REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1901
1901 BATH CAT SHOW
POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW IN BATH [AND CATS]. Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 10 January 1901
Under the auspices the Bath Western Counties Fanciers' Association, exhibition poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cats, cavies, mice, and cage birds was opened yesterday in the Riding School, .Julian-road, and will be continued to-day (Thursday). It is the biggest show held in the city for seven years—since, fact, the famous displays of fur and feather at the Drill Hall. . . .There is also a capital collection of cats, though the feline specimens would evidently prefer to be exposed to the public gaze n more congenial weather.
CATS. Long Hair.—1, Mrs. C. Howard. Exmouth; 2, Miss Axford, Bath ; 3, Miss E. Phayre. Bath.
Short hair.—1, L. P. C. Astley, Liverpool; 2, Mrs. Gilson, Bath; 3, E. Harvey, Penarth; 4, J. Coggins, St. George's.
Kittens (under 6 months). – 1 and 2, Miss Axford; 3, Mrs. Clark, Bath; 4, A. Wyatt.
MEMBERS' CLASSES. Long hair.— 1, Miss Axford; 2, F. Davis.
Short hair—1, W. Sants; 2 and 3, G. W. Worrall; 4, W. Gait.
Kittens—1 and 2, Miss Axford; 3, H. Mortimer; 4 W. Wyatt.
SPECIALS. Best cat in show (given Mr. Crook). —Mrs. Howard.
Second best ditto (given Mr. Brackstone). L. Astley.
1901 WESTMINSTER SHOW
[1901] WESTMINSTER AQUARIUM CAT SHOW Sporting Times, 22nd December 1900
Once more the Cat Show will be with us. The Cat Club, of which Lady Marcus Beresford is one of the leading spirits, will hold its third championship exhibition at the St. Stephen's Hall of the Westminster Aquarium on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 15 and 16. It is gratifying to note that the entire receipts of this Cat Show will be devoted to the aid of the Children's Hospital in Great Ormond Street.
THE CAT CLUB (WESTMINSTER SHOW).– The Times, January 16, 1901
This club opened its third annual show of British and foreign cats at St. Stephen’s hall, adjoining the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, yesterday afternoon. As the result of last year’s show the committee were enabled to hand over about £150 to the war funds. The proceeds of the present show, which it is hoped will be quite as large, are to be given to the Children's Hospital, Great Ormond street. The total number of cats exhibited is 495 — an increase of 40 over the number shown last year — and they come from all parts of the kingdom. Among the exhibitors are the Hon. Mrs. Green-Wilkinson, Sir Henry Hoare, Viscountess Maitland, Lady Pink, and the Hon. Philip Wodehouse. Lady Marcus Beresford, the donor of a large number of special prizes, is not exhibiting this year, in consequence of the death of Lord William Beresford. Nearly every variety of British and foreign cats is represented, and only four out of the total number shown were certified by Mr. Sewell, the hon. veterinary inspector, to be ailing, all the rest being healthy and in remarkably good condition. In addition to cash prizes in each of the 62 classes, into which the show is divided, four gold medals and upwards of 200 special prizes were awarded. The medals - two of which were presented by the club and two by Lady Marcus Beresford - were awarded for the best long haired and best short-haired cats of opposite sexes in the show. The winners of the club medals were Dr. E. W. Roper, of Beckenham, and Mrs. Vyvyan, of London; and of Lady Marcus Beresford’s medals, Miss Bennett, of St. Leonards-on-Sea, and Miss Derby-Hyde, of Wallinogford. Challenge cups were won by the following among others Mr. Gambier Bolton,(London), Miss Frances Simpson (St. Margaret's-on- Thames), Mr. Harold Blackett (Ascot), Miss Snell (Wimbledon), Mr, F. J. Cole (Emsworth), Mrs. G. Boutcher (Hounslow), Miss Harper (Hayward’s Heath), Mrs. H. V. James (Backwell), Mrs. F. Neate (Marlborough), Lady Pink (Cosham), Mrs. A. E. Driver (Leicester), and Mr. R. Kuhnel (Bradford), The show remains open until this evening.
