SHOW VENUES - CRYSTAL PALACE VS AGRICULTURAL HALLJarrow Express, 4th January 1901
There a continual rivalry between the Crystal Palace and the Agricultural Hall, as to which shall be the home of the greater number of trade and similar exhibitions. The Crystal Palace has the advantage of being a vastly pleasanter resort for visitors, and is famous for its annual rose shows, dog shows, cat shows, and the like; whilst the Agricultural Hall's trump cards are the Cattle Show and the Military Tournament, as well purely trade shows galore, which flourish exceedingly because the venue is so much the more conveniently situated for access from the City and all parts.

[THIEVES CHECK OUT TARGET CATS AT SHOWS] CAT STEALING Northern Whig - Saturday 19 January 1901
Dog stealing is not prosperous as an industry it was wont to be. People are more careful about their canine pets, and detectives are so inconveniently curious. Fortunately for themselves, the honest thieves concerned have not fallen wholly out of work. They have been able turn their attention to cat stealing with very satisfactory results. In important branch of the business the operator visits cat shows, and carefully notes valuable animals, with names and addresses of their owners. The consequence is that afterwards some of these cats mysteriously disappear from their homes. Values up to 1,000 are publicly placed upon their pets by owners. It is an excellent way of getting into the papers and (incidentally) of guiding the cat thieves. A less important branch of business is the casual haul kind. Herein the operator shows an amiable interest in any valuable-looking pussy that he may happen to see on a doorstep or window-sill when taking his walks abroad. Of course if not timid the animal innocently responds, and it is then an easy thing to lift him up and carry him off.

[FASHIONABLE CATS] Pearson's Weekly, 26th January 1901
Now that cats are becoming so fashionable, they can be made very profitable as a hobby. A hundred pounds for a cat seems a big price, but it is small in comparison to what is asked for a winner at the Cat Club Show. The Cat Club is a move in the right direction and is deserving of the success it has obtained as, indeed, anything must be that tends to improve the deplorable state into which the breed of cats in this country has degenerated.

WHY NOT A CAT CLUB? Bradford Weekly Telegraph, 23rd February 1901
The announcement that a bull-dog club has been formed for Bradford raises the question-why not a cat club? There are hosts of admirers of the feline race, and whereas a bull-dog club is confined to a particular variety, a cat club could embrace all varieties of catus domesticus. There are some cat exhibitors in Bradford, notably Mrs Kuhnel, of Manningham Lane, who would no doubt be glad to tender advice and assistance. If we had a cat club the only object would not be to improve the breeds but to create a public opinion more tolerant of cats. What cruelty is inflicted upon cats by thoughtless persons. Kittens are thrust into the streets to be starved, or worried by dogs. The inculcation of kindness to cats would be one of the duties of a cat club.

[A BRITISH CAT CLUB] Portsmouth Evening News, 23rd March 1901
Lady Alexander for Ballochmyle is forming a British Cat Club and has already been promised considerable support.

VALUABLE CATS Acton Gazette - Friday 26 April 1901
Many people think that cats have no market value. This is not so, however, for Mr. E. Smith, of Fisher's-lane has just sold two fine Persian cats for ten guineas and shipped them to America. Mr. Smith has exhibited at many cat shows, and secured many prizes, including the championship at the Crystal Palace Exhibition.

THE GREAT COUNTY SALE. The Gentlewoman, 8th June 1901
In Response to the "Princess of Wales' Appeal." There is now but little space left unallotted in all the Imperial Gardens at Earl's Court [. . .] Last week I had to report that a Dog Stall had been promised, and I am now happy to say that a Cat [and pet Animal] Stall has been undertaken by Mrs. Stennard Robinson, on behalf of the Ladies' Kennel Association.

THE GREAT COUNTY SALE. The Gentlewoman, 6th July 1901
Opposite were two of the greatest attractions of the Sale, the dog and cat stalls, Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein being president of the latter, though Her Royal Highness was unable to be present [. . .] Mr. and Mrs. Mutter kindly housed the animals overnight at their kennels. Spratt's Patent benched and fed the dogs, cats, and other pets free of cost, and Jeyes Limited, sent a liberal supply of their efficacious disinfectants.

SOME BEAUTIFUL LONG AND SHORT HAIRED CATS. The Tatler, 16th October 1901
Most people imagine that all the cats in the Isle of Man are tailless, but there are cats with tails there as well as those without. This is exactly the case in Japan, where those cats with tails have them promptly cut off because the people believe that the devil is in the tail. The genuine Manx has not the slightest vestige of a tail, but the apparently tailless cat of Japan is never without a little pig's twist of a tail covered, of course, with fur.

The first cat show in the world was organised by Harrison Weir and held at the Crystal Palace in 1872. Since then the Crystal Palace has been recognised as the headquarters of cat shows, and no tabby can be considered really "smart" until he has made his appearance at Sydenham. Cat fanciers indulge in their hobby purely for the love of it. The man -who owns racehorses or dogs has at any rate the possibility of occasionally winning a really valuable price, but with cat fanciers the cats are their own reward. In a list of prizes offered at the Crystal Palace which I have now before me I see that the first prize in no case exceeds twenty shillings. In America, either because cats are held in higher esteem or their owners are more avaricious, the prizes offered at cat shows are really valuable.

A LOVER OF CATS. South Wales Daily News, 9th November 1901
Lady Marcus Beresford is a great lover of cats and her lavish generosity whenever cats are concerned has won her the admiration and pride of the cat world. Lady Marcus was the first to start holding cat shows for charity, one of her latest efforts being the show recently held at Slough in aid of H.R.H. Princess Christian's Nursing Homes. Recently, her ladyship has been at loggerheads with the National Cat Club on the question of the register for her shows and those of the club, but fortunately the differences have been settled, the club, under the advice of its president, Lord Marcus Beresford, having decided on a single register.

[CAT CLUB VS NATIONAL CAT CLUB] Various, 10th March, 1902
Nothing has attained such wonderful proportions in a short time as the taste for collecting and breeding pedigree cats. The pioneer of this movement was Lady Marcus Beresford. Many other ladies took an interest in the same pursuit, and the Cat Club was formed. Another Cat Club, however, has been formed, which has called itself the National Cat Club, and the ladies connected with which have, for some reason or other, determined to swamp and destroy, if the possibly can, the original cat club.

[CLOSURE OF LONDON AQUARIUM] Eastern Daily Press, 5th August 1902
To promoters of dog-shows in the metropolis [who had shows at the Royal Aquarium] the sale of Westminster's glass house is a great blow. Apart from the Crystal Palace, it has long been looked upon as the most suitable place in which to hold a dog-show in the London district; and although the People's Palace Mile End, Hengler's Circus, and even the exhibition buildings at Earl's Court, have in turn been tried by specialist clubs as venues for their annual snows, none have proved so popular as the Aquarium, or, as it was ironically called, "the tank." The Royal Horticultural Society and syndicates running bird and cat shows will also deprived of a most central venue for exhibitions, but all will now no doubt go to the Crystal Palace, unless the new owners of the Aquarium yield to the temptation of increasing their revenue by allotting part of their newly-acquired premises to show-promoting bodies.

FANCY CATS Swindon Advertiser and North Wilts Chronicle, 10th October 1902
With the reorganisation of the National Cat Club, and the inauguration of a show on a large scale, held at the Crystal Palace next month, it would seem that the efforts of such ardent fanciers as Lady Marcus Beresford have had the effect of more general interest being taken in the cat as a "fancy" animal. Fabulous amounts are now given for pedigree animals, as was seen at the show of the Ladies' Kennel Association, held in the summer, where cats were given classification, really lovely animals, unheard of in England until a few years ago, are now reared and readily sold at a big profit. Several kittens, tiny mites, realised from five to ten guineas each, and there is but little doubt that ladies with time at their disposal and suitable accommodation for breeding cats might easily build up a very substantial connection. In fact, there is a very big boom just now, and once a reputation for successfully rearing a certain strain can be gained there need be little doubt as to the ultimate success of the venture. Persians are very great favourites, an ideal specimen being cobby (not long-bodied), with a short brush of good shape and length of coat, a round head, with small ears set well forward, and good inside tufts, amber eyes, and plenty of frill.

As regards food for fancy cats, very little indeed is wanted, and it will be found that they require very little attention, so long they are kept nice and clean. Nothing beats horseflesh, cut from the buttock if possible, and boiled gently for about three hours, first putting a little salt in the water. Of this each cat should have about 6oz. a day in two meals, one in the morning and the other at night. Water may be supplied in abundance, but no milk, except in the case of cats which are suckling kittens, whilst to vary the diet a little boiled fish or rice pudding may be given now and then as a morning meal in place of the horseflesh. When kittens arrive the mother should be allowed a good supply of milk in addition to the foregoing diet, but the kittens, which may run with the other until they are nine or ten weeks old, should not have meat until quite three months after birth, as a meat diet often produces worms, in which case the kitten loses flesh very rapidly, and possibly die before steps can be taken for their recovery.

PEERESSES AS CAT-FANCIERS. (The Tatler, 11th February 1903)

The number of society women who take an active interest in the feline tribe has increased hugely of late years. Lily Duchess of Marlborough, Lady Marcus Beresford, and Lady Maitland have exhibited champion cats at various shows, the first-named being president of the Cat Club. It is not such an easy matter by any means to acquire a really well-bred cat, and the "points" that catch the judges' attention are rarely if ever seen in the ordinary domestic puss. Lady Aberdeen is also an ardent patroness of cats and presented to the Cat Club some time ago a lovely little silver model of a cat for the best tabby.

A CAT WORLD CALAMITY. LADY MARCUS BERESFORD RESIGNS. THE CLUBS AND CAT CULTURE (London Daily News, 9th December 1903)

Much interest and some sensation will be caused in that large section of society which is interested in the cult of the cat by the fact that Lady Marcus Beresford has decided to give up so far as clubs and shows are concerned - a "fancy" with which she has long been associated, and in which she has won such notable position.

There is nothing more interesting and pleasing in the way of a pet than a beautiful specimen of the feline tribe, and now that the "fancy" has achieved so high a favour in aristocratic and social circles, the position of the cat has become quite distinguished, and the art of cultivating these pets and establishing breeds has become to-day quite a fine art. Our American cousins have caught the epidemic strongly, and in New York, Boston, and Washington cat culture is even more pronounced than our own home-loving England. Both at home and in the United States there are journals devoted solely to cats, and there has been established an agency and register by which cats of all breeds may exported and imported to and from the United States and to all parts. The feline fascination has not only become a fashion, but a lucrative hobby of quite a large order. There are, however, some uncomfortable sides to the situation and much disagreement amongst those who elect themselves as honest champions of the cause of a dumb creature whose ancestry we cannot adequately trace back. Pussy has now lovers in legions.

The most beautiful cats of noted pedigree are very valuable. It is here the struggle for notoriety comes in, and it is here also that the quarrelsome and fighting spirit exists in clubs and feline societies. Every woman, womanlike, wishes to outvie the others, and often in the cat world much vindictiveness is exhibited. This spirit, and the fact that sometimes the aim is to excel at any cost in the show world, hinders - -according to Lady Marcus Beresford the advance of the cause, and cramps movements that otherwise might be advantageous to the animal, and a source of pleasure to the fancier and hobbyist.

Some sixteen ago the National Cat Club was founded, and Lady Marcus Beresford then was one of its chief supporters; but her ladyship saw that another society club could beneficially be founded on other lines with good results. Therefore, she set about inaugurating an institution called "The Cat Club." This was some six years ago, and the importance of the attitude which Lady Marcus Beresford has now taken up is emphasised by the fact that it will affect the whole official body of "The Cat Club," the president and vice-president of which include Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, Edith, Duchess of Wellington, Lord and Lady Marcus Beresford, Isabella, Countess Home, Viscountess Maitland, Viscountess Esher, Lady Ridley, Lady de Trafford, Lady Lister, Lady Gooch, Lord Walter Gordon-Lennox, and Sir Alfred Bateman.

Lady Marcus Beresford has done much to improve the cult of the cat, and I have just had an opportunity of a long personal chat with her on her views and intentions in regard to the feline world in future, and I have also visited her ladyship's almost regal catteries at her home, Bishopsgate, Windsor Park.

"For years," said Lady Marcus Beresford, "I have worked to establish what I maintain is a fair and equitable way of dealing with clubs and feline societies, and to ensure that most good should come from the various exhibitions. I have now decided, and reluctantly, you may be sure, to withdraw from "The Cat Club" entirely, as my strength is really inadequate to the immense amount of work and worry entailed. I gave to the Brighton Show tor the charity, The Home for Incurable Children,' four of my famous cats, but I learn that they were not bought by anyone, so I have simply presented them to those I feel will value them. I am disappointed, for their sale should have been of substantial benefit to the charity."

I asked Lady Marcus about her beautiful catteries at Bishopsgate, and if she was retaining any of her pets at all, and she answered very frankly: "I shall in future have no catteries, and only keep my two Siamese cats and possibly a silver Persian. My Siamese is a beautiful specimen, as you know. All my other cats must go. I cannot any longer undertake the worry of the shows, and I should not have done so at Brighton but for the excellent assistance of our hon. secretary, Mrs. Bagster, and Mr. A. Sparrow, who has managed all the shows for us in a very efficient manner. You quite understand how hard everyone has to work in matters of this kind. I wanted so to hand over a considerable sum to the charity, but my wishes in that respect are not realised. I shall, of course, do my best for cats generally in the future; but I feel keenly the apathetic way in which the cat fanciers in general look at shows for causes of this kind. There is no lack of interest when they are showing simply to make profit for themselves. It all seems selfishness - all for gain, for notoriety - and not for the cause of the cat itself. Whatever amalgamation may ultimately considered advisable amongst the cat societies, and whatever course "The Cat Club" may pursue after the general meeting in January next, will not alter my decision in the matter. My work is ended in regard to clubs. I shall keep a few pets - the Siamese, for instance, which my husband and I like best; and although I may still take an interest shows from an exhibitor's point of view, the matter will end there, for I have finished with the show world as regards their direction and bringing about."

" And so The Cat Club goes?" I asked Lady Marcus.

"No, not necessarily; but it must go on its own lines and without us. The question of amalgamation with other societies is not one for the promoters to consider, as we have always stood alone, and what the club chooses to do afterwards is another thing entirely. Every member will be treated fairly, as they have always been; but it is now just a crisis in the cat world, and I hope that the issue of the crisis will be beneficial for the cats and their culture. If the best be done for the real training of cats, I am sure it will prove better for the clubs than the spirit that in some quarters now prevails. In January next there will be a general meeting, when, as far as I am concerned, The Cat Club' will cease to exist, as all the presidents and will probably resign. The cups would in that event be returned to those who offered them (save those that have been won outright), and the pens and benching sold, the proceeds to divided amongst the members. A great part of these pens and benching have been paid for out of my own pocket, and the deficits in club accounts have up to now been made good by me. Very few members have helped towards expenses, and few have given any good specials. I should not have continued so long working, as my husband has often begged me to give it up, but I have kept hoping that things would become better. Alas! no. But as long as cat fanciers are seeking advertisement for themselves and feeling jealous of anyone who breeds or shows a cat better than their own, nothing can be worked in peace; and only with the able support of Mrs. Bagster have I been able to keep mv club for tins length of time. I cannot speak too highly of Mr. Sparrow s management; and I shall always feel and remember that The Cat Club shows have been the cleanest and healthiest in the cat fancy, and that some little good has been done with the money collected tor several charities. Those few who have helped and supported me I shall always remember gratefully and kindly.

The Bishopsgate Catteries, always so charmingly arranged, and situated in the heart of Windsor Park, will unfortunately be no longer known heretofore. Lady Marcus Beresford's hopes and aims were always keen and earnest. If, therefore, the lack of earnest supporters and good workers has at last brought about this position, it is a pity, and will be much regretted, and l am on this point just reminded of an utterance made to me at Brighton by a well-known gentleman who is devoted to felines, who said, "Well! If Lady Marcus Beresford leaves us, then heaven help the cat clubs." - E. Leuty Collins.

[THE CAT CLUB WOUND UP] Dundee Courier, 1st January 1904
The Cat Club started in England a dozen years ago by a number of ladies interested in cats is to be wound up owing to dissensions on the committee. Lord Marcus Beresford is the president, and the vice-presidents include Lady Marcus Beresford, lily Duchess of Marlborough, and Evelyn Duchess of Willington. The club possesses a number of valuable plates and cups, the disposal f which has not yet been decided upon.

DISTINGUISHED CAT FANCIERS.
The Tatler, 30th March 1904

Lady Decies, who has just left Beresford Lodge for Cannes, is one of the most enthusiastic cat-fanciers in England, and has by her exertions largely helped to bring the cat into the position of much notoriety and distinction. Lady Decies's Zaida is a pussy that has won countless honours at various cat shows and is an animal worth a good deal of money. Cats just at present are, indeed, rather a fashion able craze, and among distinguished owners of various members of the feline tribe can be counted Lady Aberdeen, the Duchess of Bedford, and Lady Marcus Beresford the last-mentioned, however, has quite recently considerably reduced the extent of her large catteries at Bishopsgate, once the largest in England.

SOME CAT HINTS Newcastle Chronicle, 9th July 1904
Mr. J. A. Thompson [. . .] sends me some good items re cats, He says: - How many cat fanciers have cats at home and don t know the value of them? How often when the kittens come, all the black and white ones, or a black with a white tail or nose, or white feet are kept because they are so pretty, and the self-coloured ones are put into a pail of water out of trouble. These are, of course, the very ones that ought to be kept. Novices never think that often a patch of white spoils a good specimen for the show pen. But then, they say, I never show my cats: it is no use my showing them. Now, for instance, I called upon a friend of mine some time ago, and as I walked into the house he was in the act of drowning three kittens, all the cat had. I stopped him and asked him to keep me one, a nicely stripped red tabby, good in colour, etc. This he did, and when I got it home and it was about five weeks old, I found it had splendid blue eyes and a pretty face, ground colour and markings, so I entered it at Bishop Auckland show, English kitten class, and it won first prize under Mr. Mason. Well, the next week I advertised it for sale at 2 and sold it to Mrs. Collingwood of Bessington, Leighton Buzzard; and it has won at the largest cat shows in England. She won with Clem, as she named it, 1st prize and all the four specials in young kitten class. Now this is what many people are missing to-day from the want of trying to learn something about the points of livestock. Your correspondent, Mr, D. C. Sword, can write confirming this, and I think he had a cat under just such circumstances. He showed it, and it beat the cracks, but very unfortunately it came home poisoned and died."

SOME ARISTOCRATIC CATS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.
The Tatler, 9th November 1904

These pictures illustrate five out of the 550 entries at the sixteenth annual championship show of the National Cat Club which was held recently at the Crystal Palace. There were on this occasion no fewer than a hundred different classes, and all the best-known types were well represented.

Among the long-haired blues were some excellent specimens, and the silver tabbies were lovely. The former type are for the most part of Russian parentage and accredited by breeders with more intelligence than any other long-haired species. Chinchillas are still a difficult race, the only perfect specimen in the shows for the past six years being Lady Decies's Zaida. Most of the animals benched were really silver tabbies, which have become celebrated for their great size and strong constitution. Some of the whites appeared to have diminished in bulk, although in the case of the winners there was nothing to complain of in this respect.

The smooth-haired Siamese cats attracted much attention, and there were fine-looking creatures among the red tabbies and tortoise- shells. There was a fine exhibition of silver tabbies which varied considerably in the marking. Oranges and sables have become very fashionable, while blacks were conspicuously absent owing perhaps to the condition that their eyes must be orange.

Princess Victoria of Schleswig- Holstein, the patroness of the club, exhibited blues, chinchillas, and long-haired neuters. Lady Alexander had twenty-six animals on show in various classes and carried off several prizes, among them the Rotherham challenge bowl, value 10 guineas, for the best English short-haired cat in the show. Lady Decies had nine animals entered for seventeen classes and was awarded, among other prizes, the National Cat Club 10-guinea challenge cup for Fulmer Zaida, a female chinchilla, the best long-haired cat in the show.

LADIES GOSSIP The Otago Witness, 16th November, 1904
Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein has made the cat cult intensely fashionable again among the London, smart set. Her Royal Highness, a devoted lover of cats, became patron of the National cat show, and entered her beautiful silver Persians for competition at the Crystal Palace and Botanic shows. Cats she must have with her always. Upon the table of her boudoir at Cumberland Lodge stand two handsome models in silver of a pair of her Persian cats. Among other smart owners of fine cats are the Duchess of Bedford, the Duchess of Sutherland, Lady Dufferin, Lady Aberdeen, Lady Decies, Lady Maitland, Lady Hothfieid, Lady Alexander, and Lady Knatchbull.

The formation of the Cat Clubs is quite a recent occurrence, and began with the national Club, the N.C.C. as it is called, which rightly claims to be the top Club, and holds and regulates the registration of all the winning cats of the country, as well as the issue of championships. The exhibitions of this Club are very prominent features in the attractions of the Crystal Palace yearly, and are attended by the elite of society, many of whom are enthusiastic and successful breeders, notably, Lady Beresford, the Countess of Aberdeen, Sir Claude Alexander Bart., and his amiable wife Lady Alexander, Lord and Lady Decies. The other principal Clubs which have been formed are: the Cat Club, due to Lady Beresford's initiative, but lately dissolved, the Northern Counties Club, the Midland Counties Club, the Scottish Cat Club, and the recently formed Southern Counties Club, whose headquarters are in Southampton. A very pleasing feature in the formation of the various Clubs and Societies in this country is the establishment in various towns of rescue homes for puss, where as starving and diseased strays they are collected by human hands and painlessly destroyed, or restored to health and given to good homes. Mrs Greenwood, of 9, Albion-place, has established such an institution in Southampton. This movement is a direct result of the formation of the various clubs.

It is a circumstance worthy of remark that the majority of cat fanciers are located actually in the counties south of the Thames. In Yorkshire, however, there is strong phalanx where the long-haired Blue Persians and the short-haired tabbies attain to national fame, but on the whole the South takes premier place, and it is believed the formation of the new Southern Counties Club will have the effect of focusing the merits of this part of the Kingdom by the interchanges of help and experience and advice amongst the members, many of whom, such as Mrs Sinkins, of Aldermoor, Miss White-Atkins, Miss Sngster, and Mrs Millar have won much distinction in the cat world. Mrs Millar, who resides at St. Denys, is the secretary of the show, and was, we understand, largely instrumental in organising the present exhibition.

TOPICS OF THE HOUR Southern Echo, 5th January 1905
The perfection to which cats can be brought by scientific breeding and careful training is evidenced by the magnificent collection of animals at the show at the Carlton Drill Hall, Southampton. Some of the animals are valued at a figure which makes the average individual gasp. It is an absolute fact that Lady Decies refuses 700 for Zaida, and Mrs Norris's Kew Ronald is also probably worth a huge sum. The Queen takes great interest and some pride in her cat family, more particularly in th head of that family, "Sandy," a Persian cat born at Sandringham. "Sandy" alone is admitted to the inner recesses of the house, and is allowed to take tea with her Majesty's guests in the comfortable hall, which is furnished half hall, half sitting-room fashion.

CONCERNING CATS. Coventry Herald, 19th May 1905
Ever since the days old Egypt, when the goddess Pasht was told off as the tutelary deity of the feline race, cats have been under the patronage of and associated with women. The familiar of the witches of our childhood's history was a cat. Our maiden aunt's fireside would have been incomplete without pussy purring on the hearthrug, and who ever heard of lodging-house keepers without their cats. A mere man, however, once did something which has put them on a different footing ever since, and that is Mr. Harrison Weir, who originated cat shows in 1871. From that time numerous clubs, founded and fostered by women, have put a new value on all the domesticated breeds of the cat tribe. Cats from all climes have now come to make their home with us, and the choicest specimens from India, Thibet, and Kashmir have been brought home by the Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison. Most of these have been exhibited with conspicuous success; so have the Royal Siam, of whom Mrs. Vyvyan, Miss Forestier Walker, and Mrs. C. A. Robinson have some of the best, a rare and notable variety of this species being the blues of Mrs. Spearman. Persian and Angora cats, beautiful in coat and colouring, are held in great esteem, and are perhaps more numerous than any others, the favourite colour being chinchilla, possibly because it is more difficult breed the correct shade. "Lady Decies Zaida," a winner of many championships, has long held supremacy in this class, and the record price of 700 was once offered for her and refused. A great favourite with many women is the British short-haired cat, one of the rarest of which is the red tabby, the best specimens yet exhibited being Lady Alexander' champion "Perfection." This lady has also a fine collection of blue Russian cats, which are also short-haired, as are the quaint Manx, to which Mrs. Stiggins, a well-known judge of cats, is devoted.

FUR AND FEATHER SHOW AT MILLBROOK Hampshire Advertiser, 29th July 1905
The annual fur and feather show promoted by residents of Millbrook parish was held in the Rectory Grounds on Wednesday afternoon . . . During the afternoon, the annual meeting of the Southern Counties Cat Club was held at the Schoolroom, under the presidency of Mrs Sinkins, and at which several ladies were present. The alteration of the rules, as recommended by the Committee, were read by Mr Millar, and were confirmed. Mr Millar also read the first annual report of the Committee, which stated that 136 members had been elected during the ten months the club had existed, and the total number of members was now 134. Bath, Bournemouth, and Winchester had been considered as places where the next show should be held, and the Committee recommended that Bath should be selected. Thanks were voted to Mrs Sinkins and Mrs Hastings Lee for gifts of prizes. Mrs Sinkins, in moving the adoption of the report, considered it of a very satisfactory character, and added that she looked forward to an increased membership when the show was held at Bath. Mr W. Jarvis seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. Mr Jarvis moved a cordial vote of thanks to the retiring officers and Committee for their past services, remarking that all had done their very best to promote the success of the Club, and this was agreed to. On the proposition of Mr Jarvis, Mr Firth was elected as hon treasurer in the place of Mr Millar, who resigned. Mrs Sinkins was chosen as president, Mrs F.M. Gregory as vice-president, Mrs Millar was re-elected as hon secretary, with cordial thanks for past services, and the Committee were re-elected with the addition of the names of Miss Bruno, Miss Swanston, and Mr W. Jarvis. Thanks were voted to Mrs F.M. Gregory for permitting the meetings of the Committee to be held at her residence, and the accounts which has been audited by Mr Alan Searle, and passed by the Committee, were read by Mr Millar, these showing an adverse balance of 3 5s 10d, which Mrs Sinkins said she had no doubt would be wiped off by the gate money at Bath, as there they anticipated a larger attendance at the show that was the case at Southampton. Thanks to Mrs Sinkins for presiding concluded the meeting.

VETERINARY SURGEONS AND QUACKS.
Worthing Gazette, 3rd October 1906

Protecting the Profession. The autumn meeting of the Southern Counties Veterinary Society, which was held at the Hotel Metropole, Brighton, under the Presidency of Mr. W. K. Stuart, of Hove, on Thursday afternoon, was of more than usual interest from a public point of view, the somewhat lengthened agenda including an interesting paper by Mr. G. H. Livesey, of Hove, on the attitude of the veterinary profession to what he called the "Canine and Feline Medical Expert." Mr. Liveesy's paper was supplemented by addresses by Dr. Waller Harrison (a Past President of the British Dental Association) and Mr. Cripps (as representing the Pharmaceutical Society); and a series of resolutions will be submitted at the next meeting in London in December, asking the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to take steps to more strictly guard the privileges of its members, and also urging the members of the Society to refrain from acting in any official capacity at any Dog or Cat Show where "unqualified medicine vendors are allowed to hold stalls and carry on the business or trade of a Veterinary Surgeon." [This would impact the vetting in of cats at shows and prevent the presence of a vet to attend to emergencies at cat shows.]

CAT LOVERS PUT OUT CRAPE FOR A PUSSY. FATHER OF ALL CHINCHILLA PERSIANS HAS GONE TO THE HEAVEN OF MOUSE CATCHERS Pittsburgh Daily Post, 25th November 1906
An obituary as long as a bishop s is published in the London papers on the death of a famous prize cat called The Silver Lambkin, which reached the venerable age of 17 years. The Silver Lambkin was the ancestor of nearly all the chinchilla Persian cats there are. His descendants have won prizes all over the world since 1892, and six years ago a son of his won the gold medal at the Boston cat show. This famous pussy created the craze for the delicate gray, fluffy breed of cats known as chinchilla. His progeny became the most fashionable and valuable cats, one of the being sold at the highest price - $315 ever paid for a cat. The feline patriarch belonged to Mrs. Balding, of Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire, who is considered the leading English authority on cats, and is an honorary life member of the Cat club.

