PERSONAL NOTES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 282, 18 February 1928, Page 26

PERSONAL NOTES

Fanciers will regret to hear that Mr. I Ball the well-known bantam fancier, has had to go into hospital to undergo an operation. All fanciers vs ill join us in wishing that Mr. Ball’s operation may be successful and that he may have a speedy and permanent recovery. . _ During the week the writer received visits from two well-known fanciers in Mr. Barrie, the well-known Wyandotte specialist of Otane, Hawke's Bay, and Mr. Rumbal, of Orpington fame. Whangarei. The former fancier has not reared many chickens this season, but hopes to have one or two choice specimens among his pullets. He visited the yards of Mr. Hanson, and, in our conversation with him, he expressed the opinion that Mr. Hanson had some of the best Silver Wyandottes he had seen for some time.

Mr. Rumbal, whose tragic loss of his son and son-in-law, which will be remembered by all fanciers, prevented

hi mfrom breeding his usual number of birds, is relying on some of his old birds for the earlier shows.

Mr. J. M. Thomson, the well-known poultry and canary judge, was one of the party of bowlers which left New Zealand last week for Britain and the Continent.

Fanciers will regret to hear that, owing to advancing years, Mr. Thomson has practically decided to retire from taking any further active part in the Fancy. Mr. Thomson’s retirement will leave a breach in the New Zealand Fancy which it will be hard to fill. During his many years of association with it he has done much in furthering the advancement of all sections. We believe we are right in saving he was one of the founders cf the North Island Association, also first president He also held the position. at different president and secretarv of the old Auckland Suburban Club and

is at present a vice-president of th® Auckland Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Club.

A decade ago Mr. Thomson was one of the largest and most successful exhibitors of bantams and canaries in the Dominion, and although pressure of business did not allow of his exhibiting during the past ten years, his enthusiasm did not however decline, as he still took an active part in the fancy in the North, and he has been one of the most sought after judges of poultry, bantams, and canaries. Mr. Thomson has for some years an active part in his favourite game of bowls with the Carlton Club, of which he held the position of president for some time, and recently presented the Thomson Shield for competition every year. Mr. Thomson informed the writer that although time would not permit of his visiting many fanciers’ yards in England, he hoped to visit a few, but regrets that he will be leaving back for the Dominion before the Dairy and Crystal Palace shows are held. He is accompanied by Mrs. Thomson, who is visiting her home in England. All fanciers will join us in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Thomson God-speed, with an enjoyable holiday and safe return. Fanciers will regret to hear that Mr. Ben Johnson, the well-known Minorca and fancy pigeon exhibitor, has suffered a bereavement in the loss of his mother. All will join with us in extending our sympathy to Mr. Johnson.