CAT SHOW AT WESTMINSTER Morning Post, 16th January 1901
The past year, it is stated, has been a trying one to members of the cat tribe, and the mortality, particularly among the choicer varieties, has been considerably above the average. Despite this fact, however, the Cat Club’s third annual championship show, which was opened at St. Stephen’s Hall, adjoining the Royal Aquarium, yesterday afternoon, marks a distinct advance on last year’s exhibition in point of numbers, and is certainly well up to it as regards quality. Some four hundred and ninety-five cats are view, and the entries amount to five hundred and forty-five. The cat lover who visits the hall will not only find many splendid animals to interest him, but will have the gratification of knowing that is assisting a very deserving charity. Last year the profits of the exhibition were devoted to the War Fund; this year it is the turn of the children, and it is hoped that the attendance will result in the funds of the Children’s Hospital in Great Ormond-street benefiting by a substantial amount. The collection of cats that has been brought together certainly well repays a visit. It includes, if one may alter Browning’s lines “great cats, small cats, lean cats, brawny cats, brown cats, black cats, grey cats, tawny cats, grave old plodders, gay young friskers.” In the long-haired cats, the blue, silver, and smoke coloured classes are, perhaps, the best, while among the short-haired animals there is a very good display of tabbies, Manx cats, and the quaint-looking Siamese variety. Lady Marcus Beresford’s gold medal for the best long-haired cat was won by Miss Bennets Blue Pads, while that for the best short haired animal was awarded to Miss Derby-Hyde's Thames Valley Blue-eyed Daddy. Lord Marcus Beresford’s challenge cup for the best long-haired blue male went to Mrs Mackenzie Stewart’s Ayrshire Ronald, while his challenge cup for the best royal Siamese male was carried off by Mrs. Vyvyan ‘s Tiam-o-Shian IV. The challenge cup presented by Lily Duchess of Marlborough was adjudged to Mrs. G. Boutcher’s Lord Sylvester, and the Countess of Aberdeen’s challenge trophy for the best silver tabby to Lady Pink’s Shrover II. Among the many other successful prize-winners were Miss Harpers Blue-eyed Wanderer, Mr. Gambier- Bolton’s D-tail, Mrs. Vyvyan’s Suzanne, Mr. R. Kuhnel’s Woodkirk Surprise, Miss Winifred Beal’s Romaldkirk Admiral, Mrs. F. Neate’a King’s Own, Mrs F. Champion’s Argent Puffy, the Hon. P. Wodehouse’s Silver Tom, Miss G. Willoughby’s Fulmer Zaida, and Mrs. H. A. Cartwright’s Upwood Minouche. The show, which is under the management of Mr. Arthur Sparrow, will close this evening.
A CHARITY CAT SHOW London Daily News, 16th January 1901
Cats and philanthropy would difficult to harmonise, but this seems to be done with the utmost success by the Executive of the Cat Club, which started its third annual show yesterday at the St. Stephen’s Hall of the Royal Aquarium. Last year the financial results of the exhibition amounting to £150, or thereabouts, was handed over to the War Fund; while those of the present one will go to benefit the resources of the Children’s Hospital, Great Ormond-street, so that it is to be hoped that the liberal support received by the enterprise yesterday will be continued to-day. The catalogue gives an increase of exhibits over last year, the total number of cats now shown being 495, and the total number of entries 545, a fact upon which the secretary and Manager, Mr Arthur E. Sparrow, is to be congratulated. Prizes special and otherwise are numerous, and the animals benched elicited the fervent admiration of the numerous lovers of the domestic feline species, who crowded into the hall. Some the most important award are presented by Lord and Lady Marcus Beresford, and Lily, Duchess of Marlborough; while the competing animals include probably every variety known to the cat fancying world; a community which, it may safely be said, is increasing in numbers and prosperity every year.