FAMOUS CAT DEAD. Daily Mirror, 12th November 1906
The cat world is plunged into melancholy by the death, at Gamlingay, near Cambridge, of "The Silver Lambkin," the famous chinchilla, who was born so long ago as 1889. Its descendants have won thousands of prizes, and "The Silver Lambkin" embalmed, will now grace the Natural History Museum.

DEATH OF A WORLD FAMOUS CAT various, 9th - 16th November 1906
The Daily Mail of Nov. 9th states The Silver Lambkin the celebrated chinchilla cat, known to every cat fancier the world over, has just died at Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire. In every country where cate are bred his progeny held a leading position. It is now six years since one of his many sons won the gold medal et Boston. Born in 1899, this remarkable animal attained a great age as compared to most highly bred cats, and from the time that he was three years old to the present, his descendants have won at the Crystal Palace at every succeeding show. In four years be raised the colour to which he belonged from one or two unique specimens to the most fashionable variety in the country. Sixty guineas [ 63], the highest price ever paid for a cat, was given for one of The Silver Lambkin s sons. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein ranks chinchillas among her favourite pets . and is patron of the Chinchilla Club, founded by the owner of The Silver Lambkin, Mrs Balding. This lady is considered the leading authority on cats, and holds the position of life member of the Cat Club, formerly occupied the late Mr Harrison Weir. The embalmed remains of The Silver Lambkin have been accepted by the National History Museum. A model which appears upon the club silver challenge cup is a portrait of this interesting animal.

A VEXED QUESTION
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 21st November 1906
When is a kitten not a kitten but a cat? To the "Black and Whites" (drinkers, not drunk), "Blue Persians," "Silver Hairstreaks" (or is that a butterfly?), "that is the question" which is raising more noise in feline circles than the Education Bill in episcopal. The Southern Counties Cat Club thinks that after nine months a kitten must be classed as a cat, and so it will be at the Westminster show. Exhibitors of the old school demand a full 12 months for kittenhood. Then arises the far more difficult question: If the mother of a family, whose age is not yet 12 months, must be called "kitten," what must her progeny be called? The suggestion "kittenettes" is understood to meet with no favour.

WHEN IS A KITTEN A CAT?
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 9th December, 1906

Can a kitten become a cat before it has reached the age of one year? To the owner of the common or domestic cat which condescends to receive fireside caresses this question may seem a small matter; but to the owner of the aristocrats of the show world it involves a very important point. And a great discussion has centered in it. The storm center is: Shall a cat be compelled to show itself in public exhibition as a kitten before it has reached the dignity of a second birthday? The Southern Counties Cat club say that the period of adolescence shall cese at the age of nine months, and they will act up to this pronouncement at their forthcoming Westminster exhibition. They are going to call cats cats and kittens kittens on those lines.

CAT SOCIETIES Western Morning News, 26th December 1906
The amount of enthusiasm displayed by members of ever-multiplying cat societies in the perfections of the by no means humble pussy is staggering. Mr. Harrison Weir, the celebrated animal artist, seems to have been responsible for the craze, which has grown to such an extent that England is parcelled out between the various cat societies, while particular breeds have organisations of their own, with such names as the Manx, the Silver and Smoke, the Siamese, the Orange and Tortoiseshell, the Black and White, and the Shorthaired Societies. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, whose interest in our domestic pet is well-known, is president of the Southern Counties Club, which will hold a large and important cat show in the middle of January for the purpose of widening the circle of interest in the cat, both on physiological and humanitarian grounds. Here will be seen some of the finest bred and most beautiful specimens of the cat in existence. Contrast the dismal and neglected aspect of the stray catawauler, who makes glad the hours of night with its music with the snug, sleek aristocrats which repose on soft cushions at these and it will be admitted to have been worth while to expend some attention upon the breed.

THE NATIONAL CAT CLUB The Queen, 28th September 1907
THE NATIONAL CAT CLUB was organised in 1887, having for its objects the promoting of honesty in the breeding of cats; the determining of classification; the maintaining of a register of cats, the assisting at shows, and otherwise doing all in its power to protect and advance the interests of cats and their owners. It was the late Mr Harrison Weir who instituted and successfully carried out the first cat show, which was held in the Crystal Palace in 1871, and up to the time of his death he took a keen interest in the cat fancy. It was mainly through Mr Harrison Weir's energy that the National Cat Club came into existence, and for many years he acted as president, besides frequently judging at the shows which from 1887 have been annually held at the Crystal Palace. Since the formation of the club, however, many changes have necessarily taken place. For instance, on the retirement, through ill-health, of Mr Harrison Weir, Mr Louis Wain became president, and still holds this office; then for many years Mrs Stennard Robinson acted as hon. secretary and treasurer, while during this period cat shows were held under the club's rides at the Botanic Gardens in connection with the Ladies' Kennel Association and at the Crystal Palace. In addition to these regular fixtures, the N.C.C. assisted local shows, and guaranteed championships and prizes. The National Cat Club reigned alone until 1898 when Lady Marcus Beresford started and founded the Cat Club. Some first-rate shows were organised by the new body, and held in aid of charities at the St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster.

There was really ample room for two parent clubs, as the fancy was rapidly increasing, but friction arose between the old and the new, and from various causes the Cat Club was disbanded, some of the members returning to the N.C.C., while others retired altogether. The majority, however, remained aloof from any club, joining instead one or more of the various specialist societies which were rapidly springing up to look after the interests of the many breeds an increased classification bad brought into the fancy. Although great things have been done in the past by the N.C.C., it can hardly be said that the present club is in active operation. There is now a crisis in the ranks of cat fanciers, and, unless some move is made by the committee of the N.C.C. to reorganise the club and place it on a different footing, cat fanciers may elect to start a fresh club, with a committee of well-known members chosen by ballot, and also secure a paid secretary.

The N.C.C. would be well advised if they would call a meeting of fanciers, for it is useless to try and obtain the wishes of the fancy by having a general meeting of members of the N.C.C. It is certain that if the club would call a meeting of fanciers in London many interested members would attend from all parts of the country, and materially assist the committee to come to some satisfactory solution of the present unsatisfactory state of affairs. A right step has been taken in appointing a paid secretary, who is grappling with the difficult task of putting things straight. He has the sympathy of all true fanciers, and will receive every support if he can induce the committee to take the step suggested and thus allow the members of the fancy to have a say in the reorganisation of the club, which they are only too anxious to join, but which they have felt has not been a "national" one for some years past. "Unity is strength," and the N.C.C. should be supported by the strongest pillars in the fancy. These could and should be members and the useful suggestion has been made that each of the clubs and specialist societies should elect one or two members of their committee to represent them on the parent committee of the N.C.C. The Southern Counties Club and the Blue Persian Cat Society both boast a larger list of members than the NC.C. can show. This is not as it should be, and if the reorganisation of the N.C.C. takes place it will doubtless be found that numerically and financially the club would benefit if the annual subscription was fixed at 10s. 6d. instead of 1. 1s. This is only one of the many suggestions which members of the fancy would like to hear discussed at a meeting in the metropolis, when the N.C.C. would find had many loyal supporters. It should invite the entire fancy to co-operate in striving to form a cat club which should be a truly national one, with a representative committee of working members of the cat fancy. S.

THE CAT CLUB The Queen, 12th October 1907
Can any reader tell me when the Cat Club funded by Lady Marcus Beresford in 1898 was dissolved, and whether the pedigrees of cats registered in it can now be traced? COTTAR

THE CAT CLUB - The Queen, 26th October, 1907
Referring to the question asked by a correspondent In your issue of Oct. 12 I may state that the Cat Club was dissolved soon after the last show that was held, I think, four years ago. Some People bought copies of the registers, but so far as I am concerned, as former secretary of the club, all the papers have now been destroyed. C.J. BAGSTER

CHALLENGE CUP FOR CATS Torquay Times, and South Devon Advertiser, 24th April 1908
Mrs Louis Maxwell, "Lamorna," Torquay, has presented a challenge cup to the Southern Counties' Cat Club, in memory of her husband, the late Captain Maxwell. The cup is to be known as the "Louis Maxwell Memorial Cup," and is to be offered for the best orange cat or kitten under two years old, bred and owned by a member of the O. and T.S. [Orange and Tortoiseshell Society]

100 GUINEAS FOR A CAT Forfar Herald, 16th July 1909
Rob Roy II of Arrandale, the Champion male Chinchilla Persian cat of England, has set sail for New York. Rob Roy II leaves England perhaps for ever. He was bred by Mrs George Wilson, of Purley Grange, Purley, for whom he had won many prizes at the Crystal Palace and other cat shows, but Mrs Wilson has sold him to Miss Lynas, of Chicago, for 100 guineas, a sum considerably in advance of any ever paid for a cat before. Rob Roy II's father, Rob Roy, was equally famous in the cat world, for he won for Mrs Wilson nearly 100 cups, medals, first and other prizes, and he is now living on his laurels a life of luxurious and dignified ease, carefully tended by his devoted mistress. Rob Roy II has also many brothers and sisters who are noted prize-winners. Indeed, the Rob Roy cats are the very pick and pride of Chinchillas. The life of a show cat is very different from that of the ordinary cat. From the time of his birth until his show days are ended the fleecy coated Persian is tended with as much care and thought as a Derby winner. His beautiful silken tresses are brushed and groomed every day, and his food is chosen with great care. The tiny, fluffy balls of fur that Persian cats are when about the age of 1 six or eight weeks may fetch anything from two to ten guineas. Several of Rob Roy II's brothers and sisters have brought 15, 20, and 25 at that period of their existence.

[CAT CLUB MARRIAGE] MARRIAGE OF MR. T. B. MASON. Shipley Times and Express, 6th August 1909
The marriage took place yesterday (Thursday) at Croydon of Mr. T. B. Mason, Idle, and Miss Kate Sangster. Southampton, hon. secretary of the Southern Counties' Cat Club. In order to mark the occasion of the marriage the staff and employees of the Fanciers' Newspaper and General Printing and Publishing Co . Idle, with which Mr. Mason has been concerned for over twenty years, have presented him with a handsome smoker's cabinet. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are to reside at Lincoln House, 12b. Benshaw Manor Road, Thornton Heath.

The first cat show held in this country was at the Crystal palace on July 16th 1871, and was the outcome of the thoughts of the late Mr Harrison Weir, who says, "I conceived the idea that it would be well to hold cat shows so that the different breeds, colours, markings etc, might b more carefully attended to, and the domestic cat sitting in front of the fire would then possess a beauty and attractiveness to its owner unknown and unobserved because uncultivated heretofore." He also adds; "Now that a Cat Club is formed, shows are more numerous, and the entries increasing, there is every reason to expect a permanent benefit in every way to one of the most intelligent of (though often much abused) animals."

To improve the quality of cats and to make their lives better was evidently his object, and as neither of these objects has been attained I contend that cat shows have proved a failure. Many will probably consider me mad in saying the quality has not improved, especially after seeing picked specimens of fur of all colours at some of our exhibitions. It is a common idea that long-hair cats (which sad to relate are slowly and surely taking the place of short hairs) are delicate in constitution and hard to rear, and this idea is true to a great extent; and the show cage is to blame for this, for in order to gain certain points the stock has been in-bred to the cost of the constitution. Then, again, we have the overstrain placed upon the male cat who has created a sensation at some show. So that, with in-breeding and over-taxing of sires, the quality of cats constitutionally is on the down grade. Nor has the general happiness of the cat improved by cat shows. With cat fanciers generally "the domestic cat sitting in front of the fire" is a thing of the past; the abode of the show cat is usually a cattery, and their life is about as unnatural as one could possibly imagine. They drag out a weary existence between the cattery, the basket in a railway train, and the show pen (24 inches square) placed in a cold or draughty building.

There is no doubt cat shows have made cat-keeping a business amongst fanciers, whether the fancier be a duchess or a shop assistant. If the cat can earn money, all well and good; if it can't and a pedigree is forthcoming (real or imaginary), its owner soon endeavours to dispose of it. Another danger of cat shows is the risk of infection; unhealthy cats are too often seen on the show bench. This is not fiction, but can be seen at many shows and is confirmed by letters and notices in "fancy" papers.

I would be the last to cry out against anything tending to improve our cats in any way, and would use every effort for their betterment, but I am full convinced that cat shows will not do it. I believe much could be done in the right direction amongst the cats of the working and middle classes by giving prizes for the condition of their cats. This, however, would not bring any gains to show promoters, but would involve expense and trouble to the organisers. To explain briefly; A certain parish offers prizes for best-conditioned cats owned by residents of the parish. Those who wish to complete send in their names, and their cats are visited at their homes periodically by someone with knowledge of cats, and at the end of a specified period (say, yearly) the prizes are awarded. This would encourage these people to look after their cats properly, and "Puss" would become a domestic pet and not a money-earning machine.

Yours, M. Graham, Bristol Cats' Home, Park Row, Nov. 1.

REARING CATS FOR PROFIT. Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, 25th June 1910
"How to earn money by cat breeding" is the title of an instructive article in the current number of the "Smallholder." The fact that cats can made to pay will be news to many people, but we are assured that there are profits to be made, whether pet animals are bred, or exhibition ones reared and sold. "The beginner who wishes to exhibit would do well to obtain a pale blue male [longhair], or a medium blue without any shadings or markings on the coat, and with orange eves; then a fine amber-eyed black Persian queen. If these prove too costly for buying, the male may have greenish eyes, and yet orange-eyed progeny may result. Owing to the number of cat shows, prizes are fairly easy to win with first class animals."

PREPARING CATS FOR SHOW Newcastle Chronicle, 18th May 1912
It does not seem natural to wash a cat, but many of the prize rabbits in the white and light-coloured classes at the lading shows have been washed. Most ladies begin by opening out an old sheet or a large cloth on the table, and placing the cat in the centre with a small basin of hot water at hand in which a little Scrubbs ammonia has been dropped. With a sponge, carefully damp the fur all over do not thoroughly wet it nibbing" the fingers well into the roots of the fur. Then with a flour dredger sprinkle over the fur some white fullers earth which may be purchased of any chemist for a few pence. It is best to do all this in the kitchen, and to have the gentle heat from the fire to dry the fur. The drying process will take about fifteen minutes, or even less. When the fur feel dryish it should be well brushed; all the powder will then quickly disappear, and your cat will presently look so clean and lovely as to astonish you. Do not allow the cat after her toilette to go near the draught for an hour or two. It is wise to do the washing the night before you send the creature to the show. Give it a nice meal the last thing at night, such as a little boiled mutton and rice, or better still some finely minced raw beef. As cats seldom eat much in the show pen it behoves her owners to feed them well for a few days before starting on their journey.

CATS AND CAT-OWNERS. The Queen, 6th February 1915
One of the handsomest varieties of longhairs is the smoke, which is at the present moment not quite enjoying so much popularity as it merits. Smokes are really very dark, solidly shaded silvers, and are acknowledged by the Silver Society, and considered worthy of inclusion in its classification. The under colour of an exhibition smoke Persian must be of a pure silver tint, with the tips shading to black. A good smoke is a very handsome cat, the peculiar colouring having a weird fascination about it which is most attractive. The Silver Society s standard of points read as follows: A smoke cat must be black, shading to smoke, with as light an undercoat as possible, and black points, light frill and ear tufts, eyes to be orange. One of the principal smoke breeders is Mrs James, of Bristol, who has sent these photos of ch. Backwell Javelin and one of his kittens. Javelin has never been beaten except twice by his own son, Backwell Jacob, who has two championships to his credit, and who won first and championship at the National Cat Club s show and the Aldermoor Cup for best smoke bred by exhibitor (this cup Mrs James has now won outright). A promising son of Jacobs, together with a daughter of Javelin, is to go to America this spring, where they ought to be a great acquisition to the fancy. Jacob and Javelin possess some of the best smoke blood, being related to ch. Teufel and ch. Backwell Jogram. Mrs James is the only smoke breeder who has bred two smoke champions, and hopes soon to claim a third with Jacob. All her best cats have been males, she has never had any luck with females, and so far she has never had any luck with females, and so far has not been able to breed a championship queen. Jogram and Javelin nearly always sired males. The one or two really good females died after showing, and Mrs James does not care to buy winners.

Miss Gav, of Letchworth, has forwarded this charming group of Kittens. Blues are her speciality, but having a silver tabby female sent to her, she thought she would make an essay to breed silver tabbies. She was speedily disillusioned, as she found that in mating even to the finest studs the kittens were generally only smudgy silvers, and very delicate at that. After having by great efforts brought them through nearly every kitten ailment, and finally placed them as pets, but at a pecuniary loss, Miss Gay de?nitely abandoned breeding silver tabbies. With blues she has been fairly successful, and in nearly every litter has had one prize winner, which has been shown at the club shows. The rest go as pets, great care being taken in the selection of their homes, and generally they become the most adored and pampered member of the family.
- DICK WHITTINGTON.

CAT NOTES AND NEWS. The Queen, 20th March 1915
There can be no doubt that the most remarkable blue queen at present being shown is Miss Fisher's Champion Patricia of Hadley. Born in June 1913, she has only been shown four times as an adult, and this season has won four championships and twelve first prizes, also six challenge cups and gold and silver medals. She is by Blue Domino of Hyver and Scilla of Hadley, and is one of a litter of five, three males and two females, all of which have glorious deep copper eyes. The three males, Khusam of Hyver, Derry of Hyver, and Toms of Hyver are well known prize winners, and the other female, Jill of Hadley, with the deepest eves of the lot, is in Canada. and her owner writes that she has never seen a more beautiful cat. I think this is about a record litter of kittens. Patricia is expecting a family by Bunny Hug of Haver early in April, and as Bunny Hug is a grand young cat and has also secured many first prizes, great things are hoped from the kittens., I publish a charming photo of a dainty little maiden and also an enthusiastic cat fancier. This is Miss Margaret McDonald, the four year-old daughter of Mr McDonald, the secretary of the Scottish Cat Club, who was the youngest exhibitor at the recent Glasgow show where she was awarded reserve with her pet.

White longhairs are certainly more popular than some of the other colours. notwithstanding the difficulty there is in preserving in unblemished purity the snowy whiteness of their coat. White Persians are very ethereal and delicate in appearance. The long flowing white coat, when combined with the charming yet plaintive looking blue eyes, is indeed most captivating. The following may be taken as a guide in estimating the relative value of points:

COLOUR - Pure white, without tinge of shade of any kind. 25 points
COAT - Long and flowing on body, extra long on mane and brush, and close in texture. 25 points
BODY - Cobby, not coarse, but massive with plenty of bone and substance and short legs. 15 points
HEAD - Round and broad, with small, well-placed ears and short nose. 15 points
EYES - Large, round and full, and azure blue in colour. 10 points
CONDITION 10 points
TOTAL = 100 points.

Here is a photo of a glorious white who admirably fits the standard.

Mrs Moore, of Goole, has moved to Wigan, and owing to a severe illness has had to dispose of many of her beautiful tabbies. She has kept one little queen by Silver Tiger which may some day be mated to Champion Monarch of The North. This fine stud cat has gone to Miss Hopwood at Barcombe. Last year Mrs Moore saw the grand catteries there, so she is satisfied he will be loved and well looked after in his new abode. A dear old queen, Miette, was mercifully disposed of, and Queen of The North has gone to Miss Cotterell of Silloth, so Mrs Moore feels the future of the silver tabbies is assured in such good hands.

Miss Tawse, of Findhorn, N. B., although she did so well showing at Glasgow show has not had too much of her share of good luck. Recently she lost a most valuable queen, Aquilegia as she went up the chimney ten days before her kittens were born and must have hurt herself. Her litter, consisting of five of the most glorious red tabbies Miss Tawse has ever seen, died off one by one and the mother too succumbed. Then the queen Sunlocks had two kittens, one an exceedingly good red tabby and one tortie, the mother lay on the red and the tortie died. Lal Tara had two born dead, her first kittens, Red Pearl of Findhorn had three, two perfect specimens since dead and one living, so out of Redskin of Findhorn's twelve Kittens there is only one alive, and he has the poorest markings of the lot. Such are the vicissitudes of breeding.

Miss Evelyn Grace Eslick, of Johannesburg, South Africa, sends me a group of her blue Persian kittens. They are sired by her grand stud cat Champion Bully Boy (imported) ex Lady Gwen (first prize winner at the Royal Show Pietermaritzburg 1913) and are only five weeks old. At present Miss Eslick s cattery numbers about thirty, and she has been one of the most successful exhibitors in South Africa the last year or two. At the moment she is negotiating with home breeders for some new blood, and as she is such an enthusiast and is only seventeen years of age I wish her every success in her quest.

The annual meeting of the Northern Counties Cat Club was held at Leeds: the president, Mrs Slingsby occupied the chair. The balance sheet for the past year was read, showing a credit balance 17s. 1d. despite the sum of 8. 9s. 3d. having been paid towards show deficit. Under the circumstances this was considered satisfactory. Miss Gladys Savory was re-elected delegate to the governing council, and was accorded a vote of thanks for her services in that direction during the past year. In response to an application for support from the Doncaster show to be held on Easter Monday, two of the club s spoons were promised as special prizes provided not less than four classes be given. The question of the open show was brought up, and after much discussion it was decided on the proposition of Mr Mason, seconded by Mr Ambrose, that the secretary be empowered to call a general meeting of the members some time in July to discuss the question of holding a show next winter. Arising out of the argument about the open show, much consideration was given to finding some method of benefiting members, the idea being to hit upon a scheme which would give the greatest benefit to members yet not be too severe a drain upon the resources of the club. After almost every member had expressed an opinion, Mr McNish moved, seconded by Mr Mason, That it be a recommendation to the new committee that they try to get classes provided at good agricultural fixtures during the summer months, for members only, the club to guarantee the classes. This was carried unanimously. Amongst the shows mentioned as likely for such support were, Altrincham, Hallam. and Eccleshall, Penistone, Bingley, and Sildon. In order to facilitate the better working of the club, it was decided that the financial year be made to close on March 31. A vote of thanks to the hon. secretary and to Mrs Slingsby for occupying the chair closed the meeting.
- DICK WHITTINGTON

CAT NEWS AND NOTES The Queen, 8th May 1915

Of late years the Siamese has made great strides in public favour, in spite of its supposed delicate constitution. It is undoubtedly one of the handsomest cats we have, and has a peculiar fascination all its own, whilst its intelligence and power of affection are generally acknowledged as being of a higher order than those of other breeds. The colour most in favour is pale fawn with dark markings similar to a pug. Chocolates have been seen, also blues, It appears much commotion was caused in 1896 at a National Cat Club show held in the grounds of Holland House when the judge, our well-known expert Mr C. Wain, refused to recognise as a Siamese a blue which had been brought home from Siam by a Mr Spearman. From an English exhibition standpoint the Siamese should be of a pale fawn colour, with eyes, muzzle, tail, and legs of a dense chocolate brown, The eyes should be large and full, and of a bright clear blue tint. Then there is the kink in the tail, a disputed point; some authorities strongly maintain there should be a kink in the tail, others say not. English judges prefer no kink. The coat of the Siamese is softer and more woolly in texture than that of the English cat, and does not lie quite so close. When quite young Siamese are white, but as their points darken so the body colour changes, and the tendency to darken goes on increasing with age, until at last the beautiful fawn colour is lost in a dirty, smudgy brown. I have been fortunate in securing an excellent photograph of a promising Siamese named Bunty, belonging to Mrs Reay, of Carlisle. This youngster has undoubtedly a career in front of him; he is a son of Mrs Reay's well-known champion Carlisle Lad, and at the recent Carlisle show he made his debut, won first and three specials, was the best short-hair male in the show, and reserve for the best cat in show - an excellent start in life. The judge remarked that it was his excellent type and character which brought him right to the top.

Mrs James, of Bristol, whose smokes I illustrated some time back, has purchased from Mrs Warschauer the smoke queen champion Tinkerbelle and Venetian Mollie, her dam. Tinkerbelle is just two and a half years old, and is undoubtedly the most successful queen of her variety for the past two seasons. She has only been shown a few times, and invariably carried off the challenge prize, notably at the National Cat Club show and the Patriotic. Venetian Mollie is also a winner, and the dam of Keymer Gay Lad, Fifine, and several other good smokes.

From Miss Armstrong, of Bardon Mill, T have received this charming photo of her two home-bred blue kittens. This lady has only been in the fancy some two and a half years, but has made good headway and already bred winners. The kittens shown are Bardon Princess and Bardon Beauty. Princess took first prize and three specials at both Haltwhistle and Brampton shows. Miss Armstrong has a male, too, which has done well; he has won six or more firsts and specials, and has only once taken second place since he came into her possession. All the cats are in very good health and live an out-of-door life, and as Miss Armstrong lives in the country, on the edge of the bracing Northumbrian moors, they go just where they choose and are much spoiled, their mistress being devoted to cats.

From Miss Kathleen Birch, of Bexhill-on-Sea, comes the accompanying photo of Peter, her favourite cat. He is a tabby Persian, beautifully marked, with a very long coat and big bushy tail, Miss Birch, describing him, says: He has a very dainty appetite, and has a certain patent food he likes. We keep a bag of it in a corner of the room, and Peter goes to it and has a snack' whenever he feels inclined. He seems to thrive on It, too, and is in splendid condition and very healthy. He hardly touches anything else except a little milk, and does not care for meat, except liver, and will only eat white fish, whiting being his favourite. He is a great pet, perfectly gentle and good tempered, and very affectionate.

Mrs Millar, the popular secretary of Westminster show reports the sale of her blue stud Regal Tomydod to Miss Reid, of South Govan, Glasgow. He is a son of the late Blue Domino, of Hyver, and, although young, is the sire of some fine kittens. Mrs Millar has no room for two stud cats, and she wishes to keep the young black who made his debut at the N.C.C. show as a kitten and took second. He is shaping well, and black studs are rare. Mrs Fosbery, of Lambourne, sends this picture of her silver tabby, champion Tiger Boy, who is the winner of four challenge certificates and the sire of numerous winners. Perhaps the most sensational pair of kittens he may be credited with are Eastbury Sinbad and Eastbury Souvenir, who created almost a record this last show season. As a brace they carried off all the principal prizes, and in their own variety classes they were always first and second. The mother of these kittens has been mated again to Tiger Boy, so an equally good litter is hoped for.

Mrs Stephen, of Hyver, has sent this picture of a blue litter out of Catrina of Hyver. They certainly look promising, and are particularly well dowered with bone. Mis Stephen is very busy with spring litters, and both blues and chinchillas are expected. Hyver Kittens seem to thrive, and no wonder, for the cat houses are ideal, so roomy and lofty, and, in spite of large runs, all the cats are given their freedom at some time of the day. The air also is bracing, for the Hall stands on a hill, and, as there is no other house near, there is not much danger of losing the cats. Mrs Stephen always gives her kittens cooked meat at six weeks old, and then goes on to a feed of raw meat at three months. She is a great believer in milk foods, such as cornflour, groats, &c. Perhaps these few hints may be acceptable when so many novices are busy with kittens.
Dick Whittington

CAT NEWS AND NOTES The Queen, 12th June 1915
At the present moment there is quite a boom in blue Russian shorthairs; Mrs Carew-Cox, our principal breeder, finds the supply will not meet the demand. That there are two distinct types of blue shorthaired cats is apparent to anyone who observes the specimens exhibited at our shows. The foreign or imported variety commonly called Russian have wedge-shaped faces, and are longer and larger in the head, with prominent ears; otherwise in colour and coat they are similar to those bred in England, which have the same formation as an ordinary British cat. The correct texture of coat can only be compared to plush, for the hair does not lie softly on the slope, but has a tendency to an upright growth, and yet the coat should not have any suspicion of coarseness or roughness to the touch. Needless to say, as in all self-coloured cats, the colours should be absolutely even, of a bluish lilac tint, without any sootiness or rusty shade. The blues now exhibited appear generally to fail in eyes, the colour being yellow and often green or greenish yellow, whereas a special feature of this breed should be deep orange eyes, round and full. Another fault which is sometimes apparent is too thick a tail, which is suggestive of a long-haired ancestor, Russians make very desirable pets, presenting as they do a neat, smart appearance all the year round, and possessing the great intelligence usually to be met with in all short-haired breeds. They have the advantage over many other varieties in that they are, as adults strong, healthy cats, not at all liable as a rule to pulmonary attacks. No standard of points has been drawn up for these cats, but the following definitions are descriptive of the type exhibited at our shows: Head longer in formation, has space between the ears, more prominent ears, and well-tapered face, fairly round under the cheekbone, thin, falls away under the eye. The shape is longer in back than the British blue, and has less bone substance. Colour, same as the British shorthair, with no bars or markings. I give a photo of a typical Russian, Mrs Carew-Cox s Prince Pluto, who is a big winner at all our chief shows. This lady tells me she has had a most successful breeding season, and in all her thirty-two years of experience has never known such a demand for blue Russians, She has been sending kittens far and wide, and some were booked long before they were born. Prince Pluto is the sire of them all, and some of the queen kittens have the most glorious orange eyes and British in type: he has also sired the other variety (the original and imported type) with the pointed faces and green eyes - a somewhat remarkable fact, Mrs Carew-Cox is very pleased with a litter of cream unmarked shorthairs, the first she has ever possessed; they seem very healthy and promising, and are, of course, very rare.

