mr B. Strange could not obtain a cock bird in tho colonies, but hopes to procure one before very long. The Bantams wero not above the average of previous shows. Mr T. Beard obtained first speoial prizes for a blackbreasted red game bantam. The duck classes, however, were more than creditable, and called forth genuine expressions of admiration. In size and quality they wero remarkable, though the list of exhibits was not long, and it may fairly be said no superior show to this immediately under notice has ever appeared in I the colony.

Next in order como the pigeons. In the class black carriers, cocks, the first prizetaker was an old bird, well wattled, with, good position and color; the second was a tolerably good bird, but no sge with him; and the third entry, which took no prize, was a bad color, showing bars and other defects. There was no competition in the next class, black carrier hens, but a first prize was given to the only entry, Mr Walker's. In dun carrier cocks (class 83) no prizes were awarded, both the birds entered being faulty. In the class following (dun carrier hens) the first and second were recently imported, and both were well shaped and of a good color. There was no entry for young dun carrier cocks, and only one for bens under twelve months. In the dragoon class, the first prize (for male birds) went to a bird who was round in the back and white on the rump, and not seeming to bo at all on a par with the bird which took second prize. In dragoon hens, both prizes went to the same owner, and it might be said with these also that their positions as prize-takers should have been reversed. In tho class of dragoon cocks under twelve months, the first prize went to a bird who was looked upon as being considerably over the ago stated, and a protest against the award was entered. There was no competition in dragoon hens under twelve months. Thero was a moderate show of pouter pigeons, red or yellow, but the tumblers were present in greater numbers, that class being well represented. And it may hero be remarked that tho pigeon exhibition did not evince any marked improvement on last year, and a certain amount of dissatisfaction was expressed by one or t*o exhibitors who found that their exhibits, which had been given prizes last year, were passed over on this occasion, and prizes awarded to birds which they (tho exhibitors) determined were of decidedly inferior quality, from which it may bo inferred that the judge in this particular ciiso was not considered a " good judge too. The poßt is one of considerable difficulty to fill, however, from the well-known impracticability of "pleasing everyone," especially in tho

case of a poultry show, flower show, or any othor show. The canary show was on the stage, the cages containing the exhibits being ranged in semicircular form from wing to wing. There were a great variety of birds, and some very excellent exhibits among them, Messrs Stapleton and Hill being as of old the most active competitors. The attendance during the afternoon was modorate, but the hall was largely patronised during the evening. The judges were as follows :—Mr E. Rees, for Game, Malays, and Bantams ; Mr T. Stapleton, for Dorkings, Spanish, and Hamburghs ; Mr J. Wood, for Cochins, Brahmas, Polish, and French fowls; Messrs W. G. Walker and J. Kerr, for Pigeons; Mr T. Batchelor, for Canaries and Songsters ; Mr E. Strange, Pigeon Race.