ANNUAL SHOW OF CATS . Bournemouth Daily Echo, 16th January 1901
The third annual cat show, which is held at St. Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, is thoroughly representative, and yesterday afternoon the building was thronged. There are some splendid types of the tabby, tortoiseshell, white and black classes. Two magnificent specimens of the tortoiseshell and white compel a marked respect. They bear, in addition to their other qualifications, a label marked “dangerous," and woe betide the unfortunate spectator that comes within reach their wicked-looking daws. Mr. Gambier Bolton, it seems, has eyes for small fry well as for large game, for yesterday he had quite a number of successes. The two best animals the show are Dr. Roper’s black long-haired tom, and Mrs. Vyvyan Siamese Royal.
LONDON CAT SHOW Dundee Evening Post, 18th January 1901
Lady Marcus Beresford's gold medal at the Cat Show in London the other day for the best shorthaired cat, was won by a cat rejoicing in the name "Thames Valley Blue- Eyed Daddy." All the cats at the show were delighted to see a sparrow in the hail. The sight of the sparrow cheered them up.
[LOCAL WINNER] Staffordshire Advertiser, 19th January 1901
Mr A.S. Hodgkins, York-street, Hanley, with his Manx cat “York Major,” won the first prize an silver medal at the Cat Club Show at the Royal Aquarium, London, on Tuesday.
[WESTMINSTER SHOW] Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, 19th January 1901
With the praiseworthy object of assisting the Hospital for Sick Children in Great Ormond-street, the Cat Club has organised an extremely attractive display of feline beauties at St. Stephen's Hall, Royal Aquarium, Westminster. The show is a larger one than that of last year, and no fewer than 495 handsome cats are on view, including some of the most celebrated of their race. Thanks to the generosity of Lady Marcus Beresford, president of the committee, Lord Marcus Beresford, its treasurer, Lily Duchess of Marlborough, the Beresford Cat Cub of Chicago, and many other supporters, the prize list is an inviting one, and competition was keen in almost every class. The gold medals for the best long-haired cats respectively were taken by Miss Bennet and Miss Derby Hyde, the challenge cup for the best long-haired blue tom was won by Mrs. Mackenzie Stuart, and a like distinction for Siamese fell to Mrs. Vyvyan, all these securing numerous special and class awards. Among other successful exhibitors were Viscountess Maitland, Mrs. D’Arcy Hildyard, the Hon. Mrs. George Wilkinson, Lady Pink, Miss Gertrude Willoughby, the Hon. Philip Wodehouse, and Sir Henry Hoare.
CAT SHOW AT WESTMINSTER. Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper, 20th January 1901
Nearly 500 cats were on view when the Cat club's third annual championship show was opened at St. Stephen's hall, adjoining the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on Tuesday. Last year the profits of the exhibition were devoted to the war fund; this year they go to the Children's hospital in Great Ormond-street. Lady Marcus Beresford's gold medal for the best long-haired cat was won by Miss Bennet's Blue Pads, while that for the best short-haired animal was awarded to Miss Derby-Hyde's Thames Valley Blue-eyed Daddy. Lord Marcus Beresford's challenge cup for the best long-haired blue male went to Mrs. Mackenzie Stewart's Ayrshire Ronald, while his challenge cup for the Royal Siamese male carried off by Mrs. Vyvyan's Tiam-o-Shian IV. The challenge cup presented by Lily Duchess of Marlborough, was adjudged to Mrs. G. Boutcher's Lord Sylvester, snd the Countess of Aberdeen's challenge trophy for the best silver tabby to Lady Pink’s Shrover II.
PUSSY'S ANNUAL SHOW Weekly Dispatch (London), 20th January 1901
The third annual cat show was held at St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday, the building being thronged. There were some splendid types of the tabby, tortoiseshell, white, and black classes. Two magnificent specimens of the tortoiseshell and white compelled a marked respect. They bore, in addition to their other qualifications, a label marked "dangerous." Mr. Gambier Bolton had quite a number of successes. The two best animals in the show wore Dr. Roper's black long-haired tom and Mrs. Vyvyan's Siamese Royal.