A Wittersham boy, Archibald Burt, has been presented by the Ashford magistrates with the R.S.P.C.A. medal for bravery in saving animal life. Burt descended a well 51ft, deep to rescue a cat which had fallen in. To reach the animal he had to lower himself by a rope, and he climbed out hand over hand with the cat in a bag slung over his shoulder.

The greatest black longhair alive has just changed hands; this is Champion Dirty Dick, who has been purchased by Mrs Western from Mrs Benest. Dirty Dick has an almost unbeaten record; he has won thirteen championships, and prizes and specials too numerous to record. His wonderful sound colour and gorgeous eves, together with his wealth of coat, made him always a striking exhibit. Mrs Benest has sold the whole of her stud of black Persians to Mrs Western, and besides Dick there is included a wonderful daughter of his, Lady Card Sharper, who is already a big winner and has never been beaten except by her new owner's kitten Wynnstay Wallflower, who has won cups for best kitten in show at every championship show in England this season. Mrs Western's cattery is one of the finest in the land, possessing, besides her new purchases, ch. Eden Rufus, ch. Blue Peter, and Wynnstay Ruddiman, who, with a number of choice queens, keep her busy. She has now some lovely kittens and is expecting others.

The Hon. Mrs Maitland, of Scotland, who used to exhibit as Miss Bell Irving, of Rokeby, tells me that although she dispersed her cattery last autumn owing to the war, she has still a few cats and kittens left, notably Rokeby Blue Wuzzy, who has been a big winner and has now got five lovely kittens by Vagabond of Thorpe. Mrs Maitland also breeds creams, though she does not find them as popular as they deserve to be as pets.

Miss Clark, of Errol, Perthshire, has forwarded this picture of her Siamese family. She tells me her queen Kaida had seven kits in 1913, and since then she has twice had eight kittens, which must surely be a record, even for Siamese. Miss Clark owns a very interesting cat in Silvertoes, who is a blue pointed Siamese, his points being a beautiful silver grey instead of the usual seal brown. This is an exceedingly rare specimen, though they seem to run in Kaida's family, as her mother also had one.

That enthusiastic Eastbourne fancier, Miss Colville has sent me a pretty photo of two of her well known blue kittens. Miss Colville began in 1910 with Queenie, a kitten of six weeks old, whose sire was son of the well-known Neila Billi of Thorpe (son of the famous Orange Blossom), and Queenie s dam hailed straight from Moko, San Toy, and many other noted champions, so that on both sides her pedigree is of the best and perfectly pure throughout. She is well shaped, with good head and short face. Of her first litter by the celebrated ch. Sir Archie II. Of Arrandale, Miney, with her glorious eyes, was the first to gain notice, winning first and special for best cat in show at Eastbourne, then third open and second novice at Westminster in 1912 at fifteen months. Miss Colville has made great strides in the few years she has been in the fancy, and is now quite one of our most successful blue breeders.
Dick Whittington.

CHINCHILLA PERSIAN CATS. WITH A FEW HINTS ON HOW TO BREED THEM. The Queen, 17th July 1915
The Chinchilla colour in Persian ats is not such an old one as is the Blue, and was artificially produced; the latter variety of cats were said to be extant in the province of Chorazan, in Persia, in the eighteenth century, (See Goldsmith 's Animated Nature, written in 1774.) At one time it could be said with some certainty that the chinchilla could he reckoned as the next popular cat to the blue; now, however, it must be run closely, or possibly surpassed, by the reds and creams. It was in the early nineties that the chinchilla-coloured cat began to be noticed, and it is due to Mrs D. B. Balding (then Miss Gresham) that they were recognised by the National Cat Club, which gave separate classes for them in 1894 at her suggestion. Previously to that they had been exhibited with nondescripts in the any other colour or any other variety classes. Mrs Balding may be reckoned as the founder of the chinchilla breed; and all pedigrees, with but a few exceptions, go back to her famous old Silver Lambkin. His remains are, I believe, preserved in one of the London museums; and, speaking from memory, I fancy that he died in 1906 or 1907 at the ripe age of fourteen or fifteen years. Silver Lambkin was bred from a smoke sire called Perso ex Beauty, a silver tabby, the property of Mrs Vallance. At first, there not being sufficient chinchilla males, the female progeny of Silver Lambkin had to be crossed with blues, hence in pedigrees that go far back one comes across the names of Ch. Bundle and Glaucus. Southampton Ghost, a green-eyed white, was also used as an outcross in those early days. After a time Mrs Balding acquired the Silver Laddie, an imported chinchilla male, as an outcross for Lambkin's daughters, and he was the sire of Lady Decies's famous Ch. Fulmer Zaida. She also mated some of her queens to the Nizam, another imported chinchilla, with a remarkably fine head. Since those days there have been sufficient chinchilla males bred in this country, and there have been but few imported cats; one. Mrs Anningston s Shah of Persia, perhaps, should he mentioned, and the modern fancier does not require to go to another colour if he requires an outcross.

In more recent times, the most noted of the chinchilla male cats have been Silver Tod Sloan (a son of the original Lambkin and a grandson of Silver Laddie), Lord Southampton (a son of Lambkn), and his son the well-known Silver Sultan, Lord Argent and his famous grandson Rob Roy of Arrandale, Ch Silver Mist and his grandson Keymer Sir Patrick, and many others. The noted strain which was so well known as coming from the cattery of Mrs H.B. Palmer, of Bristol, claims as ancestor, I have been told, the Silver King, a full brother of Lambkin, and from this strain originally come Mrs Sinkin's famous Don cats.

The great desideratum: in breeding chinchilla cats is that they should be as unmarked as possible, and also as clear and pale a silver as possible. In striving, however, to get this essential point in the chinchilla cat the breeder must not forget that head, eye, and other structural points are also most important. Quoting an old authority in regard to this the following remarks should he carefully noted: To be of perfect type the long-haired cat should have a cobby build of body, and be low on the legs, which, especially in the males, should be massive, the paws should be large and broad, with tufts of fur between the toes; the neck ruff should be full, the tail short and broad. The head and face should be broad, with great width between the eyes, and also between the ears; while the latter should be tufted with hair. Nose short and broad, eyes round and large, cheeks well developed, are the correct characteristics. This applies equally to the chinchilla as to other breeds. The late Keymer Sir Patrick more ideally fulfilled the structural ideal than any other of his breed, and was in his day considered by Mrs Balding to be the finest headed chinchilla male. For some years Miss Frowd has been wishing to replace him by a cat of equally good structure, and has now been successful in securing from Mrs Dunderdale her noted Jannock, a grandson of the famous Silver Tod Sloan. As that lady did but little exhibiting the Tod Sloan strain has not lately been much in evidence in this country, but in America Silver Phantom, a half-brother of Jannock's and his son Westover Flying Fox, have won many prizes. In his new owner s opinion Jannock much resembles her former favourite, Keymer Sir Patrick, although he is very distantly related, and he is to be reregistered as Keymer Tod Sloan.

The novice chinchilla breeder of nowadays is advised, if wishing to rear vigorous and healthy kittens, to study carefully the pedigree of the stud she selects in conjunction with the pedigree of her own queen. The stud, therefore, to be selected should he related, but not too nearly so. In the early days of the chinchilla variety Lady Marcus Beresford, President of the Cat Club, tried to introduce a dual classification, and the terms, self silver for the pale unmarked cats, and shaded silver for the darker cats in lieu of the title chinchilla, which is somewhat of a misnomer. Unfortunately, when her club came to an end, the dual classification was nearly dropped, and it has only been on a few occasions that classes have since been given for the darker chinchillas. It seems a pity that the darker cats should not he encouraged, as from them many of the pale ones are bred. The novice fancier who owns a smoke queen with green eyes cannot do better than breed her with a good pale chinchilla, as some good ones may come in the resulting litter. For queens who have dark leg bars, or garters, as they are termed - a legacy from silver tabby ancestors - a mate requires to be very carefully chosen; the novice would be well advised to seek the advice of an expert fancier, as a male bred from the palest possible ancestors for several generations would be the most suitable one to correct the defect.

There is, undoubtedly, more uncertainty in breeding chinchillas than in breeding any other long-haired variety, owing to the factor of heredity, and because occasionally there may be a tendency to revert to the original parents of the breed. Possibly this uncertainty is one of the chief charms in breeding chinchillas, for to produce a really unmarked one is not only a breeder s triumph but gives that fortunate person a possession of real pecuniary value. The standard of points for chinchillas is as follows:

COLOUR. - Pure clear silver, free from grey or white - 30 points
HEAD. - Round and massive, with plenty of width between the ears 15 points.
EYES. - Large and round, of a grass-green colour and wide apart 10 points.
BODY. Short and cobby 10 points.
LEGS AND FEET. - Large and massive and well covered with hair. 10 points.
COAT. - Silky in texture, long, dense, and flowing both on body and tail, extra long on neck and shoulders. 15 points.
CONDITION. 10 points.
TOTAL. 100 points.

The standard for shaded silvers is the same as for chinchillas, with the following additional definition: Shaded silvers should be a pale clear silver, shaded on face, legs and back, but having as few tabby markings as possible; eyes green or orange. Any brown or cream tinge is a great drawback.
- DICK WHITTINGTON

CAT NEWS AND NOTES The Queen, 21st August 1915
A very fine young blue longhair is Amercombe Blue Beard, who has done a lot of winning this past show season. He is the property of Mrs Stevens, of Pensford, who tells me that he has been placed amongst the winners at all the London championship shows, which is good for his first season. His father was the well-known ch. Lord Monkton, and his mother, now in America, won several eye specials, and he inherits her glorious copper eyes. Blue Beard has the advantage of a country home with plenty of room for exercise, which is so important for a stud cat, and he is a gentle, good tempered fellow. All the queens in Mrs Stevens's cattery are treated as house pets, and roam about at their will, sometimes bringing in birds and mice and young rabbits from the gardens and fields. Their mistress finds they keep so healthy and their kittens are so strong living this natural life, that she does not intend to increase her stock and be obliged to keep them in runs. I hear the latest club, the Welsh Cat Club. is flourishing. Mrs Stevens is one of the promoters, and she hopes it will be of use to fanciers in the southwest, and offer prizes at some of the well-established shows.

From far away Devonshire I have received these photos of Torrington Wallflower and Torrington Cream Bunny, a beautiful brace belonging to Mrs Horace Cook. of Bideford. The former is a tortoiseshell queen, and the mother of many winning kittens. She is by the old famous Torrington Rufus out of a blue queen bred by Mrs Norris, which accounts for her grand head and massive body. Bunny is a kitten and unique in having an absolutely snub nose, so difficult to get in the present-day queens. She excels in head, eye, bone, shape. and coat. and has won whenever shown. She is by ch. Torrington Vanguard out of Torrington Wallflower, which makes her invaluable for breeding purposes, It is ten years since Mrs Cook commenced to keep cats. She had then a blue queen, whose pedigree was what one would call mixed, so she decided to start with a different colour, and as Miss Moxon was disposing of most of her stock, Mrs Cook purchased her best queens, and decided to bring the Torrington strain to the fore again. She took the prefix Torrington, and, with care and patience, her cats are now in the front rank. The first red this enthusiastic fancier purchased was Torrington Diane, now the property of the Hon. Mrs MacLaren Morrison. From her first mating she had two reds, one of which was the famous Rokeby Joan. Torrington Red Tip, mated to Mrs Cook s old Red Blaze. produced Torrington Red Frill, the world-famous red tabby kitten, who had the unique experience of winning over every cat and kitten at the Crystal Palace Show, and therefore getting the special prize for the best cat or kitten in the show under seven different judges. All cat fanciers will remember the sensation this award created; even the daily papers printed photographs of this wonderful kitten. Mrs Cook has recently sold Torrington Red Bracken, who won third at the late Westminster show, to a client in New Zealand, also two red females to America.

What a pity that Altrincham Show has been abandoned! Quite a lot of fanciers look forward to this annual fixture. However, the committee of Penistone Show are determined to carry out their programme. This show takes place on Aug. 26, and Mr T. B. Mason is down to judge. A nice classification will be given for cats. I understand the Northern Counties Cat Club is offering specials for competition among its members.

Mrs Sinkins, of Aldermoor House, Southampton, writes: I send you a photo of two of Mrs Preston Yorke's kittens, just to show how unmarked they are. Their father is a son of ch. Don. II., and people should know of him as a stud in the Midlands, for Wellingboro' is very central, and Mrs Yorke would take queens at 15s. during the war. My smoke kittens are racing all over the place, getting under everyone's feet. The chinchillas are so much more easily seen.

To hold a show or not? That is the question at present agitating the minds of the cat world. It was a great disappointment when at the last moment Richmond Show was abandoned. Then came the announcement that Sandy Show would not be held, which meant that the cat fancy would have no summer show. Suggestions were put forward by various exhibitors, and there seemed every likelihood of a show being promoted in July or August. Now, however, owing to the apathy of so many, September is the month mentioned. Mrs Millar, of Westminster Show fame, than whom there is no more competent manager, offered to be secretary if the show was to be held in July or August, but now that September is mooted, she has had to withdraw her offer owing to previous engagements in that month, which is a thousand pities. Already over 9 had been guaranteed, and as only 20 was asked for, no doubt with a little work the full amount would have been obtained. What is the matter with our big exhibitors? Surely with the splendid example before us of the Scottish Cat Club, who handed over 40 to the Blue Cross Fund as the result of their show, we need not doubt that the suggested show would be a financial success. It is not at all for the good of the fancy that so long a period should pass without a show. Every show draws novices and some new exhibitors into the fold, and, after all, it must be remembered it is the novices who keep shows going - those who cheerfully show time after time, and take away only a V.H.C; they are the backbone of any fancy and not the big exhibitor, who sweeps the decks, taking innumerable firsts. Mrs Stephen showed us what could be done by getting up the Patriotic Show last November, which was a huge success and resulted in the sum of 50 being handed to one of the war charities. Will no one follow Mrs Stephen s example?

Rumours are going about of a loyalty show to be held next month or October, with War Loan vouchers as prizes. This show is not in any way to clash with the one referred to in the above paragraph. Up to now no definite particulars are obtainable. Either Croydon or Hounslow is the suggested venue. I hope the rumour will prove true, for the idea is a capital one.
Dick Whittington.

CAT NEWS AND NOTES The Queen, 25 September 1915
In Norway is to be found a very pretty variety, the blue and white cat. They are close-coated and remarkably neat, with a white splash up the nose, white chest, and four white paws. This is a peculiarly fascinating breed, the evenly-marked white against the blue being most effective. The only one I know of in this country is Mrs Carew-Cox's Malmo, a very large queen, but as she is not evenly marked she has never been shown. Norway can also claim shorthaired blues of the Russian type.

Mrs Stephen, of Barnet, has sent me this charming photo of four of her famous Hyver kittens. They are by Khusm (Persian for Well-beloved) of Hyver, and are a most promising litter. Mrs Stephen has some really beautiful kittens at present, both by Khusm and Toms, the two blues, whose deep copper eyes are the envy of many; also some good young chinchillas, which are to make their bows to the public at the forthcoming shows.

I must remind my readers that Newbury Show will he held on Nov. 3. This will be a championship fixture and will take place in the Corn Exchange. Half the profits will be given to Newbury District Hospital. This hospital built on a new wing at the beginning of the war, and has done most excellent work among the wounded soldiers, The rest of the profits will also be given to charity. The classification will be, as usual, very comprehensive and every possible convenience offered to exhibitors. The Newbury Cat Club will offer eleven challenge cups for competition amongst its members. The show, as usual, will be only a one-day fixture, and all exhibitors from London can work it in the day without extra expense, such as early removals, &c. By the way, Mrs Fosbery very kindly undertakes to find rooms for any ladies providing they will write her ten days before the show, and she will be obliged if all people interested in the show will write to her as soon as possible with suggestions and offers of help. Any likely exhibitor who wishes any particular class to be given is requested to write soon, saying exactly what is required and to what extent she is able to guarantee it. Mrs Fosbery is anxious to have as many open specials as possible, and will be glad if these can, as far as possible follow the class awards, or be given for best male, female, or kitten in any special breed. Mrs Fosbery hopes to get the schedules out in good time, so | urge my readers to lose no time in writing to her. I may add this lady is commandant of V.A.D. Berks 62, so her time is a good deal occupied, and all offers of help received now will save a great deal of letter-writing. The finances of the Newbury Club are in a most satisfactory state; still, there is room for new members, and the subscription is only 5s. without entrance fee. Mrs Fosbery's address is The Grange, Lambourne, Berks.

Particulars are now to hand of the Loyalty Show, which will be held on Oct. 14 at the Public Baths, Hounslow. The following judges have been appointed: Mrs Paul Hardy (blues), Mr C. A. House, and Mr T. J. Ambrose. This show, run for the benefit of the horses of war, promises to be a big success. There will be three War Loan vouchers for first prize, two for second, and one for third in cats which have an entry fee of 4s. Kittens, in which the entry fee is to be 2s. 6d., will have two War Loan vouchers, one voucher, and 2s. 6d.; whilst the Working People s classes will have prizes of 4s., 2s. 6d., and 1s. 6d. for a fee of 1. In Longhair whites, blacks, blues, chinchillas, brown tabbies, silver tabbics, breeders, limit, and neuter have two classes each; orange, cream, tortoiseshell, tortoiseshell and white, and A.O.C. one each, and novices three. Kittens have four for blues, two each for blacks, chinchillas, breeders, novice and pairs, three for litters, one each for cream, smoke, brown tabby, silver tabby, orange, and A.O.C. Shorthairs have two each for blues and Siamese; one each for black, white, tabby, tortoiseshell, tortoiseshell and white, Abyssinian, A.O.C., novice and neuter, whilst kittens have five. There are two classes for working people, and there are five blue cross classes - two each for longhairs and shorthairs and one for neuters. Light luncheons and teas will be served, provided by various kind donors, so that the proceeds, with the exception of hire of crockery, will go straight to the Blue Cross Fund. I hope all my readers will make a note of the date, and even if they have not a cat to show, will prove their interest by attending the exhibition and so help to swell the funds of so good a cause.

A very successful cat exhibitor in Australia is Miss Rita Erson of Victoria, who has kept cats since she was twelve, and is now seventeen. She writes that recently she has been helping to raise funds for the Red Cross Society by raffling a kitten. One of her blue queens had five lovely kittens by Ch. Bonnie Prince Charlie, so this young lady invaded the Patriotic Dog Parade, held in Government House, with one of the kittens, and by raffling the kit, made the splendid sum of 31.

Miss Walford, of Cardiff, writes that she has now only two queens, who have both been very late with their families this year. One litter consists of five beautiful babies by Taffy of Roath ex Frisky of Roath - two very good blues, The kits are all most promising, with tremendous coats and the much-desired shade of pale blue. They were to bave been shown at Richmond; however, I hope they will journey to the Loyalty Show instead.

Suitable quarters for a stud cat should be as follows: The house, 10 by 5 feet, with a thick boarded floor, raised off the ground and covered with linoleum. Each house is divided in the centre, forming a sleeping house and a run for very bad weather. In front of the house is a wired-in run, 12 by 9 feet, with a table, pair of steps, and with corrugated iron roofing over house and run, both of which should be 6 feet high. Such quarters can be inhabited all the year round. The runs can have detachable awnings of sail-loth to keep off strong winds or rain, in whatever direction they may blow. It is as well to give a bed in a cube sugar box (with one of the lid hoards left on) and plenty of clean oat straw, and, as this bed is warm and free from draughts, no artificial heat will be needed.
Dick Whittington.

CAT NEWS AND NOTES The Queen, 2nd October 1915
In our Cat News and Notes last week the date of the Loyalty Show at Hounslow was given as Oct. 14. It should have been Oct. 13. The former was the original date selected, but it was changed, as the Wednesday half holiday is on the 13th, and therefore gives the gate a better chance.

LONG-HAIRED SILVER TABBIES. The Queen, 25th December 1915
Nowadays the exhibitors of silver tabbies seem few and far between, but it was not always thus. And some of us, who. although we may not have reached a very advanced age, can remember when things were quite otherwise. The days of Miss Leake's noted Dingley Hill strain and of Miss Cope's no less celebrated Roialls, and the time when Mrs Slingsby was showing her two magnificent males, champion Don Pedro of Thorpe and his son, Don Pasquale of Thorpe. Most of the present cats of the variety are descended from these two well known strains. Some may also perchance boast, in addition, the blood of Garry Owen. This cat was noted especially for his magnificent clear back markings, and, being of pedigree unknown, he proved a splendid outcross for the silver tabby queens of his day. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented his owner from keeping stud cats, and Garry Owen and Glen Lyon were put to sleep. This was a distinct loss to the silver tabby fancy, and one from which even yet it hardly seems to have recovered, and although Mrs Fosbery, Mr Leycester, Mrs Western, and the Misses Clarke and others possess very beautiful specimens, the competition and the numbers are not what they were some ten or twelve years ago. This therefore seems an important point for novices or intending cat fanciers to consider. It is not well for every new fancier to rush into the more popular blue Persian fancy, owing to its present state of high perfection; competition is very keen, and good specimens even in war time cannot be cheaply secured. Silver tabby kittens command a ready sale, and, owing to the at present small numbers of fanciers who are exhibitors, the novice breeder stands a far better chance in exhibiting in this variety than she would in the more popular (but none more beautiful) breeds.

The ground colour of a long-haired silver tabby should be a pale and clear silver, and the markings should be black, clear, and well defined. Any specimen tinged with brown or cream colour (particularly on nose and ears) should be avoided. Occasionally it happens in autumn a well-marked specimen may be sun burnt through exposure, but never in those places, and it may be taken for granted that brown on nose and ears is permanent, and will not clear off with an old coat. The eyes of the silver tabby should be green or orange according to the standard. A preference is usually given to the former colour by the judges. The latter, however, is very effective, and the early fanciers of the breed liked it equally, and some even better. Out of the 100 points in the judging standard, 25 are allotted to head, 25 to colour and markings, 5 to eye colour, 20 to coat and condition, 15 to shape, 10 to brush. Therefore, if judged according to standard, eye colour is not a matter of great importance. Personally, I would not give equal points to head and expression and colour and markings, considering that in a tabby the two latter are the most important points, but would allow 15 for head and 35 for colour and markings. A well-marked specimen of this variety should own two, if not three, unbroken chains round the neck, and the legs should be gartered with black, the back should be clearly marked with black. and the sides should show the horseshoe markings seen in the short-haired tabby. The tail should be ringed. The head and face should be well marked with black, and not too light.

Should the novice who wishes to breed winners of this beautiful variety possess a queen too heavily marked with black, she is not advised to mate to a chinchilla, but to look around for a tom whose black markings are somewhat deficient, but who owns pure silver ground colour and a long silver tabby pedigree. If the queen is too light, reverse the foregoing advice, and do not go to a black sire. In any marked variety it is a great mistake for beginners to make a violent outcross with a self colour, and those who wish to be successful will do well to avoid such a course; although it is well known these and similar crosses have occasionally turned out well, there are many more occasions in which they have not done so. Therefore silver tabby to silver tabby with due regard to colour and markings should be tie order of the day. And with a careful study of pedigree (aided, if possible, by the advice of an older fancier) the novice may even in her first season have some good silver tabby kittens which may bring her name fairly high in the prize lists. DICK WHITTINGTON

CAT NOTES AND NEWS The Queen, 22nd January 1916
The most successful exhibitor of chinchillas lately has been Mrs Stephen, of Hyver Hall, Barnet, from whom comes this fine photograph of her youngster Chloris of Hyver. Mrs Stephen has really made a record this season, winning first, second, and third at every show, and all the cups and specials for best chinchilla kittens - no wonder this lady has had some tempting offers from America, and it is quite likely that the good young male Prince Cecil of Hyver may cross the herring pond, for Mrs Stephen does not wish to keep two males, and also she cannot part with his sire, The Silver King of Hyver. The latter, by the way, has not been shown this season, as he is always so late in getting his coat, but all being well, we shall see him arrayed in all his glory at the National Cat Show.,

From Miss Fawcett, of Wokingham, comes this photo of her blue longhair Alfred the Great, a worthy son of his sre Bluecap of Thorpe. Alfred is a big, massive pale blue with wonderful head, and glorious orange eyes which his kittens usually inherit. A young daughter of Alfred s at last Westminster show was awarded two specials for best head in all the blue classes, seventy-three exhibits. Miss Fawcett has a young son of his whom she hopes to show later on; he is now seven months old, and has grand copper eves and a fine head, and is very sound in colour.

A well-known neuter is Mrs Smith s Peckham Pet; he is a huge blue, two and a half years old, and weighs 13 Ib. At all the shows where he is exhibited he wins, as at the Loyalty in October, where he took two firsts and two specials. Pet scores in size and coat, and is always much admired. He is also a most gentle and affectionate cat.

Mrs Buddicom, of Shiplake, has sent some photos of her cats and kittens. Of a group of three kittens born on May 13, two won third prize pairs at the Loyalty Show. The third kit was not shown. These kits have for parents Perseus and New Queen. The latter is a daughter of Mrs Bergman s h Blair Athol ex Fiona., and own sister to Gowans, the championship winner at the Loyalty and Newbury shows. Mrs Buddicom has also a beautiful litter of six blues born on Sept. 1, 1915; the parents are Perseus and Hyacinth; these were the third prize winning litter at Hounslow. All Mrs Buddicom' s cats are brought up in the house, and even the stud resides permanently by the drawing-room fire. The kittens are house-trained and are good-tempered, gentle, and playful. Another cat owned by this lady i Monsieur Max, son of Perseus and Hyacinth, by a previous litter, October, 1914, but up to now he has not made an appearance in the show pen.

Mrs Cook, of Bideford, informs me that she has recently sold Torrington Peggy and a red self to the Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison. Torrington Dinah has gone to a purchaser in Cornwall, and Torrington Pinkie to Mrs Murray Aynsley, who has also purchased a lovely cream female kitten by ch Torrington Vanguard. Torrington Cream Frill has gone to Jersey. Ch Torrington Vanguard was to have sailed for America the other week. but he is booked to so many queens that he will not sail till later on. So business is flourishing in the Torrington cattery. Mrs Cook tells me she has a black queen, the only sister of ch Dirty Dick, who is booked to Mrs Benest s Midnight Mail.

Miss Clarke, of Exeter, who owns such lovely silver tabbies, has not been exhibiting much lately owing to the illness of her father. She has at present five good queens, three silver tabbies and two chinchillas, which are all having the best of times and plenty of liberty. No kittens have been bred since the spring, and those were as good as ever Miss Clarke has bred but she did not keep any, preferring to dispose of them to good homes. She is very pleased at the news that Devon Pixy has won his championship in America; his new owner writes That he is very happy and she is delighted with him, so is everyone who sees him, as he is quite the best out there. Miss Clarke is hoping to show Devon Dimpsey at the National Cat Show in January. - DICK WHITTINGTON.

SUDDEN DEATH OF MR GODFREY B. SHAW. Mid Sussex Times, 22nd February 1916
Much regret was felt in Burgess Hill yesterday (Monday) when the news went round that Mr. Godfrey Barnsley Shaw, a well-known resident of the town, had been found dead in bed, he having apparently passed away in his sleep. . . . He also went in a little for the breeding of champion cats. Later he took up his residence at Burgess Hill, and interested himself in horticultural pursuits in addition to that of poultry. He had been associated with the poultry shows at Haywards Heath and Hassocks, and had been a judge at various shows.

DEATH OF MRS. A. DAVIES. Norwood News, 10th March 1916
It is with regret that we record the death of Mrs. Alice Davies, wife of Mr. G. Davies, of Crystal Palace Station-road, which occurred on the let March, at the age of 52. . . . She was passionately fond of dumb animals, and was often a successful exhibitor of white cats at the Crystal Palace Cat Shows.