THE CATS AT THE CLUB SHOW The Queen, 26 January 1901
THE CAT CLUB has held its third annual show at St. Stephen's Hall, Westminster . This show has always been a pecuniary success; last year it gave £150 to the war fund, and the profits of the present show are to be given to the Children's Hospital, Great Ormond-street. Some of the most picturesque cats are characteristically figured by Mr Wardle in our present number. The central figure represents Mrs Harper's first prize long-haired white male, a very beautiful specimen. At the bottom of the page is the head of Argent Puffy, that secured the first prize in the shaded silver female Class. This is a characteristic example of the results of fancy shows, which are not devoted either to beauty or to utility, but to the development of what may be termed artificial fancy points. This cat is regarded by fanciers as an almost perfect type of head, precisely what all cat breeders are trying to obtain. It is not, however, at all like the natural formation of a cat’s skull, but a modification of the natural form, which more resembles the ugly and useless bulldog of the fancier’s shows of the present day. By continuing for a few generations to breed from animals of the same type any amount of unnatural exaggeration of any deformity can be obtained, and that is the object of the fancier.
Taking the other animals in the order represented, at the top of the page we have Mrs Bonar’s black long-haired Forest Beauty, a cat not inappropriately named. Miss Atkins’s White Knight, also long-haired, Mrs Stewart’s Ayshire Ronald, a blue long-haired cat, which took first prize in its class. Miss Chamberlayne’s kittens are very characteristic. On the other side we have Mrs Vyvian’s Siamese, Suzanne, which took first prize. We do not think the breeders have improved this variety since its first introduction, when it was characterised by much more strongly defined black extremities and muzzle than is the case at the present time. The cat show was well-managed by the officials, remarkably free from any unpleasant odour, and was well patronised by female memberts of the upper ten thousand, who have taken to fancy cats as vigorously as their male relatives have to fancy dogs.
A VALUABLE CAT. Luton Times and Advertiser, 25th January 1901
At the Cat Club's' Championship Show, held at Westminster, Mrs Collingwood, of Bossington, was awarded first prize, silver medal, and special for her cat “Baird.” The fortunate "Baird" holds a very high position in the feline world, as he had no fewer than 494 competitors from all parts against him. Mrs. Collingwood exhibited this valuable puss at the Leighton Fanciers’ Show held recently.
1901 GLASGOW SHOW
GLASGOW DOG AND CAT SHOW Edinburgh Evening News, 16th January 1901
The first show of dogs and cats held uner the auspices of the recently-formed Glasgow Kennel Club was held to-day in Hill Street Drill Hall, Glasgow. [. . .] Nearly 100 cats were shown, the quality being excellent.
CAT AND DOG SHOW IN GLASGOW Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, 19th January 1901
Under the auspices of the Glasgow Kennel Club, a dog and cat show was held on Wednesday in the 1st V.B.H.L.I. Drill Hall, Hill St. This show was the first held under such auspices, its distinction being that no registration of the animals exhibited was required, and the success that attended it seemed to show that many fanciers look upon the regulations as to registration imposed by the premier national club as unnecessarily vexatious and oppressive [this probably referred to the dogs rather than to the cats]. 75 cats were shown . . . the following are the principal local prize-winners:-
Long-haired, Blue only, males or females – 1, Mrs Longwill, Rutherglen; 3, Archibald Campbell, Falkirk.
Long-haired Single Kitten, any variety, over four months and under nine months – 1, Archibald Campbell.
Short-haired Gelding, any variety -1, Mrs G. Bell, Falkirk; 2, Colin Campbell, Larkall.
DOG AND CAT SHOW IN GLASGOW North British Daily Mail, 17th January 1901
Under the auspices of the Glasgow Kennel Club a dog and cat show was held yesterday in the 1st V.B.H.L.I. Drill Hall, Hill Street. The show was the first held under such auspices, its distinctive feature being that no registration of the animals exhibited was required, and the success that attended it seemed to show that many fanciers look upon the regulations as to registration imposed by the premier national club as unnecessarily vexatious and oppressive. . . . 75 cats were shown. [Cat judge Mr John Page, Dunblane.]
LONG-HAIRED
Blue only, males or females – 1, Mrs Longwill, Rutherglen; 2, A. Finnie Young, Dunblane; 3, Archibald Campbell, Falkirk.