[ANTI-SHOW SENTIMENT] Londonderry Sentinel, 1st April 1916
Referring to the Royal Horticultural Society's recent show, Nemesis" writes to the Spectator" What can the exhibitors be thinking of at this period of the war to fritter away their resources - the nation's resources on [floral frivolities] that should have no place in men's minds while their brothers lie bleeding in the trenches or starving in German prisons There are cat shows, and dog shows, and flower shows, and fashion shows, and I know not what other shows. All the while the blood of our martyred sons is reddening the battlefields abroad. Is the life-blood of the nation to ebb away in useless expenditure and frivolous waste

ANTI DOG/CAT SHOW SENTIMENT] DOGS ON RAILWAYS The Globe, 10th January 1917
Sir, I fully agree with your correspondent that at the present time dogs should not be allowed to travel on trains, and dog shows should not be held. I go further; I think that at least two-thirds of the dogs and cats in the nation ought to be destroyed. We are in the middle of a great war, there is already a shortage of food in the country, which will become a serious shortage very soon; children are starving, and children are the most valuable assets of the nation; yet an appalling amount of food and money is being wasted on useless and unnecessary animals. It is estimated that at least 12.000 gallons of milk per day is drunk by the cats of London; and babies cannot get enough! . . . England is the only country in the world which would be wasting [meat, milk and sugar] on animals, and leaving children to starve, in war time. Yours, &c., A Disgusted Woman.

DEATH OF C. H. LANE. A WELL-KNOWN PERSONALITY. Western Daily Press, 27th January 1917
A large section of the community will learn with regret of the passing of Mr Charles Henry Lane, a great lover of dogs and animals in general . . . Another book of which Mr Lane was the author was "Rabbits. Cats, and Cavies." During his residence at Downend, Mr Lane kept a large kennel and also many prize cats. He often recalled one particular mouseer which afforded him the only instance of a cat catching two mice at the same time, one her mouth and one with her claws. . . . Mr Lane was in his 76th year.

[ANTI-SHOW SENTIMENT] DISAPPOINTED ABERDEEN FANCIERS. Aberdeen Evening Express, 23rd May 1917
[This is included here because it also affected cat shows because the Aberdeen Shows, and many others, were combined dog and cat shows. Some fanciers got around restrictions by holding "patriotic shows and sales" for local exhibitors, with profits going to various war funds or charities. At the same time the use of bread and flour for pet food was stopped.].

The New Defence of the Realm Regulation prohibiting dog shows, or exhibitions of dogs for sale, has "come like a thunderbolt" upon dog fanciers, to quote the words of one of the fraternity in Aberdeen to-day. [Kennel Club only allowing radius show where animals could be walked or taken by road to the shows, not on trains.] Another large fancier said dog breeding was practically an industry, and the order prohibiting the showing of a dog for sale would be a heavy loss to many fanciers. . . . Under the same regulation the police ere empowered to destroy a stray dog three days after its seizure, unless it has been claimed. In Aberdeen stray dogs and cats have not destroyed by the police, but sent to Mrs Murray's Home for Stray Dogs and Cats, which does a very useful work in the community. A few days ago an appeal was issued for funds to erect a lethal chamber at Mrs Murray's Home, in anticipation of such a place being required [keeping of unclaimed strays not being permitted.]

MRS ALDER The Gentlewoman, 24th November 1917
MRS. E. G. ALDER, of 36, Rodney Street, Liverpool, whose kennel of Griffon Bruxellois is well known all over the world, is the daughter of Mrs. L. C. Dyer . . . who was one of the Founders of the Cat Club.

CAT NEWS AND NOTES The Queen, 22nd December 1917
I have been asked to draw the attention of all cat-lovers to the good work done by Our Dumb Friends League, and to say that numbers of cats who were rendered homeless during the last air raids in the south-western district have found refuge at the Animals Hospital of Our Dumb Friends League at 1, Hugh-street, Victoria, S.W. In these strenuous days perhaps the league is a little apt to be overlooked, but such a lot of good work is done quietly, and the league fills such a big want. Cats can be boarded, or the lethal chamber fee is 1s. 6d. For poor people this fee is omitted, and at the hospital premises cats are attended to between 9.30 and 11.30. The hospital is for the free treatment of sick animals of the necessitous poor only by first class Veterinary; surgeons. Donations towards the emergency work of the hospital during air raids will be gratefully received by the secretary, Arthur Coke, 58, Victoria-street, London, S.W.

Health Hints for Cats and Kittens. Keep plenty of green grass and fresh water in the cattery. Teach cats to eat vegetables when young. Carrots and lentils are especially good for coat and condition. Give plenty of olive oil and white vaseline during shedding season for hair balls. Raw meat is a cat s natural diet. Do not be afraid to feed it. Worms cause indigestion and convulsions. Remedy: Good worm tablet, then feed raw meat and solid foods.

From Miss Perkins, of Thornton Heath, I have received this very pretty photo of Craganour, her grand blue stud, who is the sire of Chireen, the winner of the open blue female class at the recent Croydon show, and also the lovely litter which took second prize at the same show. Miss Perkins is one of our recent fanciers, and is tremendously keen; indeed, much of the success of Croydon show was due to her energies.

Mrs Marie Antoinette Scheibe, of the Blue Clan Cattery, has forwarded me this photo of her home-bred queen Meg of the Blue Clan, an exceedingly nice specimen. The Blue Clan Cattery is famous for the lovely cats bred there, who excel in coat and eye colour. Mrs Scheibe tells me she has at present four blue studs all of different pedigrees.

A letter from Mrs Carew-Cox, of Croydon, tells us she is very busy with live stock, and has some fine litters of blue Russians and Abyssinians and cream Persians, all of which are selling well. Mrs Cox frequently hears of people who had Russian kittens from her over thirteen years ago, who wish to renew their pets after the deaths of old favourites. Mrs Cares-Cox is quite a veteran in this variety, as she has kept them for over thirty-four years, and knows more than anybody else about the breed.
Dick Whittington

SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR AT SHOWS Surrey Mirror, 9th September 1921
Mr E.H. Guy, "Mayfield," Blackborough-road, Reigate, is working hard to improve British cats, and to bring them back to pre-war merit, and at recent shows he has scored notable successes. At the Southern Counties Cat Club Championship Show he was awarded four 1st prizes, a 2nd, and three 3rd prizes, as well as the Championship Certificate for black, Certificate of Merit and Special for black, the Newbury Short Hair Cup for shorthair, and the Challenge Trophy. At the Brighton Show he gained four 1st, three 2nd, and one 3rd prize; Special and Certificate of Merit for black, and Special for best tabby, and at Sandy Championship Show he took five 1st, six 2nd and eight 3rd prizes, two Championship Certificates, Seven Certificates of Merit, the Countess of Wilton's Brown Tabby Cup, the Fosbery Challenge Cup, and the Guardsman Trophy for best tortoiseshell.

THE CAT FANCY Burton Observer and Chronicle, 9th July 1925
There seems, nowadays, to be rather less interest taken in cats than was at one time the case. But there is no refuting the fact that the cat is among the most beautiful and elegantly graceful of all animals, and its agility is nothing short of remarkable. Its material assistance in holding in check two ot the most destructive of vermin really brought it into popularity as a domestic pet, but for centuries, cats have been kept as pets. As exhibition specimens, long-haired cats are, of course, much more popular, but the short-haired variety are decidedly more numerous. Extremely affectionate, there is no doubt that a good cat can be as much a friend to its owner as a dog, while it has to be said, and one might be inclined to agree, that it has character-reading powers.

Locally, there are, of course, hundreds of people owning cats, and for that matter having an extreme fondness for them, but they can hardly be termed fanciers, and the only lady I have been able to find [locally] who interests herself, to any great extent in them is Miss Borley, of bearwood Hill Road, Winshill. Tortoiseshells, tabbies and half-Persians are the most notable among her collection, and although not in their prime just now, there is a delightful selection. Accommodation is, unfortunately, an awkward point, but they are all irreproachably healthy, and there are some exceedingly good specimens among them. Miss Borley has been a life-long devotee of the cat fancy, and she has received numerous letters expressing pleasure and satisfaction over transactions. She would be pleased to welcome any enquiries.

SUGGESTED CAT SHOW. Hastings and St Leonards Observer, 26th June 1926
Sir. - From letters I read published in the "Observer," I feel sure there are a host of animal lovers in Hastings and St Leonards. May I suggest to the owners and breeders of cats that a small local show of cats would create a lot of interest in the cat fancy. Why not have a show in Alexandra Park when a Fete is on this year? It would be a fresh attraction. We have a lot of breeders in Hastings and St. Leonards and from what I hear, some very fine cats. And if the show were a success, a club could be formed. L am quite a novice but I find cats most interesting and affectionate pets. "Novice"

MR E. TYRRELL Banbury Guardian, 16th December 1926
During the week we interviewed Mr E. Tyrrell, feeling that the past experiences of possibly one of the best-known fanciers in the Midlands would be of interest to readers of this column. [Mentions rabbits and pigeons] And so on to prize cats on which he is very keen. Whilst in the north of England his employers were well-known exhibitors for whom he purchased kittens at 3 and 15 each. He became the possessor of a red tabby for which he was offered 20. This he refused and sending him to Woodstock show he was placed second to a champion, but became ill and died during the night.

SUGGESTED LIVESTOCK SHOW IN THE PARK Hastings and St Leonards Observer, 18th June 1927
Sir I was very pleased to read Mr Boyce's excellent letter in last Saturday's Observer" supporting a show of livestock in the Park this summer. And if it were held in or about August, no doubt it would be a great success, as residents and visitors nearly all take and interest in animals. I hope all fanciers will get a move on and try and have a good show. I quite agree that a good organiser is wanted . . . perhaps the show could be run by separate committees interested in their own particular fancy. You need only read the catalogues of different shows held in England during the year, and you will find names of well-known Sussex breeders and exhibitors.

I am interested in the cat world and a show of cats would have the support of C. Yeates, Esq., Chairman of the National Cat Club, also Hon. Secretary Crystal Palace Cat Show, etc, and he states that an open show of cats in the South of England would attract exhibitors from all round London, etc. And in Hastings and St Leonards we have plenty of cat fanciers who keep blue Persians, Russians, Chinchilla, Silver, Smoke, Tortoiseshell, Shorthair Tabby and Siamese, etc. We have several new [dog] fanciers newly arrived down south . . . A well known cat judge, breeder and writer has taken a house at Bexhill, and has quite twenty cats and kittens, and, I believe, she was judge at the last Crystal Palace Open Championship Show. A host of ladies I know would help the cat section. . . . Hoping that fanciers will write and meet, and that Hastings will be able to produce and extra good show. W. Wicking.

Sir I see it suggested in your paper that at the proposed show in Alexandra Park this summer it would be nice to include cats in the animal exhibits. I have only lately removed to the South, but we always found a summer show for cats and kittens was a great success in London. Of course, the adults are not in good coat, but there are usually lots of kittens of a suitable age which frequently sell well when seen at a show. If it is decided to have a tent for cats only, and under good management, I feel sure, as an older breeder, that it would prove an attraction. I shall be pleased to help in any way. Evelyn B.H. Soame, Radford House, Sutherland-avenue, Bexhill.

A REAL CAT THIEF. SOMERSET OWNER ROBBED OF VALUABLE ANIMAL. Western Daily Press, 1st December, 1927

A valuable long-haired cat from Somerset, which was to have been shown at the National Cat Club's championship show at Crystal Palace yesterday, was stolen on Tuesday night while its owner was taking tea with a friend at Croydon. The animal "Curzon O' The Combe," had travelled with three others in baskets in a car from Combe Head, Chard, in the care of its owner Miss Langhorne, and a friend. Miss Langhorne was greatly upset by the loss. "We had driven up from Chard with the four cats and had stopped to have tea with some friends in Nottingham Road, South Croydon," she said. "We left the cats in the car. When we came out again, Curzon and the basket had disappeared. Curzon was rather a valuable cat he was priced in the catalogue at ten guineas, and had won prizes at shows, notably last year at Crystal Palace when he took a second." Immediately on discovering her loss Miss Langhorne informed the local police and also telephoned to Scotland Yard.

CAT CLUB WANTED Hastings and St Leonards Observer, 17th March 1928
To some it is far too much trouble to send for or pay a "vet" to have a male kitten neutered; result, when they get a trouble they are unwanted and become strays. With all the cat and animal lovers in Hastings, why have we no Cat Club? A show of the ordinary common domestic cat would cause much interest, and would promote much better keeping, feeding, and breeding. As a member of several London cat clubs myself, I would be pleased to support and help the same. - Member Croydon C.C.

YORKSHIRE CAT CLUB. Leeds Mercury, 14th April 1928
A Yorkshire Cat Club has been formed as the result of a West Riding cat shown at Harrogate. Mr. S. Aubrey, Worcester, has presented the club with a silver challenge cup for best kitten in show.

CATS IN QUARANTINE, NEW REGULATIONS WILL NOT AFFECT BRITISH BREEDERS Daily Mirror, 23rd November 1928
OUR SUPERIOR PUSS. The cat is a most superior animal; and the British cat, according to some authorities, is far superior to any foreign one. This interesting fact came to light when the Daily Mirror discussed, with various authorities yesterday, the new regulations making it compulsory for cats imported into this country to undergo a six months' quarantine, like dogs. This is a precaution against rabies, which is raging on the Continent. The order comes into force on January 1, 1929.

"The licence, necessary to bring a cat from abroad costs nothing," said an official of the Ministry of Agriculture. "The importer of the cat may nominate any veterinary surgeon he likes to take charge of the animal for the six months, but the premises must be approved by this Ministry. Charges are fixed by the veterinary surgeons."

The secretary of the R.S.P.C.A. said: "We have not been responsible in any way for the order. We do not anticipate that it will make any difference to breeders of British cats."

It won't make the slightest difference to us," said Mr. Cyril Yeates, secretary of the National Cat Club. "English breeders only export cats. The few importations are of very valuable Siamese cats. Continental shows are only just starting. Paris, Vienna and Cologne are all holding them this year. They are regarded as rather a joke by British breeders, whose cats are so superior that they are not likely to send them abroad at any time for exhibition. American cats, of which there are many, also are far behind ours."

Next week the National Cat Club holds its exhibition at the Crystal Palace (November 28 and 29). Blue Persians are still the favourites. Chinchillas come second, but there has been a growing liking for the Siamese cat during the last few years.

NEW IMPORTATION ORDER FOR CATS Grantham Journal, 1st December 1928
A notice published in this issue respecting the new Importation of Dogs and Cats Order, which comes into operation on the 1st January. In addition to consolidating the present Orders, it for the first time requires all cats and other feline animals brought to Great Britain from any country (except Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man) to be quarantined for six calendar months on the approved premises of a veterinary surgeon.

NO SLUMP IN CATS. BIRTH CONTROL UNKNOWN IN FELINE FAMILY. Nottingham Evening Post, 18th July 1930
There is no slump in the birth rate of cats the type of cat with a pedigree and a name to its tail. They are breeding just as they have done of yore, most of them extremely successfully, and but for the mild winter, which raised many false alarms among them, the progeny would have had a glorious 1930 record. So said Mr. Yeates, a well-known breeder, and chairman of the National Cat Fanciers, in denying a report that the cat world was facing a problem with which it had never been confronted, namely, a, slump in the birth rate.

Litters are just big as they have ever been," he remarked. "It is true that some of the prize lady cats were mated early in the season, and the result was not satisfactory; but later matings have been surprisingly successful, and this will be noticeable at the shows held between September and January. The only breed which has done really badly has been the chinchillas; but even they are making up for lost time. My own champion was the sire of the best kitten exhibited at the kitten show this week. He has sired 100 kittens this year, and the majority of the litters have been four, five, and even six."

Mr. H. O. Edmonds, secretary of the National Cat Fanciers' Society, was equally optimistic. "All registrations of the pedigree cat family," he said, "show that the stock is grand, and keeps up to the scratch. It is often the case that a mild winter affects the fecundity; but seldom for long, and this week's show, except for one or two classes, was in fact better than usual. Nothing whatever may be said of the birth rate in other directions. Cats are not affected by the prevailing craze."

THE SHOW CRAZE, OR ART Hampshire Telegraph, 26th September 1930
Recently the writer strolled quite by chance into a cat show and was greatly intrigued to watch the wonderful rites that are performed ere Poor Pussy" is allowed into the show ring. Powder, combing, brushing and many another little bit of touching p has to be performed ere the cat is paraded before the judges. Showing now has become something in the nature of a fine art, and those who are not initiates in these arts can stand no chance of gaining a prize. It is the same in all branches of live stock, and in the world of birds as well.

ABYSSINIAN CAT'S SUCCESSES. Somerset Standard, 12th February 1932
Mr. and Mrs. Chorley of Sexey's Hospital, have recently scored further successes with their Abyssinian cat, "Bruton Billiken," who gained a first prize and championship certificate at the Croydon Cat Club Show, and a second prize at both the Midland Counties Cat Club Show, and at the Southern Counties Cat Club Show. The Abyssinian breed of which there are very few in England, is the most ancient of all the varieties of cats, and is identified as the Sacred Cat of the Egyptians. Mummified specimens having been found in the tombs of the Ancient Egyptian kings. "Bruton Billiken's" sire, "Woodrooffe Rastus," owned by Major Sydney Woodiwiss, the Secretary of the Abyssinian Cat Club, of Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex, is the champion cat in the country. An interesting pamphlet was written by the late Mr. H. C. Brooke, of Taunton, on the merits of this most charming and intelligent breed.

[MANX CAT CLUB] Belfast News-Letter, 10th May 1934
Mrs. Selwyn Oxley (Kate Whitehead) is a great lover of cats, and Kellyann" (Epworth Press, 2s. 6d.) is not the first book she has written about her pets, but it the first autobiography of a Manx cat. Helen Hill Shaw, hon, secretary of the Manx Cat Club, who has written the foreword, looks forward to its far-reaching possibilities in furthering the interest in and study of this most fascinating of all breeds."

[S.C.C.C.] JULIA NEILSON The Stage, 5th September 1935
A large party of members of the Southern Counties Cat Club, of which Julia Neilson is president, attended a matinee performance yesterday (Wednesday) of "Vintage Wine" at the Victoria Palace to honour their president.

CAT CLUB MATINEE. Hendon & Finchley Times, 6th September 1935
A party of thirty members of the Southern Counties Cat Club visited the play "Vintage Wine" at the Royal Victoria Palace Theatre Wednesday afternoon at the invitation of Mrs. Campbell-Fraser, Hendon, who is hon. secretary of the club. The guests had tea in the theatre, and afterwards went round en bloc to see Miss Julia Neilson, president of the club, who is starring opposite Sir Seymour Hicks. Among the guests were Lady Eardley Wilmot, Lady Ewart, Lady Claud Alexander, Major Sidney Woodiwiss, O.B.E., Captain Guy St. Barbe, and Captain William Powell.

WHY NOT A CAT SHOW? Birmingham Daily Gazette, 4th December 1935
This is Birmingham's show season from cattle to canaries. Almost every week upon our office engagements diary there appears a show of some description, either a dog show or budgerigars, pigeons, rabbits or even the latest addition goldfish. I am sorry I am unable to include a cat show, although it is within our memory that one was held in Birmingham for some years before the war. It attracted entries from all parts of the country, and I remember the riot that happened when on one occasion a bull terrier managed to get Inside the building. They tell me that to see rows of arched backs and bristling fur was an unforgettable sight. With cats as much as ever in public favour as hearthrug pets. I am surprised that there is no attempt to revive this popular event.

FEWER SHORT-HAIRED CATS. BREED IN DANGER. Halifax Evening Courier, 8th January 1936
Cat lovers throughout the country are looking for a philanthropist to save the British short-haired tabby. When championship shows first started, and for many years afterwards, short-haired cats were the aristocrats of this breed. Recently, however, a stead decline in their popularity has occurred, until now, at every show, they are outnumbered by the long-haired varieties.

The position is now grave," Mr. C. Yeates, the Secretary of the National Cat Club, informed a Morning Post" representative yesterday. Entries of British short-haired cats continue to decline at all the shows, and there is now hardly anyone who is breeding them at all serious. The reason is that there is no money in short-haired cats. I am frequently asked by people who have good short-haired cat," Mr. Yeates continued, if I know of anyone who breeds them. In too many cases I am unable to suggests a suitable address, and a possible race of champions is lost. What we want is a philanthropist who is prepared to breed them properly on a large scale without, I am afraid, any hope of reward except the gratitude of all cat lovers."

The ordinary short-haired pet cat, however, continues to flourish, but not many of them have championship possibilities. For instance," Mr. Yeates added, nine out of ten black cats have green eyes, when they should be orange or copper, while any white on them at all is forbidden. A silver tabby, again, should have green eyes, but most of them have not, and so on. I am afraid that, unless we are careful, a tabby with show possibilities will be a comparatively rare thing."

AT STUD Hampshire Advertiser, 22nd February 1936
At Stud Two champion-bred Royal Siamese, fee 30/- each. Two champion-bred Abyssinians, 25/-. Champion-bred gorgeous red Tabby Persian, 30/-. Beautifully marked red Tabby, short hair, 20/-. Magnificent blue Russian short hair, 15/-. All winners at the leading cat shows. Can be seen by appointment. Mrs. Maturin, 53, Millbroook-road, Southampton.

PAIGNTON FANCIERS. Problem Of Keeping Shows Attractive. CONTROVERSY ON CAT SECTION. Torbay Express and South Devon Echo, 27th February 1936
A considerable difference of opinion arose at the annual meeting of the Paignton and District Fanciers Association last evening over the question of holding a cat show in connection with the annual open dog show this year, and then subject to the consent of the Kennel Club being obtained. Opposition to the proposal was raised by Mr. J. E. Mordue, who was appointed hon, secretary of the dog section. He expressed the opinion that it was contrary to Kennel Club rules, and would, even if allowed, seriously affect the show in future years [. . .] Cat Section - Miss Cathcart ([was elected] hon. secretary),

CAT SHOW PROPOSAL. It was decided to hold the sanction dog show this year on a date to be fixed by the Committee. When a proposal was put forward by Mr. Blight to hold the cat show this year in connection with the dog show, the proposal was strongly opposed by Mr. Mordue, who ventured to doubt the success of such a show or to its being sanctioned by the Kennel Club. The Chairman said he had no doubt that they would be quite in order in holding a combined show, which he thought might be a success, seeing that the cats would be in another marquee some distance from the dogs.

Mr. Baker remarked that the Horticultural Society were likely to have a big summer show this year.
Mr. Blight said in any event the proposal would have to receive the consent pf the Kennel Club.
Mr. Mordue declared that the proposal would be a failure, because the dogs would be upset by the presence of the cats. He was convinced that many exhibitors would decline to show their dogs if the cats were included in the show because they would not be at their best under such conditions.
Mr. H. Pearson said he thought if any exhibit would be upset it would be the cats, who would be worried by the barking of the dogs.
Mr. Blight s proposal was eventually agreed to by 12 votes to 10.

[SOUTHSEA] CAT CLUB MEETING Portsmouth Evening News, 30th March 1936
The Southsea Cat Club held their first annual meeting at the Esplanade Assembly Rooms followed by a much appreciated dinner dance. Councillor H. G. Cook was in the chair. The Committee and officers were re-elected for the ensuing year, and It was decided to affiliate with Governing Council of the Cat Fancy before the autumn show, which it is hoped to hold the South Parade Pier in October. The dinner and dance was a great success.

SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB Portsmouth Evening News, 26th May 1936
A special committee meeting of the Southsea Cat Club was held at Parkwood, the residence of Alderman K. Beddow, J.P., the chair being taken by Councillor H. G. Cook. Mr. Cox-Ife was elected as Assistant Secretary, and the Secretary, Mrs. A. R. Radmore Informed the meeting that the Club had been granted permission by the Governing Council, London, to hold Its first championship show on the South Parade Pier on October 21. to take the place this year of the Newbury Show, which was cancelled. This show promises to be a very big affair, as all the best cats will be sent to it from all over England.

OBITUARY MR. C. H. RAY. Kent & Sussex Courier, 19th June 1936
The funeral took place at the Borough Cemetery on Tuesday, following a service at St. Barnabas Church, of Mr. George Henry Ray, who passed away on the previous Wednesday, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Larkins, of Catford . . . The rearing of Blue Persian cats was one of his chief hobbies, and was for long a source of Interest to his customers.

SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB Portsmouth Evening News, 6th May 1937
The Southsea Cat Club annual general meeting was held at the Esplanade Assembly Rooms last evening, Councillor H. G. Cook presiding. The balance sheet for the year showed an appreciable balance on the last year, although the Club had had such a big expense as its first championship show on the South Parade Pier last October. The Secretary, Mrs. Audrey Radmore, was very sorry to inform the Committee that the Club had not been granted a date by the Governing Council, London, for a show this year, as Newbury wished for their date, but every hope was held that Southsea could have the date again In 1938, when Newbury promised to withdraw to make that possible. Owing to the sad death of Mrs. Jack, of Shanklin, a week or so ago, a new member of the Committee was elected in Mrs. Couper, and owing to Mrs. Dodds's resignation. Mrs. Ellis-Jones (of Hilsea College) also became one of the Committee. Miss Ellis was re-elected as Hon. Treasurer, Mrs. Radmore as Delegate, and Dr. Beddow agreed to remain President. The meeting was followed by a very happy dance and cabaret, when Mr. Lewis Ganson gave a display of skill with Odds and Ends and a pack of cards," and Miss Phyllis Beaby caused much laughter with her description of The Buggins family at the Zoo," while little Nadine Hewitts I want to go with Daddy," was much appreciated. Later, between dances, Miss Betty Dewey danced and sang. Miss Joan Stonham, the comedienne dancer highly amused the visitors, and skilful acrobatic dance was given by Miss Iris.

THE SCOTTISH CAT CLUB The Scotsman, 22nd May 1937
The Scottish Cat Club held its annual meeting in the Typographical Hall, Maxwell Street, Glasgow - Mrs McCowatt, the president, occupying the chair. The following office-bearers were elected:- Hon . president, Mrs Slingsby; president, Mrs McCowatt, Neilston; vice-presidents - Messrs P.P. Connor, Coatbridge, and Sam Mitchell, Clydebank; secretary and treasurer; Mr P. A. Forbes, Milton House, Bowling.

[MRS. STATHAM] NOTABLE SCOTTIES AT A DERBY KENNEL Derby Daily Telegraph, 23rd December 1937
A few days ago I visited the Springfield Kennels, Blagreaves-lane, Littleover. It was not the first time I had been to the kennels, but things have been moving there recently, and I was Interested to go along to see the Scotties [. . .] There is just one more kennel inmate I must mention. Mrs. Statham has recently taken a keen fancy to Persian cats, and purchased a lovely Blue Queen, already named Moorway Blue Bird. lt. is a marvellous specimen indeed, having a wonderful coat, of great size, and has the loveliest deep orange eyes imaginable. I expect to see Mrs. Statham winning at the class cat shows before long.

SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB [AGM] Portsmouth Evening News, 26th April 1938
Alderman F. Beddow, D.Sc., J.P., who has been President of the Southsea Cat Club since Its inception, was succeeded in office by Mrs. Tomlinson, a well-known London exhibitor and breeder, at the annual meeting at the Savoy Cafe. Councillor H. G. Cook was elected Chairman; Mrs. Cook-Radmore, Secretary and show manager; and Miss Ellis Jones, of Hilsea College, Treasurer. The Committee were appointed as follow: Miss Ellis (Waterlooville), Mrs. Ellis Jones (Hilsea), Mrs. Allen Maturin, Mrs. Parker (Cowplain), Mrs. Cooper (Gosport) and Mrs. Lloyd (North End). It was decided to apply to the governing body in London for permission to hold a championship show at the South Parade Pier, Southsea, in October. Opinion was expressed by Judges and exhibitors that the Pier, where the autumn championship show was held last year, was one of the best places that had been selected for some years.

FELINE FASCINATION Falkirk Herald, 4th May 1938
Now that I have finished with the Show, let me put forward a suggestion. Why can t we have Cat Show in Falkirk? There are many lovers in Falkirk of that noble and exalted animal, the cat, and I feel sure that together we could arrange a very good show indeed. I myself would be only too pleased to enter a beautiful Siamese cat which I own, or, rather, the beautiful Siamese cat which owns me. This Siamese cat, by the way is a better animal to keep guard at night than any dog. It only permits members of the household and trusted friends near the house, and any other person is attacked on sight unless the cat is told that he may be permitted to enter.

[SOUTH-WESTERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] EXONIAN WANTS MORE CAT SHOWS Western Morning News, 10th January 1939
Pedigree cats are ignoring the drink more milk" campaign. Miss Leat s lovely blue Persian, Cherrington Poppet" Pop" to his intimates swings his tail in annoyance whenever a saucer of milk comes in sight. pop" is a cup winner. In Paignton he carried off the best cat in the show" silver trophy three years in succession. Now, a permanent possession, the cup has place of honour in the sitting-room of his home, 2, Devonshire-pace, Exeter. At the South-Western Counties Cat Club bi-annual show in Exeter last week (January 3), Pop" shared his honours with Majestic Minnie and Majestic Winnie, two kittenish offsprings.