Long-haired Males, any colour – 1, Mrs A. Finnie Young and Miss Hunt, Dunblane; 2, Mrs Hope, Berwick; 3, Robert Moffett, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Long-haired Females, any colour – 1, Miss Mary Hunt; 2, Miss M.H. Brown, Edinburgh; 3, Robert Moffett.
Long-haired Single Kitten, any variety, over four months and under nine months – 1, Archibald Campbell; 2, Robert Moffett; 3, R.W. Rodger, Dundee.
Long-haired Pair of Kittens, any variety, under four months – 1, Mrs A.D. Crawford, Kilmalcolm; 2, Robert McMillan, Dundee; 3, Miss Laird, Renfrew.
Long-haired Gelding, any variety - 1, William Ballantyne, Edinburgh; 2, Mrs A.D. Crawford; 3, Mrs Andrew Kinnear. Kirkcaldy.
Short-haired Gelding, any variety – 1, Mrs G. Bell, Falkirk; 2, Colin Campbell, Larkhall; 3, Mrs M.A. White.
Short-haired Male, any colour – 1, J. & J. McNish, Barmill, Beith; 2, Robert Moffett; 3, Charles Forsyth, Leith.
Short-haired Female, any colour – 1 and 3, Charles Forsyth; 2, Peter Houston, Dunbarton.
Litter of Three or More, any variety, under three months – 1, Mrs A.D. Crawford; 2, E. Moffett.
1901 LIVERPOOL DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON AND CAT SHOW
LIVERPOOL DOG, POULTRY, PIGEON AND CAT SHOW Runcorn Examiner, 11th January 1901
Liverpool Dog, Poultry, Pigeon and Cat Show, North Haymarket, Cazneau-street, January 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. 640 classes and 300 cups and specials. £1,800 in prizes. Opens at 10 a.m. each day. Judging commences at 10 a.m. first day. A. McKenzie, Hon. Sec., 8, Great Charlotte-street, Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL DOG AND POULTRY [AND CAT] SHOW Liverpool Journal of Commerce, 23rd January 1901
The annual Liverpool Dog, Poultry, Pigeon, and Cat Show, which is fittingly described as the largest combined show in the kingdom, was opened yesterday at the North Haymarket, and will be continued to-day and to-morrow.
[LIVERPOOL] DOG AND POULTRY [AND CAT] SHOW Liverpool Daily Post, 24th January 1901
The exhibit of cats was numerous, and proved most attractive. [Cat judge, Mrs G. Oliver. Dog and poultry results given, but not cat results.]
1901 ARBROATH DOG AND CAT SHOW
[1901] ARBROATH DOG AND CAT SHOW Dundee Courier, 25th December 1900
The Arbroath canine Club have been granted the use of the Market Buildings for the purpose of holding a dog and cat show about the end of February [1901] or early in March.
DOG AND CAT SHOW AT ARBROATH. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 20th February 1901
Under the auspices of the Arbroath Canine Club a show of dogs and cats is to-day being held in the Corn Exchange, Arbroath. The total number of exhibits is 225, which includes 40 cats. Exhibitors have entered from all quarters of the country, and a number of famous dogs and cats are shown. Collies are a particularly strong class [. . .]. Some grand specimens of the feline breed are also on exhibition. Messrs Marsden, Stockport, and Rodgers, Dundee, are the judges for cats and dogs respectively. A large number of fanciers have come into town, and the show promises to one of the most successful ever held in the district.
ARBROATH DOG AND CAT SHOW. A GOOD DISPLAY. Dundee Courier, 21st February 1901
The first show under the auspices of the newly-formed Arbroath Canine Club was held at the Corn Exchange, Arbroath, yesterday. It is now about four years since the last show was held in Arbroath, and since then the Club has been defunct. Some time ago, however, the desire was expressed by a number of fanciers in the town to have the Club resuscitated, and this proposal was entered heartily into. The Club was formed, and the show to-day augurs well for its future success. There were 330 entries, and there were about 225 animals forward. Exhibitors came from every part of the country, and the quality of the animals was of a high standard. The judges were:—Dogs, all classes, Mr Midgley Marsden, Manchester; cats, P. W. Rodger, Dundee. [. . .] The show of cats was very good all over, several splendid specimens being shown.
CATS.
Toms, long-haired—1 and reserve Mrs Tindal, Broughty Ferry; 2 Messrs Roberts & Don, Dunblane; 3 W.L. Stewart, Arbroath.
Tibbies, long-haired— 1 Messrs Roberts & Don; 2 Mrs Alfred Mackay, Arbroath; 3 Jas Winton, Dundee; reserve Alex. J. Key, Arbroath.
Toms and Tibbies, short-haired— 1 and 2 Charles Forsyth, Leith; 3 Miss Eliza Mitchell, Dundee; reserve, Robert Stables, Leith.
Geldings, long or short haired— 1 Janet Nicol; 2 .Wm Smith Arbroath; 3 Wm. Ballantyne, Edinburgh.
Kittens, under 6 months old—1 Eliza Mitchell; 2 Mrs J. L. Rowan, Arbroath; 3 Rowland C. Farquhar, Arbroath; reserve Nellie Beveridge, Kirkcaldy.
Any Variety novice- 1 Charles Forsyth; 2 Mrs Herd, Kirkcaldy; 3 W. L. Stewart; reserve Master Colin Campbell Grant, Arbroath.
ARBROATH DOG AND CAT SHOW SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION. Arbroath Herald and Advertiser for the Montrose Burghs, 21st February 1901
The recently-formed Canine Club held their first show yesterday in the Exchange Hall. The show proved very popular, being largely patronised by fanciers and others, and it was in every way a success. There were in all entries, 205 exhibitors, and 225 exhibits, of which 190 were in the dog classes. [. . .] The following are the local prize-winners:— CATS. In the cat section some very fine specimens were on view, especially amongst the geldings. Mrs Janet Nicoll came off first here with lovely blue in best of coat. Mr W. L. Stewart's beautiful black long-haired Tom cat brought him a third in his own class, and also a third in the novice open class, and Messrs Rowan and Farquhar ran each other hard in the kittens.
[Prize list from this paper and from the Dundee Courier of the same date]
Toms, Long-haired—1 and reserve Mrs Tindal, Broughty Ferry; 2 Messrs Roberts & Don, Dunblane; 3 W. L. Stewart, Ship Inn, Arbroath.
Tibbies [i.e. females]. Long-haired— 1 Messrs Roberts & Don ; 2 Mrs Alfred Mackay, East Mill Wynd Arbroath; 3. Jas. Winton, Dundee; reserve Alex. J. Kay, Arbroath.
Toms and Tibbies, short-haired – 1 and 2 Charles Forsyth, Leith; 3 Miss Eliza Mitchell, Dundee; reserve, Robert Stables, Leith.
Geldings, Long or Short-haired— 1 Miss Jane Nicoll, Marketgate, Arbroath; 2, Wm. Smith, Inverkellor, Arbroath; 3 Wm. Ballantyne, Edinburgh.
Kittens, any Variety, less than six months old— 1 Eliza Mitchell; 2 Mrs J. L. Rowan, Arbroath; 3rd, Rowland C. Farquhar, Arbroath; reserve Nellie Beveridge, Kirkcaldy.
Any Variety, Toms or Tibbies—Novice—1 Charles Forsyth; 2 Mrs Herd Kirkcaldy; 3 W. L. Stewart; reserve Master Colin Campbell Grant, Arbroath.
The judges were:—For dogs—Mr Midgley Marsden ; for cats —Mr T. W. Rodger.
1901 READING SHOW
FORTHCOMING CAT SHOW AT READING Reading Mercury - Saturday 16 February 1901
Forthcoming Cat Show at Reading.—On Wednesday and Thursday, February 27th and 28th, Billett's cat show will be held in the Cross-street Hall, Reading, under the patronage of the Cat Club and the nobility und gentry of the district. Entries close on Friday next, February 22nd. The Secretary and Manager is Mr. G. H. Billett, 19, Cross-street. Further particulars will be found in an advertisement on the first page of to-day's Mercury.