Miss Leat would like to see more cat shows in the Westcountry. I encourage fanciers," she told me, It s a pity that more people don t go in for pedigree cats. They re so much prettier and more intelligent. As pets, I think cats are ideal. If you have them as kittens, they become just as devoted as a dog. Careful feeding keeps them healthy, and they run in the garden and demand no walks. Neither do they bring much mud into the house in wet weather."

But pedigree cats must be well fed if their coats are to be long and sleek; their eyes bright. Here is Pop s daily menu:- Breakfast: Porridge, bread and milk or fish. Midday: Raw beef, finely chopped. 6.30 p.m.: Fish and macaroni or stewed rabbit and rice. The kittens do better still. The yare allowed milk before bedtime as well.

Only once has Miss Leat showed upcountry. Then she took six kittens to Kensington Show. It s so expensive," she complained, Train fares, entrance fees, hotel charges, and meals add up amazingly. It means spending most of the day in the show tent, too. These long-haired pets need careful grooming if they are to look their best. Kittens have their frills ruffed up and their coats dry shampooed with talcum powder to make them fluffy. Then you take rugs to keep them warm and show them off to advantage. I always give mine hot whisky and milk afterwards. It prevents chills. Some of them dislike such a nightcap. Then I sweeten it with sugar, and they lap it up without any bother."

Miss Leat believes in keeping her pets in the house. It makes them friendlier," she says. Now her family of wight includes a dignified cream Persian, three kittens, and three blue Persian tabbies. [ Tabbies" is used in the colloquial sense to mean cats," not the tabby pattern.]

LATE MR. J.E. WATMOUGH. FAMOUS FOUNDER OF FANCIERS " PAPERS. Shipley Times and Express, 14th January 1939
We deeply regret to announce the death, at home at Fairfield, Thackley, on January 6th, of J.E. Watmough, Governing Director of Watmoughs Limited and founder and first editor of Fur and Feather." He was aged 78 and had been ill for only a few weeks [. . .] His greatest hobby as, however, that of livestock breeding, and many champion dogs, rabbits and cats had been bred by him.

FUR AND FEATHER CLUB FORMED. FANCIERS SUPPORT NEW PERTHSHIRE ORGANISATION. Perthshire Advertiser, 25th January 1939
At a meeting held in the Trades Club, Perth, on Saturday, it was decided to form an organisation to be known as the Perthshire Fur and Feather Club. There was a large attendance of fanciers representing Perth city and county, Fifeshire and Stirlingshire at the meeting, which was presided over by Mr P. A. Forbes, secretary of the Scottish Cat Club. The decision to form the club was unanimous, its interests to be rabbits, cats, cavies and mice. Office-bearers were elected as follows: President Mr P. A. Forbes; secretary Mr J. Dow, 12 King Street, Perth; treasurer Miss N. Dow; committee - Captain and Mrs Simpson, Errol; D. Muckersie, Abernethy; J. Wilson, Dunfermline; W. Simpson, Perth; J. Dawson, Coupar Angus; and D. Fairfoul, Strathmiglo. Club membership will be open to Scotland annual subscription 2/6 and 1/6 (juveniles under 16). Those interested are requested to get into touch with Secretary J. Dow.

[PERTHSHIRE FUR AND FEATHER CLUB] LEADER OF FANCIERS' CLUB Dundee Courier, 16th February 1939
President of the recently-formed Fur and Feather Club for Perth and Perthshire is Mr PETER A. FORBES, Feus Road, Perth. Native of Dunkeld, Mr Forbes has been a fancier for more than ten years, and expects that the new club 1t was formed only three weeks ago will embrace the interests of all fanciers in city and county with ultimate aims for a real big show. The first effort, an afternoon show, to held in the Trades' Club on the first Saturday in March. Secretary of the Scottish Cat Club since its inception in 1934, the 28-year-old Perth president has been judge for rabbits, cavies, cats, and mice at shows in Kilmarnock, Glasgow, Falkirk, Edinburgh, Lanark, and other towns.

[NEWCASTLE CAT CLUB] Newcastle Sunday Sun, 19th March 1939
What has become of the Newcastle Cat Club? I think that was its name. Anyhow, it used to function with an annual show in the city and I recall distinctly visiting two of them, one in the old Corn Exchange and one, not so many years ago, in the Chronicle Hall. Then it vanished, like the Flower Show in the Recreation Ground on the North Road. There are any amount of shows for dogs. Who will now give the felines another run?

A CORRECTION Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, November 15, 1940
In my report on the Siamese show I referred to Miss Kit Wilson s dulcet" tones, not dialect" tones as printed. I am sure she realised it was a mistake and will forgive me. Cyril Yeates.

BLUE NOTES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, November 15, 1940
On kitten losses I have received an interesting letter from Mrs. C. Prince, Derby, in which she writes: Your recent article on 'Kitten losses' and Dr. Archer s reply, made some interesting reading, particularly as during my two years as a breeder of Blue Persians I have become more and more convinced that quite a number of show animals are not good breeders. The suggested reason for this should be accepted, and as it would seem that the ability to reproduce is one of the most important factors, surely the time is ripe for the Governing Council to take up this matter in such a way that we as fanciers might benefit. It seems to me that at the moment too much importance is given to beauty only."

Mrs. Prince goes on to say: Recently I paid a visit to Miss Dorothy Clarke at Stourport-on-Severn. She is the present owner of Mokoid Fayete, bred by Mrs. Groves, of Ludlow. I was pleased to have the opportunity of seeing him, having heard good accounts of him from time to time. He was in very good form and I am looking forward to sending my Oxley s Tansey when next the need arises. Tafete s daughter, Bayborne Dawn, had five lovely kits by Hendon Blue Robin, and I came home with the only male, Areley Rondo, a 10-week babe. I am hoping he will follow in his father s footsteps."

[CROYDON CAT CLUB] CAT NOVELIST Gloucestershire Echo, 16th April 1946
Mrs. Oxley, wife of Mr. Selwyn Oxley, of Southlands, Queens-road, Cheltenham, who is probably better known by her maiden name of "Miss Kate Whitehead," author of a number of books about the cat and also novels of a historical type for children, has just been elected vice-president of the Croydon Cat Club (which arranges all the great shows in and near London), in succession to the late Miss Marian Cran, the noted garden book, and Siamese cat writer and expert. She has studied the psychology of cats and matters feline for several years and is the only totally deaf author in these isles. Her knowledge of cats is very wide indeed, especially Manx and Siamese, of which she has four at the present time.

THE BLUES AND THEIR BREEDERS Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit-Keeping, September 27, 1946
The new edition of the stud list, which should be ready in December, has attracted 162 entries, 59 being Blue Long-hairs. Over 700 copies of the last list were dispatched, and it is now out of print. Several lists were sent abroad.

Mrs. Kent, who has removed to the country near Reading, sends me news of two fine families. She writes: Lady Jane is the proud owner of seven tremendous babies. They were born in August, all in three hours, and without any bother. I always stay with the mother and take each baby out of the basket when the next one makes an appearance. Lady Jane was given me originally to replace a very loved Persian neuter, which has been my pet for over ten years. She came from a pet shop. I knew less than nothing in those days, but she was only five weeks old and in a very sad plight. I had not the heart to take her back. She was far too young to leave her mother. I had the veterinary surgeon immediately, and in the end she was worth all the trouble, as she has grown into such a strong cat. Jane had two kittens in the spring, and you will remember seeing her eight kittens last autumn. Her last three families have been by Miss Campbell's Adrian of Pensford. Jane s daughter, Candi Countess Katinka, which was awarded three 1sts at the B.P.C.S. show in January, also decided to have a family the same day by Mrs. Chappell's Gathorne Gremlin, and she had six pale kittens. Five are living and very strong. You can guess my hands are full 12 kittens, two queens, and a pet Blue boy who wanders the countryside and thinks he owns the world. I am never depressed or sad when with my pets. Soon, I shall be busier than ever, as I never send a kitten away until ten weeks old. I am convinced that many breeders send away their kittens much too early. I admired Deebank Michael and Glenroy Timothy tremendously at the B.P.C.S. show in January; the latter was such a fine kitten. We are in the heart of the country, eight miles from a station, and later on I hope to invest in a goat, chickens and bees, and, of course, keep my beloved cats and a dog."

We recently visited Miss Lanning at Wilmington Court, Kent; she owns Wilmcort Victor, by It of Henley. He came into her possession in unusual circumstances 18 months ago. Miss Lanning saw him when five months of age at Dartford Market, looking very forlorn, and took compassion on him and bought him for an absurdly small price. He had a very good pedigree but the breeder s name had been deleted, so it was sent to Mrs. Campbell Fraser, who identified the writing, which enabled Miss Lanning to get in touch with the breeder, but the mystery of what happened to the kitten from the time it was originally sold to being found in Dartford Market has never been solved. Victor has certainly found a loving home now and enjoys hours of liberty in a lovely, secluded garden.
Miss Lanning has one Blue queen, Glenelg Ruby, bred by Mrs. Baker, and three farm cats, which prevent her launching out with more pedigree cats at present. We admired her lovely Dachshunds and eight robust puppies. It is a tremendous advantage to have gained experience with breeding other domestic pets, and Miss Lanning is keenly looking forward to the cat shows to make acquaintance with the varieties she has not yet seen. Mrs. F. H. Thompson, 130, Wickham Way, Beckenham.

MRS. CYRIL TOMLINSON TO LEAVE LONDON. Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit-Keeping, September 27, 1946
Mrs. Cyril Tomlinson is leaving London at the end of October to take up permanent residence in Sussex, and she would be glad if clubs on whose committees she serves would herewith accept her resignation as it will be impossible for her to attend meetings. After Oct. 29th her address will be: Brydes, Willingdon, Sussex.

SUGGESTED EAST ANGLIAN CAT CLUB Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit-Keeping, September 27, 1946
I read with interest an article Why not a Flemish Club in Norfolk?" [. . .] Although I am not one of the Rabbit Fancy I cannot help but think that clubs for cats are sadly neglected in East Anglia. Could not a Norfolk and Norwich Cat Club be formed? I. for one, would give same my support [. . .] The top class shows entail long distance travelling, which makes it expensive for the working man. It is time Norfolk was no the forgotten country" as it has been in the past. S. G. Moore.

CATS AND CATDOM. BROWN TABBIES PROVE USEFUL IN THE BREEDING OF TORTOISESHELLS Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit-Keeping, September 27, 1946
Glen Cottage, Holt Pound, Surrey, is the picturesque abode of Mrs. Neate and her daughter Joy. On my promised visit I found the purple clematis in full flower, and the cottage, which dates back 300 years, very spick and span in new paint after having suffered severely in the spring gales when the lattice windows were blown in. Both Red Tabby L H. studs, Hendon Hotspur, and Ruddy of Drumblair, have sired some lovely kittens this season, but what delighted my heart most was to see three quality L.H. Tortoiseshells, Section Leader (whose sire was Mrs Neate's winner), Line of Fire (which I already knew), and her daughter Jeep (new to me), and there is promising kitten by Hendon Hotspur. Section Leader had a L.H. Brown Tabby mother, and Mrs. Neate much advocates a dip" into the Brownies." A good Red kitten which she sold to Mrs. Slane, of Preston, has just pro duced five kittens by Mrs. Wright s Ch. Warrior of Hadley. Three are well striped Red males and the other two Brown females.

Idmiston Champagne is the second post-war cat to become full champion in our section. Champagne was sired by a Blue, and inherits much of the type of the popular variety. Mrs. Jackson bred him from Bayhorne Lady Sheila, a female she bought from Mrs Benbow, and has made Cham pagne a champion at three consecutive shows. This helps to fill the vacancy caused by the rather untimely death of Cham pagne s sire, Tweedledum of Dunesk.

That grand veteran (Born 1934), Tabitha of Hadley, is no more, though she bequeathed to Miss Fisher, her owner and breeder, a son born in the spring of this year. She was too busy breeding winning Brown Tabbies to be found herself on the show bench, but she was wonderfully striped and was the dam of Ch. Warrior, Vixen and Dandy of Hadley and many other noted Brownies.

I much regretted having to leave Sandy so early on show day owing to our protracted journey home, but I did have the pleasure of seeing the waiting crowds at the admis sion gates. The fine old trees of Sandye Park never looked more lovely, and the marquees were particularly well placed. The manage ment ran on greased wheels," and although I should have liked to have seen more cat exhibits the quality of the 217 entries was distinctly good. - (Mrs.) G. Campbell Fraser, Little Primrose, Godalming, Surrey.

COLNESIDE BRIGHT ANGEL. Fur And Feather, Rabbits And Rabbit Keeping, April 4, 1947.
Mrs. Bazeley has sustained a great loss in the death of her fine Blue stud, Colneside Bright Angel. By Benjamin of Westfield ex Durani Lela, he was born in June, 1937, and was, I think, shown only three times. At the B.P.C.S. show, in 1938, he was third to Ch. Heatherlands Blue Boy and Tweedledum of Dunesk. At Southsea, the same year, he was again third to Blue Boy, with Merry of Shenstone second, and at the Southern Counties show, 1939, he was reserve in a strong class of 20 to Speedwell Bo sun, The Playboy of the Court, Masterpiece of Allington, and Blue Boy. Then war came and cut short his show career. My notes when I judged him were, "Very promising young male, nice type, good eye, lovely colour."

He proved a success at stud and sired that beautiful queen, Ch. Dream of Dunesk (dam Minuet of the Court). Another young male which should help to carry on the strain is Valleyend Blue Prince, whose dam, Bonne Nuit of Dunesk, is by Ch. Mischief of Bredon ex Appleblossom of Dunesk. Good breeding this!

Mrs. Bazeley s name figures largely in cat history of the past 20 years. It was in about 1923 that she registered her prefix of Colneside," which was soon to be made famous by one of the best Blues of all time, Ch. Colneside Billy Bumpet. He was by Ch. Azure of Hadley ex Tiddlywinks of Bedale and was bred by the late Mrs. Phyl Wade. Among the cats he sired were Mercury of Pensford, Wildflower of Dunesk (daughter of our lovely June Rose), Adam and Eve of Pensford, Mistress Billy Bumpet (dam of Son o Flick), Colneside Christopher, and Ch. Eliza Queen of the May, whose dam was Infanta. Other famous Blues bred or owned by Mrs. Bazeley were Benjamin of Westfield, by Ch. Mischief ex Winsome of Westfield, and Colneside Caruso, by C. Christopher ex C. Clytie. Benjamin sired Colneside Beniamino, whose dam was Rosedene of Sandford, and which sired The Playboy of the Court and Mokoia Emma. Colneside Caruso sired The Autocrat of the Court (which became an international champion in France) and Crispin of Sandford (sire of Ch. Gillie and Purrieman of Pineland.

Mrs. Bazeley has also bred some fine Creams, notably Ch. Colneside Cream Bunne (Ch. C. Billy Bumpet ex C. Charming), which went to France. One of his best daughters was Ch. Parkside Cream Tart, whose dam was Pink Pearl of Winchfield. Another good Cream was Ch. Colneside Sunshine, by Benjamin of Westfield ex Colneside Candy.

Of all the good cats that have come from the Colneside Cattery I still think Billy Bumpet was the best. I well remember stewarding for my wife when she first judged Blues at the Southern Counties at Kentish Town in 1924. In the 6-9 mths male kitten class there were 14 entries and the quality was exceptional. The winner Binkie (a son of Blair Athol) died shortly afterwards, so we do not know how good he was, but Colneside Billy Bumpet was second. Gentleman (afterwards Ch. Gentleman of Henley) third, Glenlyon (a Scottish cat by Rigside Dandy) extra third, and Dazzlcr of Henley reserve. - Cyril Yeates.

NOTTS. AND DERBY CAT CLUB Fur And Feather, Rabbits And Rabbit Keeping, April 4, 1947.
The annual general meeting of the Notts. and Derby Cat Club will be held at the Scouts Hall, Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, on Saturday, April 19th, at 3.30 p.m. Officials, committee and representatives to the G.C.C.F, for 1947 will be elected, and the balance sheet for 1946 will be presented. Other business that may be required by the rules will be transacted. Club members who have been cup winners will receive bronze medals, with blue insets, to commemorate wins. The delay in distribution is regretted, but the committee feel sure numbers will appreciate that the present difficulties in both production and delivery are responsible. Albert C. Jude, hon. sec.

SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB NOTES Fur And Feather, Rabbits And Rabbit Keeping, April 4, 1947.
The cold weather brought a spate of calling queens. Owners were anxious to have them mated, but stud owners were not so keen. It Is a difficult matter with thick snow and heating cuts. The Southern Counties Cat Club's annual general meeting is to be held at Stewart s Restaurant, opposite Victoria Station on April 16th, at 4 p.m. The Southern Belle" should reach members on or about April 12th.

I spent an afternoon with Mrs. Ross, who, like myself, hopes to get into the country again, but in the meantime carries on. She had three litters of Siamese, all different ages, and all are happy together. They make a delightful study.

Miss Wrightson s red male s first litter arrived last week reds, black and torties. Miss Wrightson bred Abyssinians some time ago, and she is hoping to start again with a litter from her queen, Isma.

If anyone could help me to obtain Major Hamilton Kerr s book. Disease of the Cat," I would be grateful, as it is now out of print. I am anxious to trace Mrs. Underwood, who, I believe went to live near Bournemouth. Her present address would be appreciated. - Kathleen. R. Williams, 92, Chiltern Road. Sutton, Surrey.

ABOUT THE BLUES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, April 11, 1947
I was sorry to hear that Mr. Walter Chapman is retiring from the committee of the National Cat Club and the Governing Council. He owned some fine Blues in pre-war days, including a beautiful daughter of Ch. Mischief of Bredon named Carlton Mitzi. She won well in her open class as an adult, but, unfortunately, she usually grew her coat very late in the season, so was sometimes beaten by less lovely cats, which happened to be in better coat. Mated to the famous black, Ch. Hillingdon Jackdaw, she had a black daughter which excelled in type and eyes, and which was awarded many prizes during the 1938-39 show season. Mr. Chapman will leave England on Oct. 12th for a six months holiday in California, and he sails on the Queen Elizabeth. It sounds delightful and I trust he will breed some more lovely cats on his return. Carlton Black Bess is his only cat at present. - Mrs. F.H. Thompson, 130, Wickham Way, Beckenham.

BLACKS OR WHITES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, April 18, 1947.
The Black and White Club held its annual general meeting, preceded by a committee meeting, at 96 Dalberg Road, S.W.". There were present Mr. Yeates (in the chair), Miss Rodda, Mrs. Mackenzie, Mrs. Aitken, Miss Nichols, Miss Wilson and the hon. sec. and treasurer Mrs. Cattermole. A vacancy occurred on the committee, and Miss Kit Wilson was chosen as a new committee member.

Nine new members joined the club during last year. This is very good, but I am still asking for more. I would like any new breeder, owning a black or white cat or kitten, long or short-haired, to get in touch with me.

All the club's lovely silver trophies were on view at the meeting. A silver cup won by myself was replaced by a silver rose-bowl.

Miss Wrightson has two white short-hair queens with perfect hearing. That is splendid news, as white short-hairs are very scarce; I haven t seen any for years. Mrs. Aitken s beautiful black queen, Ch. Cleone, has been on a visit to Miss Rodda s Chadhurst Barry, and Mrs. Aitken is looking forward now to a nice litter. Mrs. Kitto is very pleased with her new blue-eyed white Persian male kitten, and thinks he will grow into a big cat. He has lovely eyes and a marvellous long flowing coat. I sold this kitten to Miss Kitto last year. He is to take the place of Lully Lad, which died of old age.

I would welcome any news of other black or white fanciers. A. H. Cattermole.

SIAMESE Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, April 18, 1947.
The News sheet was posted on March 17th, so if any member who expected to receive a copy has not done so, I shall be glad to remedy the omission.

Recently I have received several letters on the subject of canker. One at least implied that Siamese were more subject to this trouble than other varieties, but I should not think this could be proved by experience. All varieties can, and do, develop this distressing complaint. When one s cats are afflicted in this way one can blame oneself, for it is the result of either carelessness or neglect. Either one has brought the trouble with a recent purchase or neglect of one's own stock has produced the misfortune. As with so many ills, canker is less trouble to prevent than to cure. Routine inspection of ears is the safest plan, and dusting with canker powder at such times will usually keep the stock free from trouble. To effect a cure often requires considerable patience, and treatment twice a day is essential. As the disease is caused by a parasite great care must be taken to see that all crusts removed from the ears are carefully burned.

I hear that Mrs. Mitchell may be going to Kenya in 1948 and if that happens she hopes to take her Siamese with her. When one wishes to carry on cat breeding in the colonies the question of studs becomes a difficult problem, but Mrs. Mitchell wisely intends to take her studs with her.

The recent cold spell seemed to have little effect on the calling" of Siamese queens, but few breeders were prepared to run the risk of sending their queens away during such bitter weather. Consequently many litters will be later this year. This is not an unmixed fortune, for for kittens reared during the spring and early summer derive much benefit from the sunshine which one ought to be able to expect.

An accident which recently happened to one of my queens may be of interest to ether breeders faced with similar circumstances. This queen was unconscious due to the giving of a drug to produce anaesthesia. In such cases warmth is essential as Siamese, perhaps more than other varieties, are very susceptible to shock, so she was placed on a well-covered rubber hot water bottle. She recovered without any apparent untoward results, but a few days later the hair began to disappear from her side and disclosed a large blister. I should not have considered such a result possible, but there was no other explanation. P. M. Soderberg, Mottrams, Caterham, Surrey.

A CORRECTION Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, April 18, 1947.
We regret that a mistake occurred in Mr. Cyril Yeates' article in Fur and Feather, of April 4th. The second paragraph should read He proved, a success at stud and sired that beautiful queen, Ch. Dream of Dunesk (dam Appleblossom of Dunesk), and the handsome Adonis of the Court (dam Minuet of the Court).

CATS THE WORLD OVER. MANY SIAMESE IN KENYA - BUT FEW OF BRITISH TYPE Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, May 2, 1947.
Breeders who purchased her stock and knew Mrs. Gaymer personally will be interested in the following letter I had from Nairobi. Kenya. She writes:

"I expect you have been wondering where we are. We arrived after many adventures, and we are all well. The dogs travelled excellently considering the upheavals. All went well with them until we arrived at Nairobi Station, when a railway official unlocked the dog-box and out flew Banshee, my favourite Alsatian bitch, and off she went down the line and out into the veldt. I spent the first three days in a police van bumping and rattling over the wild veldt trying to find her, but no luck; she has gone for ever. Words cannot explain how sorry I am. I have another bitch, Sharee, in whelp, fortunately. People here all rave about the dogs.

As we went through Egypt the dogs had to go into quarantine when we reached Nairobi, so they are at Mrs. Blackburn s boarding kennels and I am staying with her and looking after my own dogs; I brought four altogether. The native boys start work at 5 a.m. and the noise is unbelievable. I shall be glad when the six months is up. All the Alsatians I have seen so far are inferior to the English-bred dogs.

There are many Siamese cats here from all over the world, and there isn t one with the type of the British-bred Siamese. They have thick tails, many with kinks, very washy seal points, and not one that I have seen with good eye colour, but the coats are much paler. There is one old male with hardly any points to see, but his coat is pale cream.

The country is marvellous; gorgeous birds of every hue and they sing, too; lovely flowers with wonderful scents, and the weather is too grand for words every day brilliant sunshine and cool nights with heavy dew."

Mr. Gaymer is going up country to look for a spot to build a bungalow, and when we get it I shall have a hack and a tame cheetah. I am looking forward to having a nice place and a number of other tamed wild animals late.

Please let me know how the cats I sold are doing, and I shall be pleased to hear from the friends I made through the cats. My address at present is c/o Barclays Bank, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa."

The following letter comes from Mrs. Brice-Webb to tell us news of the Ronada Blues:

"Oxleys Smasher is looking lovely and gets more like his sire, Playmate of the Court, as time goes on. I am not allowing him too many queens, as I want him to keep in tip-top condition to give him every chance of giving a good account of himself in the show pen next season. King Kong, now in his eleventh year, is still a good sire and getting his visiting queens into kitten. He is a marvellous old cat and very active for his age.

My four queens are all fit and well. Cantab Meg is in kitten to Smasher. She has not yet produced a family, but last year had one dead kitten, which was more than she has ever done before, so I am hoping all goes well this time. We still mourn the loss of Joy of Pensford. She was ideal in every way, such a good mother and breeder and she never ailed a day until I had the misfortune to get illness in 1945, which, as you know, commenced with the loss of Peacemaker of the Court. I am hoping you will have a female for me this year. It is lovely to see the sunshine after this awful winter, and the cats are enjoying it thoroughly."

I hear Folkestone F.F.S. is to hold a show in November and intends to have a recognised cat judge for this section for the first time. This is a step in the right direction, as, naturally, breeders prefer to exhibit under a specialist cat judge. Perhaps anyone interested in this show would like to get into touch with Mrs. J.M. Phillips, 17, Radnor Park Road, Folkestone. (Mrs.) F.H. Thompson, 130, Wickham Way, Beckenham.

SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, May 2, 1947.
I must let people know why there has been such a long spell without news of the Southsea Cat Club. Though not exactly ill I have been only about able to do the cattery, etc., and I wish to make it plain, as rumours are already around, that I have resigned other places on other committees because of my health for one thing, and because as my son is now in the R.A.F. there is no one here at all, so I cannot get to London meetings (at least till he returns).

I have not actually resigned from the Southsea Cat Club, and I shall do nothing till we have our postponed meeting in mid May. All the cups are still at the bank intact, all our subs too. We still want members subs. The club has no intention of dissolving. The chief item against a show yet is hotel accommodation and a hall near at hand. At the moment the hotels are at Southsea, and the only good hall is miles away at Cosham. Many Improvements are under way, we are not asleep, so please do not take your support away. - A. R. Cook-Radmore, Hon. Sec., Seven Oaks, Cowplain, Hants.

GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE CAT FANCY TIGHTENS UP ITS RULES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, May 30, 1947.
A meeting of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy was held on April 24th. Members present were: Mr. C. Yeates (chairman), Mrs. Axon, Mrs. Cattermole, Mrs. Fosbery, Mrs. Duncan Hindley, Mrs. Newton, Mrs. Sharman, Mrs. Cyril Tomlin son, Mrs. Towe, Miss Busteed, Miss Dixon, Miss Fisher, Miss Gold, Miss Langston, Miss Wilson, Miss Yorke, Mr. Martin, Rev. B. Rees, Mr. F C. Tomlinson.

The following rule passed at the July 1946, meeting was confirmed: Any exhibit disqualified from exhibition by the examining veterinary surgeon must leave the hall im mediately, and, if in his opinion it is desirable, all other exhibits from the same cattery and the owner thereof shall be debarred from attending the show.

The hon. treasurer (Miss Fisher) regretted that for various reasons she had not been able to have the accounts printed and circu lated with the notice of the meeting, but delegates would receive them in due course. She then dealt with the items in the state ment of accounts, which Council considered very satisfactory. The chairman said that he thought that part of the balance in hand should be invested and part spent on guaranteeing more classes, and that this should be left to the executive committee to deal with. A proposal that the accounts be adopted was passed.

The following officers were elected: Mr. C. Yeates, chairman; Miss Wilson, vice- chairman; Miss Fisher, treasurer; the Rev.
B. Rees was elected a member of the finance committee. To elect the executive committee a ballot was held, and Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Newton, Mrs. Sharman, Mrs. Tomlinson, Mrs. Thompson, Miss Langston, Miss Yorke, and the Rev. B. Rees were elected.

The following show dates were granted:-
The Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club July 10th.
Sandy Aug. 28th.
Blue Persian C.S. (Ch.) Oct. 15th.
Siamese C.C. (Ch.) Oct. 16th.
Croydon C.C. (Ch.) Nov. 4th.
National C.C. (Ch.) Dec. 4th.
Notts & Derby C.C. (Ch.) Jan. 6th.
Southern Counties (Ch.) Jan. 23rd.

As the B.P.C.S. and Siamese C.C. shows were to be held on successive days, though at different halls, Mrs. Duncan Hindley, seconded by Miss Langston, proposed that every precaution be taken to ensure that no entries be accepted from any exhibitor for both shows, and that any fancier exhi biting at the B.P.C.S. show shall be de barred from exhibiting at the Siamese show, and vice-versa. This will be clearly stated in the schedules of both shows.

It was unanimously decided that the G.C. would guarantee two Long-hair and two Short-hair classes at the Kensington kitten show, and either six or four (half for Long hairs and half for Short-hairs) at champion ship shows. These to be decided upon by the executive committee. It was also decided that the classes be offered for male or female, but that if a class be divided and a guarantee is found for the male then the G.C. will guarantee the female. On the question of how best to help those breeds of cats now threatened with extinc-tion, the chairman referred to a suggestion in Fur and Feather that something might be done in the nature of offering premiums. He thought that the executive committee should go thoroughly into the matter and report to Council at the next meeting. He said that the guaranteeing of more classes by the G.C.C.F. should be of some assist ance.