[From the advert:] Judges:—Miss Frances Simpson, London; George Billett, Esq., Southampton L. C. P. Astley, Esq., Liverpool. Hon. Veterinary Surgeon, A. Wheatley, Esq., F.R.C.V.S.
CAT SHOW IN READING. Berkshire Chronicle, 2nd March 1901
The Cat Show held on Wednesday and Thursday, in the Cross Street Hall, was quite a novelty for Reading, but it attracted a large entry of 170, including many the biggest winners in the country. The patrons and subscribers included Lady Marcus Beresford, Lady Chas. Euan-Smith, Lady Morshead, the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Palmer, and Mr. and Mrs. Keyser, and no less than 34 special prizes were offered. The champion prize for the best cat in the show, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford, was won by Winifred Beal’s Ronald Kirk Admiral, a beautiful cream or fawn of 4 and-a-half years, which also carried off the silver medal, presented by the Cat Club, for the best long-haired cat in the show, and the silver medal, presented by the National Cat Club, for the best cat in the show. The champion prize, presented by Mr. G. W. Palmer, M.P., for the best short-haired cat, the bronze medal given by the Cat Club, and the silver medal presented by the National Cat Club, under the same conditions, were won by Miss Derby Hyde’s (North Moreton) Thames Valley Blue-Eyed Daddy, aged two years, which had already secured eight firsts and gold medal at other shows; Mrs. F. Walker’s (Leatherhead) blue won the silver medal for the best long-haired neuter in the show, given by the National Cat Club; and Mr. Backhouse’s (Hereford) Tozer won the silver medal offered by the same club for the best short-haired neuter exhibited.
Local competitors did not fare very well in the open classes. Mrs. A. A. Allen, of Prospect Street, Caversham, took an extra fourth in the any other variety class for long-haired cats, and Miss Anderson Leake, of Dingley Hill, Bradfield, a similar award for kittens. In the Novice Class, Mr. T. Lloyd, of Chesterman Street, Reading, was first, Mrs. Swann, of Erlegh House, Earley, third, and Mr. A. Oliver, of Cross Street, Reading, fourth. Turning to the local classes, for long haired Inspector Nicholls was first, Miss L. Smith, of Argyle Street, Reading, second, Mrs. White, of Kingsgate Street, Reading, third, Miss A. Hall, fourth, and Mr. Phinchin, of South Street, Caversham., extra fourth. For short-haired cats, Mr. L. Dymond, of St. Mary’s Butts, was first, Miss Paice, of Oxford Road, second, Mrs. P. Williams, of De Beauvoir House. London Road, third, and Master Harold Deacon, Donnington Road, fourth. In the class for kittens Mrs. E. S. Allen was first, Miss Daisy Fidler, of Warren Side, Caversham, second, Mr. S. Lutkin, of the “Boar’s Head’’ Yard, third, Mr. F. Kidgell, of London Road, fourth, and Master F. Godwin, Cross Street, extra fourth.
Mr. G. H. Billett acted as secretary to the show, and the stewards were Messrs. F. Butler, A. Houghton, R. J. Irving, W.R. Roberts, W. Godwin, E. L. Coates and Mrs. Godwin. The judges were: Miss Frances Simpson, of London; Mr. George Billett, of Southampton; and Mr. L. P. C. Astley, of Liverpool. Mr. A. Wheatley acted as hon. veterinary surgeon.