A proposal by Mrs. Duncan Hindley on behalf of the committee of the Siamese Cat Club, to delete the alternate body colour for blue Pointeds, cream, which was approved by the G.C. in 1945, was defeated.

Miss Wilson, seconded by Mrs. Axon, pro posed that Council impress upon fanciers the necessity for taking special precautions when sending cats by rail, and for making sure that the box or hamper is securely fastened.

Under general business the chairman raised the matter of the application of the Cat Club de Paris for affiliation, which had been refused at the last meeting, and said he thought there were grounds for re-consider ing this decision. Miss Langston and Miss Yorke, who judged at the recent Paris show, assured the Council that the cats were judged in accordance with G.C. rules and it was decided that affiliation be granted with the proviso that rule 17 (E.) At shows of more than one day's duration exhibitors may remove their kittens at the end of the first day" be observed.

The next meeting will be held on July 16th.

CATS AND CATDOM. BLUE NOTES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 6, 1947.
I was expressing regret and certainly did not intend to convey a reproach when I mentioned the fact that Ch. Southway Nicholas had gone abroad. I am sure Blue breeders take a kindly interest in the first post-war champion and will be sorry to hear that the reason he went was that there were so few requests for his services. It is difficult to account for this as he was such a lovely cat and his show record was so exceptional. I have always understood from my friends who have owned winning Blue males that they were offered more queens than they could accommodate and it is a mystery why that was not so in this case.

Lady Eardley Wilmot mentions grading studs, but one wonders how continental breeders devised a system which was satisfactory to all parties. I imagine few judges would care to put themselves in the invidious position of adjudi cating the potential value of a cat as a stud. Looking back on the stud careers of dozens of males one finds that some cats which became champions and had brilliant show careers never sired stock equal to them selves, judging from the progeny which was exhibited. Other males which were very well bred, but did not achieve the highest honours in the show pen sired champions notably the late Son o Flick, sire of exquisite Ch. Raleigh, Ch. Heatherland Blue Boy, and many other big winners including Capt. St. Barbe s very lovely Souriya of Culloden, which won firsts as a kitten, but was not destined to grace the show pen as an adult.

How can one tell if a male is sufficiently virile to endure the excessive demands on his constitution which serving a number of queens entails, until he has had one or two seasons at stud. I suppose one of the most outstanding examples of the almost perfect Blue stud cat was the late Ch. Mischief of Bredon, a superb cat himself, the sire of thirty Blue, Cream and Black champions in England and abroad. He was owned by Mrs. Yeend, and was an extremely fertile and virile stud, and reviewing him in retrospect and it would have been difficult to assess his potentialities at two or three years of age.
Attempting to grade stud cats is a question bristling with difficulties, but the tendency has been for the winning males, or the males which are producing winners, to get the most queens and surely that is a method as desirable as any other for attaining good stock.

Miss Posthuma writes from Haarlem, Holland, to tell me how pleased she is with the way Southway Wizard is developing. He is a fine youngster, one year old, and his eyes are now excellent. He is bred the same way as Ch. Southway Nicholas, so he should make a good stud. His breeder, Mr. Martin, has had such good results from mating Southway Whiz to Dickon of Allington, that this appears now to be an almost permanent alliance. Miss Posthuma adds, "I cannot say I have noticed any bad effects on the cats from the past hard winter. My cats are either in kitten, have kittens, or are calling. One
queen is actually having her first litter since 1942. My Chinchilla has five; they are small kittens due, I believe, to inbreeding. I intend to get some fresh blood into my Chinchillas from France or U.S.A. when I have the opportunity."

On Whit-Sunday I visited Mrs. Finch at Marden, Kent, and was very interested to see her young male Claremont Blue Boy by the late Deebank Roy ex Sherry of Brook, bred by Mrs. Hayter. He is a very attractive young cat with a good head, neat well-placed ears, excellent eyes, and a long thick coat for the time of year. He is being placed at stud to a few queens. Mrs. Finch's own queen, Farways Septima, bred by Mrs. Pepper, is shortly to have a litter by him. Claremont Gloria, a Blue Cream, by Dream Boy of Dunesk, is a very pretty queen and it has been a disappointment that so far she has not had kittens. A veteran of eight years, Claremont Annette, completes this healthy, happy cat family.

Mrs. Finch has ample space and a fine orchard for the cats to wander in, but thinks one of the first essentials for maintaining health, is to keep their outdoor houses, sani tary pans and feeding utensils spotlessly clean and never leave any food about which they do not finish at mealtimes.

Welcome news reaches me of the arrival of Blue kittens. Miss Wisker, Lowestoft, has two litters by her own male, Ringalwiyah Remus. Two of these will appear at the Kensington Kitten show on July 10th. Miss Wisker tells me her male has been very suc cessful in getting his visitors into kitten in spite of the Arctic winter which appears to have made some males less ardent.

Miss Phillips prolific queen, Valleyend Faith, has five by Valleyend Blue Prince, three of which will also appear at the show. She tells me they are a very robust quartette.

Miss Langston s Grazia of Allington, has a quartette by Moonraker of Allington, but as she is to judge, these may appear at a later show.

We were very pleased to welcome Miss Wilson and Mrs. Yeates to tea recently, it was a very jolly visit and as we had all been to Denmark judging, we were exchanging reminiscences. Mr and Mrs. Yeates went to Denmark in 1934 and Mr. Knud Hansen and members of Darak Cat Club still have happy recollections of the visit. Mrs. Yeates was a person with such vivacity and charm and was such a marvellous judge that few people who met her will ever forget her.

Miss Wilson, tells me that preparations are well in hand for the summer show and she is expecting a good entry of Siamese, house hold pets and neuters.

Long-hair litters are mostly very late this year, but there may be many families which we have not heard about yet.

Exhibitors can be sure this show will be well managed and everything will be done to make it a success by the joint secretaries Mrs Newton and Miss Wilson. If fanciers cannot exhibit they will be very welcome aa visitors. Mrs. F. H. Thompson, 130, Wickham Way, Beckenham.

CATS. TWO FEW BLUE-EYED WHITE PERSIANS Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 13, 1947.
I have just heard of the arrival of another litter of four White Persian kittens, two males and two females. They are by my young stud Ch. Lotus Moliere. The only pity is that the dam, although a White Long-hair, is chance bred. I have advised the owner to register the mother of these kittens and to keep the best female kitten out of this litter for further breeding, and I think she will do it. I am very pleased about this litter as the queen was a maiden and very, very shy. I had expected that she would have to come back again for a second mating. Three more queens are in kitten to him now!

I have just sold one of his litters, but I made a point of selling it to breeders and fanciers only as they were too beautiful to be lost to the Fancy. There are far too few good Blue-Eyed White Persian kittens at present. I have just heard that some may be shown at the Kensington kitten show. I also sold a Blue-Eyed White Short-hair queen recently to Mrs. Harrison, Pinner. She is a very nice cat indeed, although I was unable to trace her pedigree. Unfortunately, she gave her new owner the slip" one night and was lost for a couple of days, but turned up again with two swains in tow. One male was a Black Short-hair and the other one a White Short-hair. The White Short-hair, Mrs. Harrison told me, was not bad at all except for eye colour. But even so she may produce a blue-eyed kitten, as she did the same thing once before.

Mrs. Harrison started breeding Blues about the same time as I did Whites, soon after the 1914-1918 war. She married and gave up breeding for some years, but is as keen and enthusiastic on cats as ever and is taking cats up once more. Besides this Short-hair White Mrs. Harri son has purchased a charming little Blue female.

Miss Marriott, that well-known fancier of beautiful Blacks, has some lovely Black kittens and may be exhibiting them at Kensington show. - A. H. Cattermole.

R.C.T.B.C.B T [RED, CREAM, TORTIE, BLUE-CREAM AND BROWN TABBY] NOTES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 13, 1947.
Miss Scamon has sold to Miss Hildyard of the Anchor Cattery a lovely red daughter of her famous queen, Wiviliscombe Minehaha and my red champion. I shall keep this little lady under my eye, so am glad she has come so near as Liphook. Miss Hildyard has some very promising kittens by her win ning cream, Mittens of Sunfield and Miss Du Port s Blue stud, Idmiston Dream Boy and I believe Miss Du Port has purchased a Blue-cream of the litter Mrs. Walker writes, I was very pleased to hear of the welfare of Patch (this is the handsome winner, L.H. Tortoise I bought after the Notts. and Derby show) but alas, I lost her sire, Ronada Danny Boy, in Dec. last at only four years old and have pur chased in his stead Mrs. Clarke s Glenroy Christopher, by her handsome Adonis of the Court." Past owners appreciate reference to their former pets and Marlena Patchwork had certainly been much loved. She is the most gentle of cats.

Young Mr. Alex Whyte deposited Hendon Marigold and her Red babe at her old home last week. Marigold had passed her turn of kittening with him and he had the satisfac tion of seeing her rear five bonny kittens. Lady Sybil Grant and Mrs. Cox have pur chased two of the males. Lady Sybil Grant was kindly introduced by Miss Collins of Pixiewood, and the kitten bears the name of a Derby winner bred by the Earl of Roseberry, Lady Sybil Grant s father. - Mrs. G. Campbell Fraser, Little Primrose, Godalming, Surrey.

BLUE NOTES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 13, 1947.
I was pleased to hear from Mr. Soderberg that his young Blue male Deebank Peri winkle, is a proved sire. Owing to the severe weather he did not send his Chinchilla queen, Foxburrow Camilla, to Miss Langston s male as he intended, but mated her to Periwinkle. The result is interest ing, as she has four Silver Tabbies which he anticipates will have orange or pale gold eyes, as these colours are dominant to the green eyes of Chinchillas. If the kittens are well marked they should ne an acquisition to someone wishing to start breeding this very lovely variety. His blue Chinchilla, Foxburrow Wendy, mated to the same male, produced three very pale Chinchillas and one Blue. This is remarkable, as with three-quarters Blue pedigree one would expect Blues to predominate. Possibly the white in Chinchillas is dominant, as it usually is when Whites are mated to Blues or Creams. It would be interesting to have Mr. Jude's opinion on this point. Mr. Sodeberg tells me that they are nice kittens excelling in type. His Blue queen. Thiepval Charming, bred by Mrs. Crickmore, is also in kitten to Periwinkle, and Mrs. Pepper's Croydon winner, Farways Blue Faia has just visited him. Mr. Soderberg is only taking a few queens as he considers an average of about one queen a week sufficient for a young male in the breeding season. [rest of page damaged]

REVIVAL OF ABYSSINIAN CAT CLUB. SLOGAN IS SLOW BUT SURE" Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 27, 1947.
A post-war reorganisation meeting of the Abyssinian Cat Club was held at the Charing Cross Hotel, W.C., on May 21st. Members present were: Lady Barnard, Mrs. Allen-Maturin, Mrs. L. H. Robertson, Miss J. C. Robertson, Miss E. Basnett, Miss Kent, Mr. H. W. Basnett, and Mr. C. Yeates. Apologies for absence were received from Lady H. Cooper, Mrs. Hancox, Mrs. M. J. Harding, Mrs. B. Nicholson, Miss Nancy Richardson, Miss Wrightson, Mr. B. d Eyncourt Hildyard, and Dr. Wildeboer.

Mr Basnett was elected chairman and asked all present to stand for a few seconds in respectful memory of Mrs. C. Basnett, Mrs. Cates, Miss Adams, Capt. Powell, Mr. Western and Major Sydney Woodiwiss.

Lady Barnard was re-elected president and the chairman said how glad he was that she was able to be. present that day, and expressed a hope that she might annually arrange a visit to London to coincide with the club's meeting.

The following officials were elected: Chair man, Miss Nancy Richardson, Committee: Mrs. Hancox, Miss E. Basnett, Miss Kent, Miss Wrightson and Mr. Yeates. Hon. sec. and treas. and delegate to the Governing Council, Mr. H. W. Basnett.

It was agreed that, under existing conditions. it was necessary that the club s post -war policy should be slow and sure. It was deemed wiser not to have the general public clamouring for Abyssinians which could not be supplied, and breeders of Abyssinians were asked to try to place any surplus stock in the hands of prospective breeders. It was decided to advertise the club in show schedules and catalogues and to guarantee classes where necessary.

The chairman thanked the Governing Council for guaranteeing a class for Abyssinians at the Kensington Kitten Club on July 10th. The sec. said he had not been able to trace some of the old members of the club, but was continuing his efforts in that direction. He said that he thought the club had a definite duty to perpetuate the memory of several of its past members and that, though present conditions were very difficult, it was hoped that members would do whatever was possible as opportunity occurred.

The question of publishing a club booklet was raised. The hon. sec. pointed out that printing, like everything else, was very expen sive these days, but promised to look into the matter and see if it was possible. - Cyril Yeates.

A RIVERSIDE PARTY Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 27, 1947.
Life is a study in contrasts. It was difficult to believe sitting on the lawn at Mr. and Mrs. Newton s Riverside home, that only a few months ago Father Thames had inundated garden and surroundings even to intruding into her pretty lounge. On the day of the party, to the members of our society, he was certainly on his best behaviour, and the scene was at its loveliest. I believe 30 friends attended, and Mr. and Mrs. Newton and their hospitality was most generous, and everyone strongly enjoyed a most pleasant afternoon.

Mr. Dave James is shortly to return to Western Australia, and has purchased from Mrs. Cooke her red male, Welwyn Red Beauty, and as a pair has bought my Tortie, Hendon Sweet Anne. Anne is just over kittenhood, otherwise she would have appeared at Kensington kitten show as I think highly of her. Beauty is a son of Mrs. Tomlinson s Ch. Black Beret out of a red daughter of my Champion. Anne is a daughter of Ch. Hendon Sir Roderick so Mr. James has been lucky to obtain two very well-bred specimens. They are for his sister out there, and will found a representative cattery.

My other Tortie, Hendon Jansy, is a sister to Welwyn Red Beauty and has a fierce pair of eyes like her sire Ch. Black Beret. - G. Campbell Fraser (Mrs.) Little Primrose, Godalming, Surrey.

BLUE PERSIAN CAT SOCIETY Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 27, 1947.
The B.P.C.S. held its annual general meeting at Fleming's Restaurant, Oxford St., on June 18th. The following were present: Mr. Yeates in the chair, Mrs. Brice Webb, Mrs. Prince, Mrs. Newton, Miss Hildyard, Miss Rodda, Mrs. Penn, Mrs. Speirs, Mrs. Brun ton, Mrs. and Miss Campbell Fraser, Mrs. Chappell, Mr Thatch, Mr Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Mr Tomlinson, Mrs. Vize, Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. Beedell, Mrs. Crimmen, and Miss Fisher.

The chairman announced that two new members had been elected on the committee, Mrs. Speirs and Mrs. Brice Webb.[Rest of page damaged]

POST-WAR CAT SHOWS ARE CAPTIVATING THE PUBLIC Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, August 1, 1947
I congratulate Mrs. Newton, Miss Wilson, and the committee on their excel lent organisation of an enjoyable show at Kensington. Post-war shows appear to attract far more spectators than pre-war events. During the afternoon the hall was so crowded that I saw several people diving under the staging to get into the aisles.

Much as I admire Blues and Siamese, it was very pleasing to see a better assortment of the other varieties; the red long-hairs and blue short-hairs were a lovely sight, and it was good to see the return of that senior fancier, Mr. Basnett and his daughter, with Abyssinians.

Several enthusiastic breeders came a long way just to see the exhibits. Mrs. Carbert, from Yorkshire, tells me her Blue male, Skeete Teddie, which won at Notts. and Derby Show has grown into a most attractive cat and she hopes to show him this winter. Miss Langston's female, Mair of Allington, by Deebank Michael ex Glory of Allington is a flyer," I hear, and will be making his debut this season.

Mrs. Cheyney s long search for a new home in which she can give her cats more liberty, has been rewarded. She has left Stoke and is living at 25, Salop Street, Bridgnorth, Salop. She has taken a lovely old place with an en closed garden. Mrs. Henn, Bridgnorth, is pleased to have Mrs. Cheyney as a neighbour and will be glad to have Michael so near to use for her young queens. Dorelia is nursing two very nice male kittens by him.

At Kensington I noticed Mrs. Hancox s son; he is in the Navy at present, but this is an interlude and he is destined for Cambridge University next year. I am sure Mrs. Hancox will be a great acquisition to the ranks of post-war show managers. Mrs. Jude will be giving valuable advice and assistance to her. Mr. Jude has just become a grandfather, and writes: Yes! Fancy me a grandfather. I'll have to grow a beard now."

The Siamese Cat Club luncheon, on July 16th, for members and friends was a very jolly affair, and the guests appeared to be enjoying themselves. I hope it is a prelude to other social gatherings as many breeders welcome opportunities to compare notes and have a cat chat. I was very pleased to hear from Mrs. France that she intends to breed Blues again. She gave them up about two years ago and devoted herself to Siamese. She writes from Jersey:-

I have Beaucourt Dandi, a male which I bred from Tweedledee of Dunesk, with me. He is a delightful cat, he has been here nearly a month and already can be trusted to roam free in the garden without going away. I have not heard of any Blue long-hairs on the island, though someone mentioned my doctor used to have them. I long to have some Blue kittens again as they are so attractive. I want a good female kitten as a nice young queen suitable for Dandi."

Mrs. Bazeley has agreed to write the Blue notes for one week. As she judged Blue adults at Notts. and Derby ch. show last December, and kittens at the N.C.C. show, it will be very interesting to read her impressions of present-day stock. Mrs. Bazeley has owned and bred several lovely Blues and Creams, probably her most famous cat was Ch. Colneside Billy Bumpet, purchased as a kitten from the late Mrs. Wade. Three other well-known Blues bred by her were Colneside Caruso, Colneside Benja mino and Colneside Bright Angel. All were winners in their open class at ch. shows, and sires of famous winners, notably Ch. Dream of Dunesk and Playboy of the Court. Two famous Creams also home bred were Ch. Colneside Creame Bunne and Ch. Colne side Sunshine.

I congratulate Mrs. Chappell for having bred Gathorne Glenister, the best kitten in show at Kensington. It was sired by Gathorne Gremlin. - MRS. F. H. Thompson, 130, Wickham Way, Beckenham.

GRASS AS A MEDICINE FOR CATS Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, July 4, 1947.
Mrs. Newton's garden party at Hamm Court, Weybridge, on June 12th, was very enjoyable and was blessed by perfect weather. Her bungalow is in a delectable spot by a backwater of the Thames, and some of the guests went boating. Several well-known fanciers were present, and I was pleased to see Mrs. Campbell Fraser looking well after her illness during the severe weather. A notable absentee was Mr. Yeates, but he presided at the B.P.C.S. meeting on June 18th, looking fit and well again. Among other young fanciers I had a chat with Miss Phillips. Her blue male, Valleyend Blue Prince, sired the quintette of three reds and two very promising blacks which Mrs. Newton s tortie, Colleen of Carne, was so happily nursing.

Several breeders at Weybridge and the B.P.C.S. meeting were commenting on the number of queens which have had to be mated two or three times before becoming pregnant. This means that they have no kittens for the early shows. Fortunately, to offset this, I have had good news by post of several litters. Miss Bull, of Deebank fame, writes:

I have just had a delightful visit to Mesdames Broxton and Robinson, Cirencester, and brought back Merely Triona. I have always wanted to try my luck again with Chinchillas, and I fell in love with her at the N.C.C show where she was second in the 3 to 9 months class. All their cats looked in lovely condition and they had more kittens than I have seen for ages. Merely Meg, by Bless It of Henley and Wendy of Pensford, had a lovely litter of five blues by Mokoia Tafete. Their Chinchilla queens also had several really beautiful kittens by their own stud, Esmond of Allington. I admired very much their cream male, Bayhorne Minton. He is a fine cat in glorious condition, and promises to be a replica of his famous sire, Ch. Widdington Warden, and, like him, he has a lovely sound coat.

At Miss Miles s I saw Bayhorne Shelley, litter brother to B. Minton. He is a cat of good type. Miss Miles also owns a nice blue male by Playmate of the Court ex an Areley queen. Both these voung males are intended for her own queens.

On my way back I paid an enjoyable visit to Mrs Henn, Bridgnorth. Her five cats are beautifully housed. Ronada Crackjack, by Adonis of the Court, is developing into a nice cat and the females are a very nice quartette. Romany Roma, by Ch. Southway Nicholas, is in kitten to my cream, Walverdene Major. Ronada Rose Mary and Darelia are also in kitten. I was interested in her black. Baralan Gipsy Maid, by Basildon Pasch. She is coming to Deebank Panda.

Whilst at Mrs. Broxton's we drove over to see Mr. Barrett, of Quentington. He owns White Sister. She had one kitten by Ch. Southway Nicholas. Unfortunately she overlaid it, but he hopes for better luck next time when he sends her to Mokoia Tafete. Mr. Barrett is very keen and intends going to as many shows as he can. He realises how interesting and helpful it is to meet other breeders.

I returned home to find all the cats and kittens well. I am sorry the latter are too young to take to the kitten show. Skeete Gaye, bred by Miss Friend, is nursing a bonny litter of four. The goats are giving quantities of milk, which is such a boon for the family and our selves, and so good for the kittens."

Miss Collins, East Grinstead, writes: My queens were all very late calling this year, but as they mostly live outside in unheated houses, this is hardly surprising. I have five litters at the moment. Dawn, by Perivale Masterful, had two blacks and two blues; my Chinchilla had four very pretty kittens, also by him. Romany Rose had two smokes and a blue by Mrs. Pepper's Deeday of Allington. Persian Rose had three blues by Perivale Paul. Kala Moonflower has three, so I have plenty to do. There seems to be a good demand for pedigree
kittens, so some will be leaving me as soon as they are old enough."

Following my reference to the necessity of grass for cats, I had a letter from Mr. Steward, secretary of the Cats Protection League, 29, Church Street, Slough, Bucks., in which he enclosed a packet of cocks foot grass seed with directions for growing. He writes I note your valuable comment on the use fulness of grass as a medicinc for cate. I think, perhaps, you might like to know that the C.P.L. has advocated the use of grass as an essential item for the welfare of cats and kittens, and that for many years we have supplied grass seed and instructions for grow ing to anyone who cares to send for it." I was so pleased with the vigilance of Mr. Steward for the welfare of cats that I sent lor particulars and became a member. Life membership is 5 5s. The annual subscription
Is 5/-.

The literature he sent was very interesting, and I learned that a variety of leaflets can be obtained, which should prove useful to novices. (Mrs.) F. H. Thompson, 130, Wickham Way, Beckenham.

GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE CAT FANCY NOTICE Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, July 4, 1947.
The correct name of the Abyssinian female cat which was awarded challenge certifi cates at the Croydon and National Cat Shows is Croham Zana. In the list of show fixtures recently issued, the name of Mrs. J. M. New ton should appear as joint show manager of the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club's show with Miss K. Wilson. F. H. Thompson, secretary.

NOS AMIS LES CHATS" Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, July 11, 1947.
The delightful and instructive book, Nos Amis Les Chats," has reached me from the author, M. Marcel Renev. It is most clearly written and will be very helpful both to novices and to older breeders, and will indeed be a "friend" to all cat breeders. Monsieur Reney goes fully into all details of health and the care of the young kittens from birth and throughout their lives. Long and short hair breeds are all catered for, and there are many charming photographs of Seine [some] French and English cats.

Two delightful studies of Mrs J. M. Fisher s Tiger Tim of Hadley, and Ursa of Hadley, show the lovely marking of the Brown Tabby. There is also a lovely picture of Champion Mint of Hadley, a cream of exceptional type and colour. Unfortunately Mrs. Lantenoise lost him last year. The difficulty of feeding him during the war was the main cause of his death.

A picture of Mrs. Chamonin s Champion Talisman de la Chrosnaie. a good blue Persian which hac never been beaten, is on the cover of this book. It does not show him at his best. He is indeed a very lovely creature of the palest blue, and carries a wealth of coat of finest texture, tiny ears, and excellent type. Nos Amis Les Chats" will be of the greatest interest and help to many breeders. I am delighted to have a copy. - Kathleen Yorke.

[SIAMESE CAT CLUB]Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, July 11, 1947.
Mrs. Elsie Hart, secretary of the Siamese Cat Club will, from July 14th. be living at Tye Cottage. Frog Grove Lane. Wood Street. Guildford. Surrey.

AROUND THE CATTERIES. BLUE NOTES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, July 18, 1947
We motored down to see Mr. and Mrs. Brunton recently and spent a very enjoyable afternoon with them, and their daughter Rosemary, who has recently been demobilised from W.A.A.F., and is spending some time at home whilst she awaits a vacancy at the Slade Art School. They are all as busy as bees turning lovely old Marlpost Farm into a country home with modern amenities. It is very secluded and nestles on the foot of a hill among acres of fields and is a delightful place to breed cats. There are a number of line outbuildings, and one, which is really like a room raised on brick pillars, provides a place where the kittens can play in bad weather. Each queen has her own wooden cat house where she sleeps and rears her families, but is allowed complete liberty in suitable weather.

Champion Dream of Dunesk was looking very sweet and in tip top condition, especially as she had just finished nursing a litter of five bonny kittens by Miss Campbell s Adrian of Pensford. This fine family were romping about and were a very level litter with good heads, sound coats and neat little ears. They were a credit to their parents and Mrs. Brunton s care and attention. Mrs. Bailey, Derby, has purchased one for a future stud. Mrs. Jackson, Worcester Park, will buy a female when she returns from a holiday at Worthing, and Mrs. Manning, Cambridge, is also to buy one. The remaining pair may be retained by Mrs. Brunton to make their debut at the B.P.C.S. show in October.

Sweet September of Dunesk, bred the same way as the above quintette and best kitten in show at the N.C.C. show in January has grown into a robust young cat. He has a good head, sweet expression and exceptionally small, well-placed ears. He also will be exhibited this coming season. His litter sister, Dainty Delphinium or Dunesk, which also won so well at the same show, being first in the 3-6 months female kitten class, was away visiting Mokoia Tafete and is now in kitten.

Champion Dream's Dam, Apple Blossom of Dunesk a hale veteran of 13 years, elected to stay out during our visit. Champion Dream will be visiting Miss J. M. Fisher s Cedric of Hadley for her next litter and it will be interesting to see her family.

Another enjoyable visit was to Mrs. and Miss Montague, Hampstead, to see their pet Robin of Pensford, which is intended for the foundation of a small cattery. Robin is a very big kitten in lovely coat and condition. He weighed over 11 lb. at nine months. Although Miss Montague does not like the idea of cats sleeping out she realises one cannot keep adult males entirely as house pets, so she is having a roomy house built in a very large run the entire width of her garden, which encloses trees and a rockery so he can play around and above his house. She has had bad luck with her two queens, but is starting again and hopes for more success when she is able to mate the kittens she intends to buy her own stud.

Many Blue breeders will be sorry to hear of the death of Playmate of the Court, bred by Mrs. Oglethorpe. Mrs. Bailey writes: "I thought you would be interested to know that Playmate died on June 22nd from an internal growth. which developed very quickly. He had devoted care and attention, but nothing could save him. The veterinary surgeon, who attended the late Miss Albrecht s animals and knew Playmate, said that he must have had the trouble for a considerable time and it developed with age. I think he missed his late mistress and perhaps fretted although I cared for him so much. I feel very sad as he was such a lovable cat."

Owing to the war Playmate had few opportunities of being exhibited, but when he appeared at three summer shows at Beeston, Notts., he was 1st twice and 2nd to Deebank Michael once. I admired him very much the first time I saw him in 1943. He was very well bred and sired some lovely stock. His passing is a less to the Fancy and one sympathises with Mrs. Bailey In losing a fine cat, owned for many years by her friend Miss Albrecht.

Mrs. Carnell, Elderton Ledge, Thorpe Market, Norwich, sent me a plan of her large house, which is five miles from Cromer and ten from Wroxham Broads. Mrs. Carnell owns a few Siamese but also intends breeding Creams when she can procure a suit-able female kitten.

Mrs. Benbow cent me a photo of her house in Cornwall, Down Derry Lodge, and an invitation. The house certainly is situated in a lovely spot facing the sea among glorious trees and looks most inviting. Like a number of breeders, we have the problem of leaving the cats. The ideal way is to leave them at home where they are happiest, but it is difficult nowadays to get a suitable person to care for them. Mrs. F. H. Thompson, 130, Wickham Way, Beckenham.

SOUTHERN COUNTIES C.C. Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, July 18, 1947
BY the time these notes are in print, the K.K. and N.C. Club Show [Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat] will be over. The first show of the season is an event; we all eagerly lock forward to the youngsters making their debut and meeting friends for a chat.

Mrs. Thompson has been helping me to build up my knowledge of L.H.s. She is a most able teacher, and thanks to her help. I shall in future approach the L.H. pens with enthusiasm, not my usual puzzled expression.

Most Siamese breeders have been busy with litters and large litters. I see that Mr. Dean's Queen has a litter of eleven. This reminds me of my very first queen, whose litters were never less than nine. Some queens have this reproductive ability, but unless one has a foster, it is a mistake to over-strain a nursing queen. Siamese have been most prolific, this year.

Kittens must have shade; sunlight and air are excellent but the intense sun of the past weeks is too great for kittens unless shade is provided.

Mrs. Bruce Webb's Rexina May Morning is in kitten to Oxley s Smasher, and she hopes for a good litter. Mrs. Major came over one very hot afternoon, and with great patience, took snaps of the cats. Mrs. Brunton s Dream of Dunesk has a litter by Adrian of Pensford, and Honeysuckle of Dunesk a litter by Ch. Southway Nicholas. All the kittens are beautiful.

My new seal point stud, Doneraile Dekho, goes everywhere on a lead. Our definite appointment is the post each evening. If I am late he shouts his loudest. He has a few selected friends on his walk, and majestically ignores others. He has the delightful nature of his grandsire, Ch. Jaques of Abing-don.

I thank those members and friends who, hearing I had not been well, wrote to cheer me up. Will members please send news and adverts, for the next issue of the Southern Bell." This is an urgent appeal. Kathleen R. Williams. 92 Chiltern Road, Sutton, Surrey.

ABOUT BLACKS AND WHITES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, August 1, 1947
I have had many visitors during the last few weeks, and it has been interesting to hear news and views about cats from strangers. A young woman from New Zealand told me that New Zealand has no pedigree-bred cats or shows. Someone may have a nice female which breeds. The kittens find new homes, but must be good hunters," otherwise they are not wanted. Unfortunately, I had very few cats to show this visitor, as only a few days previously I had sold a young odd-eyed male and Candy could not be seen, as she was nursing a few days' old kitten.

Then a man and his wife from France came to see my stock. They adore white blue-eyed Persians and kept two, a male and a female, for years, but both died during the war years. I was asked what I fed to my cats. I told them, and both wanted to know how I managed during the war. I told them that it was not always easy to get horseflesh, but I got some somehow. They were greatly sur prised when I mentioned horseflesh, as horseflesh during the war years in France was only obtainable for invalids and only then with a doctor's certificate. Even so, it was difficult to get. In England some people seem to think that our cats are badly treated by having to live on horseflesh. I always get the best, and in large joints, and these large joints usually look much more appetising than our minute rations.

A couple from Scotland wanted a kitten, but I had sold all mine. Two young men who were sent to me fell promptly in love with Smokie and wanted to buy him, but as he would have been neutered did not sell him. He is too beautiful for that, and good Smokes are scarce; he should go to a breeder.

A Frenchwoman, who came in a great hurry, bought a kitten. She was delighted with it and would have bought two, but I had no more. A young woman from Switzerland was charmed to see my cats and to find someone with whom she could converse in her own tongue, as she knew no English.

An elderly woman and her son brought a blue-eyed white Persian for me to see. It had been bred by myself ten years ago. I showed it as a kitten at the Kensington Kitten Show. He went through various hands until eventu ally this woman bought him. I sold him to a fancier who wanted him as a pet for a friend.

Fanciers, friends and anybody interested in cats are always welcome in my house, but I am afraid I have no time to pay many visits myself, as I am much too busy these days. -
A. H. Cattermole.

DEATH OF MR. CATTERMOLE Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, August 1, 1947
We regret to announce the death, on July 16th of H. N. Cattermole, 96, Dalberg Road, Brixton, S.W.2. Though not a cat breeder himself he was well-known in the Fancy and took a keen interest in Mrs. Cattermole s work.

SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, August 1, 1947
The Annual General Meeting of the Southern Cat Club was held on July 9th. It was a great pity more members were not able to attend. The Chairman. Councillor H. G. Cook, was unable to preside, and Miss Eilis was elected for the meeting. The minutes were taken as read to be confirmed at the next meeting. Mr. Allt was elected to the committee and the rest of the committee were re-elected en bloc. Mrs. Cook-Radmore said she could not continue as delegate and it was decided that Mrs. Lauder, the President, be asked if she was willing to be delegate. All members are asked to send in their votes or nominations as soon as possible.

The balance sheet was presented and passed, and the Secretary s report on all in quiries made about a show, discussed. Mr. Allt proposed that, in view of the enormous and abnormal difficulties of getting hotels and a hall within reasonable distance of each other, no show be held this year, but with the Council finding different accommodation (The Town Hall being blitzed entirely), some places would no doubt be vacant by another year.

The club will support all shows with cups and classes, and although no contact for support was made for Kensington it was our intention to give medals to Best in Show and R.B. in Show if owned by a member.

There is great urgency that old members be asked to continue to support us and new members made. As March has always been a bad time for travelling, it was voted that the financial year remains as Mar. 1st but that the A.G.M. take place some time before May 31st.

Letters of regret were read from Mr. Yeates, Mrs. Lauder, Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Allen Maturin, Mrs. Warren and Mr. Godding, and letters from Miss Fisher and Major and Mrs. Rendall were also read. A vote of thanks to Miss Ellis, Mrs. Dewar for their hospitality, and to Mrs. Cook-Radmore for her services ended a most pleasant meeting. - Mrs. A. R. Cook-Radmore, sec., Seven Oaks, Cowplain, Hants.

On July 5th, Fluffy of Forton, a Persian belonging to Mr. R. W. Green, Homefield, Forton Road, Chard, Somerset, had a litter of five blue and cream Persian kittens by Mrs. Sampson s Timothy of Shatterway. - Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, August 1, 1947

CATS GOVERNING COUNCIL RULES TO BE TIGHTENED UP Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit-Keeping, October 10, 1947
At the beginning of another show season exhibitors and show managers will be well advised to refresh their memories by reading again the Governing Council Rules, a copy of which is enclosed in every show schedule. At shows held during and since the war, some latitude has been permitted on the grounds that many exhibitors were novices, but it is time now to tighten things up and see that all rules are complied with.

When filling an entry form, the exhibitor should always have the cat's registration certi ficate before him and see the particulars given on the entry form are identical with those on the registration certificate. Before signing the entry form and this is important he should read carefully the declaration that the cats or kittens entered have not been exposed to any infectious or contagious illness within the period of 21 days prior to the date of the show and that he has not had any such ill ness in his or her cattery during that period. (See rule 33).

Powder may be used when preparing a cat for show, but no powder must be left in the cat s coat on the day of the show (rule 23(a)). Powdering of exhibits in the show hall on the morning of the show is prohibited. Trans gression of this rule shall result in the dis qualification of the exhibit (rule 9c).

Here are some reminders for judges. Any cat can be brought out for Best in Show provided that it has not been beaten in its open class on the day" Judging for Best in Show shall be by ballot, the judges recording their votes on slips of paper provided for the purpose. Judging for Best in Show shall be conducted in silence." (Rules 15 and 34).

Rule 9a reads. A cat which cannot be taken out of its pen must not be judged. An exhibitor is not allowed to take any of his exhibits out of the pen nor to handle them during judging."

Judges should also read carefully rule 15, which deals with the awarding of champion ships under certain exceptional circumstances, and rule 23 which deals with disqualification.

Apart from the Governing Council rules, which apply to all shows held under G.C. licence, there are certain show rules and regu lations drawn up by the club running the show. These are printed in the schedule and must be complied with. One of these is that which forbids any interior or exterior decorations or distinguishing objects, such as collars or coloured blankets in or on the pens, and juges are instructed to pass any pen so dis tinguished. As a rule plain white blankets without markings and small sanitary tins are allowed.

The above reminders will. I hope, prevent exhibitors having their cats disquali fied or being fined for breaches of the rules. Cyril Yeates, Chairman G.C.C.F.

R.C.T.B C B.T. [RED, CREAM, TORTIE, BLUE-CREAM AND BROWN TABBY] Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit-Keeping, October 10, 1947
By permission of Miss Wilson and Miss Martin a committee of this society will be held at 18, South End, Kensington. W.8., on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 22nd. Mrs. Newton, Hon Sec., has already sent out notices and she tells me Mr. Soderberg has joined the society. He owned a red sister of Hendon Marigold. From far Ballater, Miss Brand writes me that she crochets white blankets in the old Scotch stitch. They keep their shape, do not mat, and are practically claw proof. I had already heard that Mrs. Askew owns a lovely red L.H Tortoise in Firefly of Takeley, by Ch. Widdington Warden ex Chadhurst Carrissa. She now has another, sired by Vallery End [Valleyend?] Prince. Mrs. Askew knows I have a very soft spot for the Torties. The breeding season is more or less over for this year, so it is as well to take stock of the cattery and choose the females that best suit the strain, making arrangements for mating or purchasing in the new year. G. Campbell Fraser (Mrs.), Little Primrose, Godalming, Surrey.

[SIAMESE CAT AT STUD] A NEWCOMER TO ESSEX Saffron Walden Weekly News, 30th April 1948
Breeders of Siamese cats of whom, I understand, there are a number in this district may be interested to hear of a newcomer to Essex a male Siamese cat which has been purchased by Miss Ella Martin, of Great Baddow, and which will be at public stud soon. Named Proud Potentate, this feline aristocrat won 16 awards as a kitten during last season s shows, including two first prizes at the National Cat Club Show in London.

[[MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB] CAT CLUB FOR MIDLANDS, MUCKLEY CORNER FANCIER ELECTED CHAIRMAN Lichfield Mercury, 18th March 1949
Mr. G. Herod, of Muckley Corner, near Lichfield, was, at a meeting in Birmingham, on Saturday, elected as the first chairman of the re-formed Midland Counties Cat Club. He has been assiduously working for the past two years or more, to get the club re-started and is a well-known exhibitor at the leading shows in the country. At the meeting there was a representative gathering of cat fanciers freon London, Birmingham, Nottingham and surrounding districts and explaining the object of the meeting, Miss Kit Wilson, who is the well-known Any Variety Judge, explained that the objects of the club were, amongst other things, to encourage the Cat Fancy, to enable those people interested in oats to meet together to discuss their problems and above all to encourage the welfare of the cat. It was to be a cat club for cat lovers, whether they kept cats for breeding or for sale. It is hoped to hold a championship show in Birmingham in the early autumn and applications for membership should be made to the hon. secretary, Mrs Lamb, Twylands," Grange Hill, Halesowen, near Birmingham.

[THE EDINBURGH AND EAST OF SCOTLAND CAT CLUB] CAT CLUB FORMED The Scotsman, 7th April 1949
Forty-four cat-lovers, meeting in the city last night, formed what they called The Edinburgh and East of Scotland Cat Club." The main aims and objects will be to improve the general understanding" and management of cats; the better breeding of pedigreed animals; to help and support cat show; and to co-operate with those bodies who are helping ad promoting the pure breeding of cats. Approval of the name of the new club will have to be obtained from the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in London. It was stressed by a number of people attending the meeting that animal welfare should have first place in any scheme the club had in view. Mrs M. Braid, 60 Thirlestone Road, Edinburgh, was appointed honorary secretary.

[SIAMESE CAT CLUB] SIAMESE CATS 'AFFECTIONATE' Chelmsford Chronicle, 15th July 1949
Siamese cat-breeders from all over the county attended a meeting of the Essex branch of the Siamese Cat Club on Wednesday at Mrs. E. G. Martin's house in Galleywood Road, Great Baddow. The meeting was organised by Mrs. Martin to encourage Essex members of the club who are unable to go to the annual show in London. About thirty-five members attended. Mrs. Duncan Hindley, of Chiddingfold, Surrey, who was chairman of the club for seven years, judged the cats, assisted by Mrs. K. R. Williams, of Sutton, Surrey, secretary of the Southern Counties' Cat Club. Siamese cats are much more intelligent and affectionate than other cats," Mrs. Hindley said. "They are always popular."

[SURREY AND SUSSEX CAT ASSOCIATION] HERE'S A CHANCE FOR CAT LOVERS Caterham Mirror, 5th May 1950
Enthusiastic cat lovers of Surrey and Sussex met at Banstead and decided to club to be the Surrey and Sussex Cat Association. The purpose of the club is to give encouragement to novices in cat breeding and showing to try to help beginners in breeding and to cater for all cat lovers in the two counties, whether they be breeders of pedigree stock or the ordinary domestic cat. It is hoped to hold shows in various towns in Surrey and Sussex. It is intended that the club be a nursery for the training of stewards and show officials and so assist members to gain experience in handling cats and running shows. A provisional committee has been formed to draw up a book of rules and to arrange for a special general meeting at which enrolments can made, a committee elected, and arrangements made for an early show. Mrs Vize of "The Orchard," Bolters-lane, Banstead has undertaken the duties of hon secretary for the time being and anyone interested in cats should communicate with her and will be given full details of the new club.

[SURREY AND SUSSEX CAT ASSOCIATION] Surrey Mirror, 30th June 1950
The first general meeting of the Surrey and Sussex Cat Club was held at Croydon, on Thursday last week, when twenty-seven members ware present, including several well known breeders and prominent members of the cat fancy. Officers elected were: Mrs. Aitken (Chairman); Mrs. Vize (Hon- Secretary and Treasurer); Miss Von Ullman (Assistant Secretary); committee, Mesdames Black, Carman, Harrison, Prices-Hawkins, Knight, Rosell and Tucker and Miss Dolton. Mrs. Vize reported that to date 70 applications for membership had been received and they were starting off with a bank balance of 11. Mr. Polden, Mr. Macdonald, Mr. Tucker and Capt. Wood had agreed to become Vice-Presidents, and she was sure they would be active in their work for the Association. Mrs. Timms (Sutton) presented the Association with a silver cup for competition and Mrs. Vize offered a rose bowl in memory of her mother, Mrs. White, who will be remembered by many fanciers as a breeder and exhibitor of longhair cats. After discussion, it was decided to hold two shows each year, in July and early in January, and to endeavour to take the shows to the people, having them in different towns within the area covered by the Association, if possible the summer show to be at a seaside resort and the winter show inland. It was agreed that if a suitable hall is available the first show will be held in January in Horsham. The members passed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Vize and those who worked with her so enthusiastically to get the Association started.

[SCOTTISH CAT CLUB] CATS MAKE ME FEEL INFERIOR Daily Record, 13th July 1950
Siamese cats are wonderful conversationalists, it is said, and I went along yesterday to have a talk with one of them. She didn't say a word, even in cat language, but her roommate Chl!oe, an out-and-out mongrel, met me at the door with what I am told was a long list of complaints. I still don't know about cats. They attract and repel me at the same time. Mrs. Morfydd Richardson, owner of both the Siamese and the mongrel, is one of the many people who are utterly sold on the creatures. She is the secretary of the Scottish Cat Club, and is therefore dedicated to spreading the gospel of cat-love, but even so is a perfectly human person with a sense of humour, which is the last thing, I think, to be found in a cat.

The cat fancy has been in a poor way in Scotland for many years, though this country has a tradition of cat-breeding dating back to the 1890's, I was interested to learn. There are millions of moggies about the place of course, and the fervent pedigree breeder does not sneer at these cat commoners; but Mrs. Richardson was moved to disapproval by the thought that some cat-owners think so little of their pets that they don't even give them a name [. . .] On the first Wednesday of each month, I was intrigued to discover, members of the Scottish club meet in a Glasgow restaurant to lunch and talk together; this is probably the only conversazione where the guests are catty and proud of it. It isn't for Bonar, I fear. Cats make me feel inferior. I think it must be the mouse in me.

MEET BRITAIN'S ONLY BURMESE CAT FAMILY Derby Daily Telegraph, 8th September 1950

AIM TO BREED PALE CREAM OR RED CATS Walsall Observer, 28th October 1950
Although competing with 150 thoroughbred pedigree cats from over the country, a local" cat was the centre of attention at the Midland Counties Cat Club's annual show at Birmingham on Wednesday. She was "Carreg Rusty" owned and bred by Mrs Doris Herod of Clevelands, Walsall Road, Muckley Corner, and she is the result of ten years' experimental breeding by Mrs Herod. The colour of her coat is so rare that she was in a class by herself at the show. Yet she obtained her rust-tinted fur only through some strange quirk of feline genetics, for she is the result of a cross between a white and cream cat which Mrs Herod had hoped would produce a pale cream kitten. Because to restore the even Devonshire cream paleness to a cat's coat which has been lost for many years is Mrs Herod's ambition.

So far she has out of 45 kittens bred only two pale cream and unfortunately neither survived and undoubtedly her finest achievement is "Carreg Cracker," a beautiful white long-haired Persian, who ever since she started exhibiting him over six ago has won 14 first prizes and two championships, and has twice been adjudged the best cat in show. Cracker" who has orange eyes was judged best long-haired in Wednesday s show, and Mrs Herod has had offers for him from America, Switzerland and France. She has no intention of parting with him, however. You only breed a cat like 'Cracker' once in a lifetime." She is hoping that between them "Cracker" and "Rusty" will produce either the pale cream kitten she wants or a darker red one. If the latter, she will persevere with the dark red strain.

Since she started exhibiting her cats, Mrs. Herod has won over 90 awards and ten championship certificates and has always been complimented on the immaculate condition of her cats' coats. This is the result of hours of patient grooming but that is the only way in which these thoroughbreds have to be pampered or "molly-coddled." Otherwise they are as hardy as any alley cat. Her efforts have the enthusiastic support of her husband, who is chairman of the Midland Counties Club, and secretary of the Nottingham and Derby Club. They usually keep ten cats at their home but have only five at the moment. Does their household consume gallons of milk? Surprisingly no, Mrs. Herod says that too much milk is not good for cats and the prefer wate or warm tea!

AND NOW MRS H OWNS A RED CAT Birmingham Weekly Mercury, 5th November 1950
Four-month-old Rusty is an accident. For four years Mrs Doris Herod, Walsall Road, Muckley Corner, Walsall, has been experimentally crossbreeding white Persian cats with cream Persian cats. She hoped to create a new breed of very pale cream. Then in a litter of three kittens she discovered two cream ones and Rusty. Rusty is a phenomenon, a kitten of golden red with few tabby markings. At the Midland Counties Cat Club s annual show held in Birmingham recently, everyone was asking to see Correg Rusty, the kitten who is almost a red self. To achieve a pure-bred red self is the ambition of all cat breeders. They hope to create a cat the colour of a red setter. Mrs Herod hopes to the first to breed a pure red self. She will experiment by crossing Rusty with a black cat and a white cat.

[MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB] NO NEED TO PAMPER CATS CHAMPION BREEDER SAYS Lichfield Mercury, 3rd November 1950
Mr T. S. V. Herod, of Clevelands," Muckley Corner, chairman of the Midland Counties Cat Club, had a personal success at the club's second post-war championship show, held in Birmingham last week. His white Persian, "Carreg Cracker," which its first public appearance Nottingham last January earned the title of best kitten in the show, won four first prizes and was judged best long-haired cat. The judging panel included Miss K. Yorke, chairman of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, the country's premier cat organisation.

The Midland Club, revived last year after being in abeyance during the war, owes its existence to-day to Mr. and Mrs. Herod and Mr. and Mrs. O. M. Lamb, of Halesowen, who called a general meeting in Birmingham in April, 1949, and received such good support from cat lovers that they were able to go ahead immediately with the organisation of their first championship show. Mr. and Mrs. Herod are now breeding creams and whites. Most popular colour, at the moment among cat fanciers is blue, but Mr. Herod believes that creams will soon oust the blues from their much favoured position. They have six cats at their home, and all of them sleep outside at night, even in the winter.

"There is no need to pamper them," says Mr. Herod, "although most people do. While they are young they need more careful attention. They need warmth in the same way all youngsters do. But, after that, all you have to do to keep them well groomed." Mr. Herod ought to know. He has been breeding cats for years and showing them for the last 10 years. White cats, he says, have blue or orange eyes. Rarest cats are Abyssinian and Burmese.

BLUE PRINCES WILL FLY TO BERMUDA. FELINE ARISTOCRATS FROM WEST KENSINGTON Kensington News and West London Times, 2nd February 1951

Mrs Marlow breeds prize blue Persians. The Eireanne Cattery is famous in the cat-breeding world and kittens have been sold to places in every corner of the world. The Cattery itself was built by Mrs Marlow s husband, ex-Irish Guardsman Pat, and is a model of perfection - cream and green painted and thermostatically heated. But the back garden had to be sacrificed to make it! It leads directly out from the back of the house and is cleverly built so that each cat has his own den. These prize Persians sleep on pink satin-bound blankets and all have their own collection of toys.

When I visited the Cattery last week I was introduced first to the oldest inhabitant" - Lady Pride. A magnificent creature with amber coloured eyes. Lady Pride is eleven. She is famous for her kittens and on Saturday had another litter of four. But the personality of the Cattery at present is probably Eireanne Princess Yasmin who is a saucy young lady of one year old. At a cat show last year she was selected as the most photogenic and most beautiful blue Persian kitten to be photographed for a Kit-e-Kat" advertisement. Now she has quite a fan-mail. Mrs Marlow has a bundle of letters asking for copies of her photograph and lonely old people particularly write to her telling her about their own pets.

Mrs Marlow has five Queens (females) and two Studs. Bambi is the King of the Cattery. Now rising 9, he sired many prize-winning kittens and is a magnificent creature. Junior" of the family is five-months old Apollo who was in a playful mood when I arrived. Not yet in coat he promises to be almost perfect. Mrs Marlow pointed out his delicate small ears, eyes set well apart and tiny nose. But Apollo took exception to all these personal remarks and whisked out of the room a cyclone of smoky-blue softness.

Cat-breeding is a full-time job. Grooming takes an hour each day, feeding is a further problem. Estimated cost of feeding each cat per week is fifteen shillings. Rabbits at 5s 6d each are an expensive item," Mrs Marlow said ruefully. A diet sheet accompanies every kitten that leaves the Eireanne Cattery, together with information about grooming etc. Biggest worry of any cat breeder is cat flu. One case of infection may mean an outbreak and the disease often results in death. Particular precautions have to be taken at big shows.

Mrs Marlow s love of cats finds its root in childhood days. She is Irish, her father was a clergyman and had a living in Norfolk. The entire family were animal-lovers. At the beginning of the war Mrs Marlow had three cats, and after an incendiary dropped on her house in Talgarth Road, West Kensington, she moved to Brighton. Here she had a big cattery and at one time also bred apricot and n*gger brown poodles. Her present ambition is to find a country cottage not too far out of London. The cats want to exchange their London flat for a country home where they have more room," she explained. And besides, husband Pat longs to possess an Alsation and the house in Vereker Road just wouldn t accommodate both cats and dogs. A cat must have some dignity particularly a prize blue Persian!

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] NEW OFFICERS OF CAT CLUB Portsmouth Evening News, 23rd May 1951
The following officers of Southsea Cat Club were elected at the annual meeting: Chairman, Mrs. A. Cook-Radmore; Secretary, Mrs. Butler, of Highland Road, Southsea; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. E. G Aitken; Committee, Mrs. Couper (Gosport), Mrs. H. G. Cook, Miss I. Lauder (Reading), Mrs. Spragg, Mrs. C. H. Smith (Waterlooville), Mrs. Pannell (Portchester), Mrs. M. Frost (Gosport), and Mrs. J. Jenner (Hayling Island).

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] PARIS MODELS Portsmouth Evening News, 23rd May 1951
In our correspondence columns recently there was a lively debate on whether cats were good companions or a social menace. The members of the Southsea Cat Club did not join in, yet they are probably the best people to judge. There are in the whole of England only 12 recognized judges of the finer points the feline form, and two of the most notable belong to the Southsea Club. They are Mrs. A Cook-Radmore, Chairman of the Club, and Mrs. E. G. Aitken (Assistant Secretary) and they have the distinction of being the only English judges to invited to officiate at this year's international show organized by the Paris Cat Club. Both the Chairman and Mrs. Aitken have judged at Olympia, and Mrs. Cook-Radmore has also officiated at Redhill and Felixstowe.

[CAT JUDGE] CONSTANT LAMBERT DEAD Manchester Evening News, 21st August 1951
Constant Lambert, composer, conductor, and critic, died to-day [age 51] in a London nursing home. He had been taken very ill during the week-end [. . .] He was also a great enjoyer of life his two favourite occupations being judging at cat shows he had a passion for cats and talking to friends in inns.

KITTEN HELPS EXPORT DRIVE. FLOWN TO AMERICA Sussex Agricultural Express, 24th August 1951
A small but not insignificant contribution to Britain's export trade is the sale to the United States of a handsome seal point Siamese kitten, bred by Mrs L.S. Gill, of Bynes Farm, Crowhurst. The proud emigrant, Bynes Wu Ling, travelled by plane to New York and then to Los Angeles where in a manner befitting one of royal blood, he greeted his new owners, Mr. and Mrs. George Day. Wu Ling, a famous descendant of two of the most famous strains in England the Sealsleeve and Oriental lines comes from champion stock. His father was Sealsleeve petit Gilto and his mother, Oriental Jonta, is a stately feline of 5-and-a-half years. Jonta has not been shown because she grew up before the Siamese Club of London were able to rally their scattered members after the war. But Jonta will have her day when, with some of her latest litter, she will be shown at the club s show next month.

The Days are very happy with the latest acquisition to their Su Chi Siamese cattery. They have already written to Mrs. Gill, describing Wu Ling's amiable dusposition and enumerating his virtues. The cat was sold as a result of Inquiries which Mr. Day made to the Siamese Cat Club in London. He specified certain essential such as good colouring, a light coat and bright blue eyes. After a search among their members, officials the club decided that Wu Ling met all the requirements. From then things moved very quickly. Wu Ling's pedigree, which was cabled to California, was approved, and preparations were made for his journey. A week s supply of food was put in his box, and he received a special vaccine from America to guard him against enteritis. Siamese cats are friendly creatures Mrs Gill s cats follow her around the farm - and when looked after property they make fine pets. Wu Ling, besides being a stud, is destined be a show cat, and if he is successful no doubt some of his relatives will be making the Atlantic crossing.

A PERSIAN WITHOUT ANY TROUBLES Staffordshire Newsletter, 27th October 1951
Mrs D. H. Harrington-Harvard., of Bracondale, Chase-road, Brocton, well-known breeder of pedigree Blue Persian cats, scored a notable success at the recent Crystal Cat Show at Olympia, when her three-month-old kitten, Trenton Sugar Plum, won her open-class and was nominated as the best longhaired kitten in the show. A two-day affair, the show at Olympia is the biggest, held in the country and was attended by. about 40,000 people. It was not the first success for Trenton Sugar Plum. A few weeks earlier she began her show career by taking nine prizes at the Herts and Middlesex championship. She will next appear before the judges at Croydon Cat Club s show in London on November 14th.

Requests for cats bred by Mrs. Harrington-Harvard have come from many parts of the world. They have been flown to France and Switzerland and there are some in New Zealand. She has had a number of inquiries from America and hopes that next year her Blue Persians will be helping to bridge the dollar gap. She is the owner of the famous stud champion, Oxleys Peter John, winner of four championships and over 100 other prizes. Cats from all over England come to Brocton to be mated and his progeny have secured many, awards at championship shows.

There are an increasing number of pedigree cat fanciers. About a dozen championship shows are held in this country annually, the nearest to Stafford being the Midland Counties Show, which was held at Birmingham on Wednesday, and the Notts and Derby show, which Is to be held this year at Derby. Blue Persian pedigree cats sent to America have realised as much as 100 guineas and a good show kitten is worth anything from 10 to 25 guineas.

[SCOTTISH CAT CLUB] DEATH OF WOMAN PRISON GOVERNOR Edinburgh Evening News, 26th November 1951
The Hon. Victoria Bruce, Governor of Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, died suddenly yesterday morning. She was 53. A sister of Lord Balfour of Burleigh. Miss Bruce was deputy governor of the Borstal institution at Aylesbury for three years to 1940, when she was appointed deputy governor of H.M. Prison, Manchester. Three years later she became governor of the Borstal institution for girls at Aylesbury. In 1946 she became the first governor of Duke Street Prison, the only women's prison in Scotland. Miss Bruce was president of the Scottish Cat Club, and was a leading member of the Soroptimist Club of Glasgow.

[FELIXSTOWE SHOW] A DAY AT THE SEA by LELGARDE FRASER Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, February 14, 1952.
It was a bitterly cold fair afternoon when I started my rather long trek to the Suffolk coast last Friday. I arrived at Liverpool Street Station to board the 3.30 train to Felixstowe. I and my two exhibits were glad for the warmth of the friendly express, but all was well for we were met by Miss German, complete with car, at the end of the journey, and then driven to Bath Road, where I was staying the night at a guest house next door to Miss German s lovely home. After a cosy dinner at Miss German s and the meeting of her delightful family, four-footed and otherwise, I felt on top of the world.

On Saturday. Jan. 19th, show day dawned fine. The slight snow of the night before had made Felixstowe's already bracy air like champagne. We soon made the acquaintance of the spacious Pier Pavilion. The sea was as calm as a mill pond, for the fierce wind had completely dropped and the sun shone brilliantly. As it was nearly two years since I had felt sea breezes, they put fresh vigour into a rather tired body.

Marjorie German is an able show manager. Felixstowe's Mayoress gave the rosettes in a most inspiring manner, and made a charming speech, and the Pavilion was crowded in the afternoon. The judges will be sending their reports to Fur and Feather, so I will only speak of the won derful classes of household pets, including two special contests (judged by the Rev Ross Sage) for the heaviest cat and the short-haired cat with the longest tail.

A member of the committee drove us to Ipswich in the evening, so we were able to catch the Norfolkman" to London, and I and the pets were home by 10 o'clock after a very happy day by the sea.

SIAMESE CAT SOCIETY OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, February 14, 1952.
The annual general meeting of the A Siamese Cat Society of the British Empire will be held on Friday, March 21st at the Kenilworth Hotel, Great Russell Street, W.1. Nominations for the committee and delegate to the Governing Council, if any, also items for the agenda, must reach me not later than Monday, Feb. 18th. The fol lowing members retire and stand for re-election: Mrs. Towe, Mrs. Trefor Williams, Mrs. Paish, Mrs. Price, Miss Beckett. Miss V. Prentis is the delegate to the Governing Council. D. M. Beckett, Hon. Sec., Esher, Uffington Road, Willesden, N.W.10.

NOTTS. AND DERBYS. CAT CLUB Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, February 14, 1952.
The annual general meeting of the Notts. and Derbys. Cat Club will be held on Saturday. March 29th, at the Y.W.C.A., 42, Shakespeare St., Nottingham, commencing 3 p.m. M. E. Bastow, Hon. Sec., 114, Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham.

[NOTTS. AND DERBYS. CAT CLUB] THANKS Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, February 14, 1952.
May I as an exhibitor at the Notts, and Derby show, thank the Notts. and Derby Club members for their kindly thought in providing hot tea and cakes for the late arrivals at the hall on the night before the show, especially as they did it under such difficulty. Cold and wet, it was very cheering to be met in this manner, and to be waited on by a charming mem ber. It was also very nice to be met at the station by Mr. Tomlinson. We all appre ciated it very much. Elsie Chappell.

CROYDON CAT CLUB Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, February 14, 1952.
Mrs. Axon has resigned the treasurer-ship of the Croydon Cat Club for health reasons. Will members please note that the new treasurer is Mrs. J. P. Hughes, 23, Beresford Road, Cheam, Surrey, to whom all subscriptions and accounts should be sent? T. Towe, hon. secretary.

CHAMPION MORRIS TUDOR Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, February 14, 1952.
Mr. and Mrs. W. Lamb wish to thank their many friends in the cat Fancy for inquiries and sympathy shown to them during the severe illness of their beloved Morris Tudor, and to let them know that he is now safely on the way to recovery, for which they are very thankful. The illness was not infectious.

[SIAMESE CAT BREEDER] ARISTO-CATS Leicester Evening Mail, 14th June 1952
Siamese cats, holding high favour at cat shows all over the world, are a Cropston woman s hobby. Read below how she was able to save the life of one of Mr. Winston Churchill s favourite cats.

They say that no home is complete without a cat on the hearth. The home of Mrs Linda Parker, of Station-road, Cropston, is complete with a score of more cats not strays which have found a sanctuary, but prize winning Siamese. Their loud cries echo across the lawn, where many sun themselves in airy, comfortable cages or baskets; along the high fence, on which others perch. Into the greeny depths of the tree-shaded garden, where a neighbour s mongrel cat answers back.

Cats they have been worshipped as sacred idols, inspired weird, uncanny tales, given rise to superstitions and been fussed to a far greater degree than any dog. As kittens they are mischievously playful; as cats they are generally aloof and mysterious, often slinking away when a stranger approaches. Dogs attach themselves to their owners, but cats tend to adopt the house or area in chich they have grown up. That is why a cat will usually try to return to its old home after its owner has parted with it. The Siamese is an exception. This lynx-like creature from Siam it first appeared in this country in 1884 which adores" dogs and demands human companionship now that it has been bred from a delicate strain to a hardy, sporting one.

To illustrate this characteristic, one of Mrs Parker s beauty-cats loves lying on its side and being pulled over the lawn by a body-leash. The cat will walk with its mistress down the footpath to the edge of the lawn and there turn over on its side, refusing to stand until it has been dragged backwards ad forwards across the grass two or three times.

The Siamese is a friendly cat and the most popular of the feline pedigree breeds, despite the fact that it is also an arrant thief and likes to claw crazy designs on furniture. Mrs Parker entered the show ring with them only two seasons ago, yet already she has won 500 prizes (perhaps she once saw a black cat!). She is held in high esteem by Siamese cat fanciers throughout te world. From far and near come orders for one of the next Cropston litter. The cats that go abroad do not forget home. They keep in regular touch with their family, and send cards like this:

To my dear Father, Simon Pie, from his loving daughter Sabukia Stardust. I would love to have a snap of your Dad. If it is possible please send it to me, c/o A. Moran, Ellice-avenue, Wellington, New Zealand, who translated the message from the cattish."

As a young girl, Mrs Parker was passionately fond of cats and sometimes when she tawt she taw a puddy cat," she would play truant from school to make sure, and make friends with any cats that came along. She picked her first Siamese kitten from a litter of nine an entered it in a national show among 1,000 entries. Was it Walter Mitty-like imagination when over the loudspeaker, it was announced that her entry had been judged the best exhibit in the show? Any doubts were dispelled as she accepted the prize a Michael Joseph statuette from the smiling judges.

Mrs Parker has not had to learn from experience. She knows instinctively, as she looks at the long, svelte body of a Siamese with its tapering tail and Oriental eyes, if it is in a champion class. If a Siamese has been bred by Mrs Parker, it usually follows that it is a potential prizewinner. Her Maurice Lindex, having won the prize as best kitten in a show at Olympia, was flown to the States, where within 24 hours t had been judged the best cat in the New York Cat Show.

Some time ago one of Mr Winston Churchill s cats was taken seriously ill with feline enteritis a disease which nearly always proves fatal unless treated with a serum manufactured only in America. At the time Mrs Parker had one ampoule of the serum. Veterinary surgeons attending the Prime Minister s cat approached her ad the serum as delivered. The cat recovered and is alive today.

It costs Mrs Parker about 3 a week to look after all her Siamese. It is a very expensive hobby," she said, as six white kittens toppled over the side of their cradle in her living-room, but a fascinating one." Her 13-year-old son, Roger, thinks so too. He has won 52 prize tickets, specialising in Blue Persians.

[BURMESE CATS] SIX KITTENS START U.K. HISTORY" Portsmouth Evening News, 23rd October 1952
Six kittens with silky brown fur, pointed ears and tawny gold eyes have been born at Bognor Regis, and their birth marks a new era for British cat lovers, For these kittens, which drink water and do not touch milk are the first of their kind in England to be registered by the Cat Council as Burmese cats. Although the Burmese cat is a breed which has won popularity in America, only a few of the species have entered this country, and the breed could not be registered in Britain until a third generation had been born here. The Bognor litter is the first of that third generation. Except for their colour, they are very similar to the Siamese variety, but they are the only truly brown cat in the world. The kittens mother, Chinki Yong Mlnkalay (which is Burmese for little girl") is owned by Miss Elfreda King, of Spindle, South Bersted. Miss King, a retired nurse, told the Evening News that she understands that now the new breed has been established in this country, a Burmese Cat Club will be formed. She says that the kittens are worth between 20 and 25 guineas each, the females being the more expensive as they are always in the minority. In this litter of six only two were females. Miss King has been breeding cats since 1947, being interested mainly the Siamese variety. She has, however, a British Blue named Hazel, whose litters kittens have produced over 24 in aid of charities.

[BURMESE CATS] LITTER OF BURMESE KITTENS BORN AT SOUTH BERSTED Bognor Regis Observer, 25th October 1952
A litter of kittens born recently at South Bersted marks a new era in the cat world, for these six silky brown little fellows with their pointed ears and tawny gold eyes, are the first of their kind in England to first of their kind in England to be registered as Burmese cats. [. . . ]The litter produced at South Bersted is the first of the third generation. The kittens mother is Chinki Yong Minkalay (Burmese for!A Little Girl"), which was registered with the Governing Cat Council under the heading Any Other Variety." Chinki, who was born in 1951, is owned by Miss Elfreda King, of Spindle, South Bersted, who says she is one of the most affectionate cats she has known [. . .] All of them have been registered with names prefixed by Bluehayes," and their owner [. . .] Miss King, a retired nurse and a resident of Bognor since 1916, has been breeding cats since 1947, most of them being of the Siamese variety, but she has a British Blue named Hazel whose litters have produced 16 10s in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund and 8 in aid of the BEP Benevolent Fund.

[NATIONAL MANX CAT SOCIETY] BUT THERE'LL BE CAT TALES AT A MEETING Belfast Telegraph, 23rd January 1953
Manx cats are to have a society to protect their interests - a preliminary meeting is to be held next week to consider the formation of a National Manx Cat Society of the Isle of Man. No one knows exactly how the tailless breed originated. though there are several theories, most amusing being that when Noah was calling the animals into the ark the cats from the Isle of Man were the last to enter, and the doors slamming on them separated them from their tails.

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] OBITUARY Portsmouth Evening News, 24th January 1953
Couper John Morris. Deepest sympathy. One of our oldest members. From Chairman Mrs A.R. Cook-Radmore and fancier friends. Southsea Cat Club.

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] OBITUARY Portsmouth Evening News, 27th January 1953
Beddow Dr Frederick. A tribute to the memory of our respected patron. Mrs Cook-Radmore and members of the Southsea Cat Club.

[ABYSSINIAN BREEDER] POSTMISTRESS TAKES OVER VICARAGE West Sussex County Times, 20th February 1953
Tradition has it that when a village postmistress retires she goes to spend her days in a tiny cottage with roses round the door and a cat upon the hearthrug to keep her company. Not so Mrs. Edith Menezes, subpostmistress of Colgate, who has just given up the post office there after 13 years. Instead of retiring to a tiny cottage Mrs. Menezes has bought the huge rambling vicarage at Colgate, which has for many years been without a vicar. And instead of one cat she has four which are worth between them something like 70. Mrs. Menezes breeds Abyssinian cats, which are very rare, very valuable and of which there are very few breeders in this country. Mrs. Menezes has won many show prizes with her cats; two years ago one of her Abyssinians was adjudged the best short-haired cat at the Festival of Britain cat show at Westminster, in which there were between 500 and 600 entries. She recently sent four of her cats to America, where they obtained a very high price (and incidentally earned a few more dollars for Britain). Abyssinian kittens now fetch from 15 guineas upwards and adult cats 25 and more. Having moved to the former vicarage, which she has renamed Colgate House, Mrs. Menezes intends to go in for breeding on strictly business lines. There is plenty of room in the house and grounds for the cats to exercise. Mrs. Menezes is also a breeder of Great Danes.

HEAVEN HELP THE NYLONS! SKEGNESS LADY BREEDS SIAMESE KITTENS Skegness Standard, 15th April 1953
It s heaven help the nylons when they are about," said Mrs. Elsie Theaker, of the Belle Vue Hotel, South Parade, Skegness, when she introduced a Standard" reporter to her pure-bred Siamese kittens. The animals are beautiful little creatures, only a few weeks old and perfectly marked but full of mischief! There were originally five of them, but one has been dispatched to a cat-lover in Wiltshire. Mother of this impressive litter is a lively cat bearing the formidable name of Maymyo Kamadodo" we call her Beauty," quickly added Mrs. Theaker. This is her first litter of thoroughbreds. Father is a Ching, owned by Mrs. C.E. Fry, of Seacroft.

Each of the litter of five is a male animal it is most unusual, it appears, for all the animals to be of one sex. At birth, early in February, they were white white as snowdrift" was their owner s description and only now is their traditional colouring coming. On their face is a black mask; their yes are of the darkest blue, their chest light fawn and their dainty paws and tail dark brown. They have indeed a reputation to live up to, for their mother s brother was champion of the entire American Cat Club Show in 1951.

They are all show cats," said Mrs. Theaker, and I am going to call them Skeg Seal. I have had Persian and mongrels before, but I find Siamese to be the most fascinating."
Taking only a passive interest in the unbounded energy of the little kittens was Zala, Mrs. Theaker s eight-year-old Cairn dog. He does not appear to be at all jealous of his mistress s new family.

Siamese cats, said Mrs. Theaker, are very greedy she feeds them on broth, meat, fish, bread and milk and like Oliver Twist, they are always ready for more. Very little cat-breeding is carried out in this district, and Mrs. Theaker is wondering if there are any local people interested in the formation of a cat club. If there are, they should contact her at Belle Vue" ( I feel we are appropriately named, she commented, referring to Manchester s Zoo.)

Nearest shows are held at Nottingham and Derby, while further afield, Surrey is a recognised specialists spot. I feel in Skegness we have he nucleus of a really lively cat club. People appear to be interested enough, but they are not interested enough to do the work," said Mrs Theaker.

She and her husband came to Skegness some five years ago from Nottingham and they still have many contacts in that city who come to visit them in the summer months.

HOPING TO BREED A KITTEN-SIZE CAT `PETER PAN' OF FELINE WORLD Coventry Evening Telegraph, 6th August 1953
Two Coventry women, whose hobby is exhibiting cats at shows throughout the country, are also endeavouring to breed cats with a difference. These two cat fanciers, who live only a short distance from one another, are Mrs. M. Thake, of 53, Greendale Road, Whoberley, and Mrs. B. Farquhar, of 74, Brookside Avenue. Both were successful with their entries at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Club Show last week. Mrs. Thake's chief interest is in silver tabbies," which are very rare, while Mrs. Farquhar hopes to breed a miniature animal no bigger than a six months old kitten.

Mrs. Farquhar has been breeding cats for six years. At present she has a number of adults and kittens, three of which two brood queens and a black kitten called Peter Pan Mee took prizes at Kensington. The prefix Peter Pan" explain her aim to produce, by selective breeding, a miniature cat in the same way as there are several small varieties of dogs. Everyone loves a kitten and wishes it would not grow up, she says, so why not try to breed a perfectly-formed cat that will be o bigger than a six months old kitten? Such a breed, she is confident, would prove a firm favourite as a domestic pet. The mainstay of her collection is two common" tabby cats who act as foster mothers to the kittens. She has Siamese, red tabby, and black.

Mrs Thake s prize kitten is a five months old silver tabby called Culverden Cienwen, with which she eventually intends to breed. So far there are only four breeders of this type of cat in the country. Mrs Thake s silver tabby kitten is the only one of its breed in this area. With beautiful silver and black markings, the kitten looks like following in the steps of its father and both its grandmothers, all of which were champions. Mrs. Thake began four years ago by keeping Siamese cats - a most companionable and intelligent breed - but as shows for this breed have become overcrowded, she has decided to try her luck with silver tabbies. Her first effort was rewarding, for at Kensington her kitten was awarded six first, three second, and various special prizes. Mrs. Thake, who has always been interested in cats, is of the opinion that pedigree animals, which require no more care and attention than ordinary crossbred types, are far more decorative k about the house.

While there are numerous national cat clubs of which both Mrs. Thake and Mrs. Farquhar are members, there' is 'nothing in Coventry which caters for the large number of breeders and fanciers throughout the district. The nearest is the Midland Counties Club in Birmingham. Mrs. Farquhar intends, therefore, to try to establish such a club locally in order to promote a show in the city. She feels certain that it would receive adequate support to ensure its success. The show season starts in October and ends in February. It would not be possible to get a club formed in time to arrange a show before Christmas, but a local show could be contemplated early in 1954.

PEDIGREE CATS AND THE SHOW BUSINESS Nottingham Journal, 17th August 1953
Pedigree cats are coming into their own and there is greatly increased interest in showing them," says Mrs Margaret Bastow, hon. secretary of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Cat Club, who is the owner of seven pedigree cats six Blue Persians and a Chinchilla. There is an eighth cat attached to the Bastow household a tabby who has an equal place in their affections although he doesn t take any interest in the show business.

Mrs Bastow has been showing her cats since 1945 when the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire club was formed after the war and two years ago she took on the office of hon. secretary and became responsible for organising the annual championship show. Before the war the club was a section of the local Fur Fanciers Club but in 1945 the cat owners decided to have their own club which is now affiliated to the governing council of the Cat Fancy, under whose rules the championship shows are held.

The cat showing season is just getting under way after the breeding season and from now until February Mrs Bastow expects to be busy arranging classes which the club offers in shows in all parts of the country, showing her own cats and organising the ninth championship show of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Cat Club which is being held in Nottingham on Saturday, January 9, 1954. This is the first time the club has had a Saturday show in Nottingham and many spectators are expected. Dates of shows are allocated by the governing council, which issues a special licence required for a championship show and all the big national cat associations will be offering classes.

Organising championship cat show is no small job and last year there were 723 entries for the 149 classes at the show in Derby, 158 cats coming from all parts of the country to compete. Mrs Bastow expects to start work on preliminary arrangements very soon now and will be writing to other clubs to see what classes they will contribute. Then the schedules have to go out and entries come in details have to be sent to headquarters to be checked to see that all cats entered in the pedigree sections are registered. For those whose favourite cat is just a well-loved pet whose ancestry is unknown there will be special classes. Mrs Bastow says they will welcome a good entry for this household cat section. The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Club now has just over 150 members, some of them living in distant parts of the country, and caters for all breeds.

One of the big events in the cat calendar is the Coronation show being held in the New Hall, Westminster, on October 9. The local club is offering six classes in this show and will give shields engraved with the cat s name to the winners. Mrs Bastow will be going up for this show and may enter Jasmine, a very attractive Blue Persian with the deep amber eyes for which her family are noted. Mrs Bastow s stud cat, Southway Echo, who lives in his own little home in her large garden but comes into the house to sleep, has these lovely amber eyes and has passed them on to all his progeny. One of Mrs Bastow s big successes was winning the Epworth Sweet Memory Cup for the deepest coloured eyes with her Westbridge Courtier.

Although she has not yet bred a champion cat Mrs Bastow says she is still hoping she will one day and the youngest member of her cat family, garth, a light grey male with those lovely tawny eyes was fourth in a recent London show. Echo has, however, sired a cat whose daughter went to Sweden and is now an international champion probably why he looked so proud when I went out to make his acquaintance. Incidentally, British cats are doing their share towards earning foreign currency and many are sold overseas.

When we got round to talking about how Mrs Bastow feeds her cats I got a surprise. You should not feed cat on a completely fish diet," she said firmly. It apparently just isn t good for them and hers only have fish once a week. Ideally they should have a mixed diet an the Bastow cats get horse meat and rabbit, cereal and a little milk. They have, of course, their favourite dish and are always to be found hanging round the kitchen on Tuesdays when rabbit is on the menu. They also have their regular dose of halibut oil, disguised in custard for most of them but taken neat Courtier, who likes the taste.

"EXPORT" CATS Manchester Evening News, 22nd January 1954
Although there are only three cats in her own household - all of them fine Persians -Mrs. Irene Brittlebank will be keeping an eye on 200 prize pussies this week-end. She is chairman of the Lancashire and North-Western Counties Cat Club and organiser of its show, which is being held at the Corn Exchange in Manchester to-morrow, with valuable cats brought from all over the country.

Although she has chosen Persians for her own pets Mrs. Brittlebank likes any type of cat, from the humblest tabby to the most arrogant Abyssinian. Most famous of her Persians is a "chinchilla" called "Emerald of Allington," or Emma for short. She has a pedigree as long as your arm, and her silvery white fur has to be washed, shampooed, and powdered regularly. "I have sold her kittens in Italy, Sweden, and America," Mrs, Brittlebank told me. "I usually send them by air, and the air hostesses tell me they are always sorry to part with them." She also has a blue Persian and a tortoiseshell Persian. "I usually make a friend wherever the kittens go. I have regular letters from overseas," she said.

KENTISH CAT SHOW REVIVED East Kent Gazette, 9th July 1954
The news that the Kentish Cat Society will again hold a show next year should please all Kentish cat lovers. This show was a popular feature before the war. It gives breeders and exhibitors the chance to compete for cups and money prizes, and the public is able to see some of the country s finest pedigree cats. A well-attended show was held in 1952, but there has been nothing since. Now Mr. Frank Williams, of Sutton, Surrey, who organised the outstandingly successful Festival Show at the New Horticultural Hall in London for Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club, will manage the society s show in August next year. It is hoped this will be the first of a series to be held annually. Tunbridge Wells will be the venue.

Every effort is being made to put new life into the Kentish Cat Society, which exists to further the welfare of domestic pets as well as to encourage the breeding an exhibition of pedigree stock. The president of the society is Sir H.G. Tyrwhitt-Drake, and the hon. Secretary Mr. Hugh Smith, of Spring Cottage, Ightham, near Sevenoaks.

[KENTISH CAT SOCIETY] Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser, 2nd July 1954
Latest revival of pre-war activities is that of the Kentish Cat Society, which is planning to resume shows in August of next year, probably at Tunbridge Wells. President of the society is Sir H.G. Tyrwhitt-Drake, and the secretary Mr. Hugh Smith, of Spring Cottage, Ignatham. The show will give the public the opportunity of seeing some of the finest pedigree cats in the country and owners the chance of winning valuable cups. Showing, however, is not the only reason for the society s existence. Another is to further the welfare of domestic pets. Membership is not confined to Kent.

[KENTISH CAT SOCIETY] CUPS FOR CATS Kentish Express, 2nd July 1954
Welcome news for cat lovers is that the Kentish Cat Society has been re-formed and will hold a show at Tunbridge Wells next year. Mr. High Smith, of Borough Green, the new secretary, tells me that Mr. Frank Williams, of Sutton, will manage the show. The Society hopes this will be the first of a new series of yearly shows. The last was held in 1952. As the Society has valuable trophies, breeders from all over the country are likely to enter. One of the Society s objects is the furthering of the welfare of domestic pets." Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt Drake, owner of he country s largest private zoo, is president.

CLUBS FOR CATS Coventry Evening Telegraph, 4th February 1954
Though plenty of people in Coventry and district are interested in cats, there is no club to cater for them. Two local cat breeders, Mrs. B. Farquhar of 74, Brookside Avenue, and Mrs. M. Thake, of 53, Greendale Road, are hoping to start one. Both won prizes this week in the Southern Counties Cat Club show in London. Now that the exhibition season is ending, they are preparing to send out circulars to find the potential membership of such a club. They hope to form the club in time to hold an open show next winter. "It should improve the status of pedigree cats," Mrs. Thake commented.

FOR CAT LOVERS Coventry Evening Telegraph, 20th July 1954
Hundreds of cat lovers in Coventry will welcome the news that a special club is to be formed for them. The cat club, believed to be the first of its kind in the city, will hold meetings at which the problems of the care and breeding of cats will be discussed. Mrs. B. Farquhar, of 74, Brookside Avenue, who is organising the club, told me: "We are in the process of formation and would welcome any cat lovers to our ranks." The cat lovers will provide a novel feature at the Lord Mayor's garden party at the War Memorial Park in September by staging an exhibition of various feline breeds.

CAT AND KITTEN CLUB FORMED IN COVENTRY Coventry Evening Telegraph, 6th September 1954
A Coventry Cat and Kitten Club was formed in the city on Saturday under the secretaryship of a local breeder, Mrs. B. Farquhar, of 14, Brookside Avenue. At the Lord Mayor's garden party next Saturday members of the club will stage an exhibition of cats. and cat owners will be invited to enrol as members. Miss Kathleen Yorke, chairman of the governing council of the Cat Fancy, will be present. The aims of the club will be to foster welfare and well-being of cats in general, especially in Coventry, and to form a scheme whereby lost cats will be taken by club members and looked after for a time in order to give their owners a chance of recovering them. No scheme such as this is in operation in the country and the Coventry Cat Club hope that the idea will spread. The club also has its junior section to encourage interest in these animals by young people. At exhibitions to be staged by the Club it is hoped to have a special section for works' cats.

DAY AT LONDON ZOO WITH BURMESE CAT CLUB Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, September 17, 1970
The Burmese Cat Club will hold a one-day meeting and exhibition of Burmese cats in the attractive meeting rooms of the London Zoo from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, October 17.
Programme: The colour and Type of Brown and Blue Burmese, Mr V Watson; Possible Future Colours in Burmese, Mr C E Dyte.
Cost: Admission, morning coffee and tea, 25s. Lunch, at a cost of 21s, must be booked in advance. The meeting room will be available for those who wish to bring their own lunches, and there will be a licensed bar. Application forms from Mrs R Pocock. 20 The Landway, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent. Tel: Sevenoaks 61032 by October 2. Members of the cat Fancy and their friends will be welcome.

EDINBURGH AND EAST OF SCOTLAND CAT CLUB Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, September 17, 1970
Correction to rule 5 in schedule A few double pens will be available at a charge of 8s. LH Neuters and studs given priority. Classes 182, 183, 184 and 185 will be judged by Mrs Newton. Mrs S Bowen joint show manager.

CORNISH CAT ASSOCIATION Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, September 17, 1970
Will members and friends kindly note that we are now accepting all offers of assistance, gifts, specials, rosettes, cups and cash dona tions for the founder members cup. We are hoping for permission soon from the GCCF to hold the first ever cat show in Cornwall. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thanks all those many supporters and friends.

CAT CLUB NEWS - FUR AND FEATHER, DECEMBER 31, 1979
MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW
Mrs M J Groom, show manager of the Midland Counties Cat Club championship show held on October 24, writes that she regrets that the payment of prize money for the show will be delayed until early in the New Year. The many entry forms which the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy needed for checking have not yet been returned to her and she will be away on holiday for two weeks. She offers her apologies and regrets for the delay.

SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB
Nominations for Southern Counties Cat Club delegates to the Governing Council should be sent, in writing, to the hon secretary, Mrs B Barron, 54 Sweetcroft Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex, by January 31, 1971 (postmark). Such nominations must be proposed and seconded, and the nominees must express their willingness to stand. The two retiring delegates are Mrs Blanche Barron and Mrs Mildred Johnson, both of whom are eligible and willing to stand.

SUFFOLK AND NORFOLK CAT CLUB
Show managers for the Suffolk and Norfolk 1971 show will be Mrs H Philpot and Mrs J Dodd; cup secretary, Mrs Hardcastle.

ESSEX CAT CLUB
The third annual general meeting of the Essex Cat Club will be held on Saturday, March 13, 1971 in the Recreation Rooms, Billericay, at 3 pm. In accordance with the rules, all officers and three committee members - Mrs Brooks, Mr DeFerry and Mr Cordell (co-opted member) stand down, and all are eligible for re-election. Nominations for president, vice-president, chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, asst secretary, treasurer and asst treasurer and for three committee members, which must be seconded and signed by the nominee as willing to stand, to reach me by January 31 please. Items for the agenda, also by January 31 please. Members are reminded that subscriptions are due on January 1, 1971. The officers and committee wish a happy and successful new year to all members, clubs and fanciers. F E MARSHALL, hon secretary, 35 Barrington Road, Loughton, Essex.

SCOTTISH CAT CLUB
The following are amendments to the schedule of the Scottish Cat Club show to be held on February 6. Club classes 183, 184 and 185 will be judged by Mr Tomlinson. A printer's error placed the title Edinburgh & East of Scotland Cat Club' at the top of page 7. This should have been printed at the top of page 10, above the E & ESCC Classes 201-209.

SIAMESE CAT ASSOCIATION
Will all members of the Siamese Cat Association please note that our next issue of the News Journal is now in preparation. All articles, advertisements and notices should be sent as quickly as possible to the Editor, Mrs Jess Wilson-Taylor, Breck House, Whittington, King 's Lynn, Norfolk. The annual autumn party was held on November 21 at the Great Western Royal Hotel, London W2, when the committee were very pleased to welcome over sixty members. A most enjoyable afternoon was spent in comfortable surroundings enjoying an excellent tea served by very efficient hotel staff. As in the past, advantage was taken to distribute the Association's cups and trophies, won during the year by members. Our president, Mrs Phillis Lauder, graciously presented the prizes, ably assisted by our cups secretary, Mrs Jean Burton, and other members of the committee. A raffle was held and a collection was made in aid of the distressed cats fund. Master Garrat Smyth very ably assisted in drawing the winning numbers, and a good time was had by all. LEONARD CARTER (hon secretary) . Newholme, Cedars Avenue, Mitcham, Surrey.