BILLETT’S GREAT OPEN CAT SHOW Reading Standard, 2nd March 1901
Mr. G.H. Billett, the well-known judge of animals and birds, of Cross-street, Reading, determining to strike out in a new line, organised a cat show, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday this week in Cross-street Hall, and proved vey successful. The show was under the distinguished patronage of the Cat Club, London, and the National Cat Club, and the list of patrons and subscribers included the names of Lady Marcus Beresford, Lady Charles Evan Smith, Lady Morehead, Mrs George Webster, the Mayor of Reading, and Mrs A.H. Bull, Mr G.W. Palmer, M.P., Mrs Palmer, Captain H. Blackett, Mr C.E. Keyser and Mrs Keyser. The judges were:- Miss Frances Simpson, London; Mr George Billett, Southampton; and Mr L.P.C. Astley, Liverpool. Mr A. Wheatley was hon. veterinary surgeon and the stewards were Messrs F, Butler, A. Houghton, R.J. Irving, W.R. Roberts, W. Godwin, E.L. Coates, and Mrs Godwin. Mr G.H. Billett acted as secretary. There were 170 cats entered in the 25 classes and competition was keen. The animals came from all over the Kingdom, and with the exception of the local classes but very few were from Reading. Besides the ordinary prizes there were not less than 34 specials awarded, given principally by lovers and breeders of cats, the Cat Clubs, &c. The organiser, Mr G.H. Billett, deserves every encouragement for his gratifying venture in having a show devoted exclusively to the many beautiful domestic species of the feline race. The prize list is unavoidably held over until next week.
CAT SHOW AT READING. THE PRIZE LIST. - Reading Mercury, 2 March 1901
Mr. G. H. Billett, of Cross-street, Reading, hay gained the credit for organizing the first Cat Show in Reading. Hitherto feline specimens of the domestic pets have only had a place in a few classes arranged in connection with ornithological shows, and it has remained for Mr. Billett to try the experiment of holding an exhibition entirely for cats. In other parts of the country similar shows are held annually, and are a success, and there is no reason why the efforts of Mr. Billett should not be rewarded with like results. He certainly has every cause to congratulate himself upon the result of his first attempt in Reading, for the Show which was held in the Cross-street Hall on Wednesday and Thursday was an excellent one. In all, prizes were offered in twenty five classes, and although two or three were amalgamated through an insufficient entry, in most of them there was a keen contest, the total number of entries being 170. The cats shown included some well-known prize winners, amongst which might be mentioned the Hon. P. Woodhouse's silver tabby, which won the championships at the Crystal Palace Show in 1898 and 1900, and a first and two specials at the Westminster Show this year; Mrs. Harold V. James's Champion Backwell Jogram which obtained a first and five challenge cups and medals at the Westminster Show this year and Mr. Gambier Bolton's "D-Tail" and Primrose," both of which were very successful at the Westminster Show.
With these beautiful specimens in the show, and many more of a high pedigree and quality, visitors were well rewarded for their patronage, for it is not often that such a fine lot of cats is seen at a provincial show. Mr. Billett had been fortunate in securing influential support for his undertaking, the patrons and subscribers including the Lady Marcus Beresford. Lady Morshead, Lady Euan Smith, Mrs. George Webster, Mr. G. W. Palmer, M.P., and Mrs. Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Keyser, Captain H. Blackett, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Reading (Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Bull.) The officials were as follows :—Judges, Miss Frances Simpson (London), Mr. George Billett (Southampton), and Mr. L. P. C. Astley (Liverpool); hon. veterinary surgeon. Mr. A. Wheatley ; stewards, Mrs. Godwin, Messrs. F. Butler, A. Houghton, R. J. Irving, W.R. Roberts, W. Godwin, and E. L. Coates. The show, which it might be mentioned, received the recognition of London Cat Club and the National Cat Club, was largely patronised, amongst the visitors on Wednesday being Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Palmer. The prize list is as follows:-
LONGHAIRED CATS. (Neuter cats not admissible in classes 1 to 9.)
Class 1, black or white, male female—No entry.
Class 2, smokes, male or female —No first; 2 "Champion Backwell Jogram," Mrs. Harold V. James, Backwell, near Bristol; no third; 4 Miss E. Phayre, Ormond Lodge, Weston, Bath ; vhc " Minonche," Mrs. Collingwood, Bossington, Leighton Buzzard.
Classes 3 and 4, blue, male and female, self colour, without white 1 "Neppo," Miss A. Greatorex, Langside, Old Colwyn, North Wales; 2 “Blue Margurite," Mrs. G. Boutcher, Osborne House, Wellington-road, South Hounslow ; 3 " King of the Blues II," Mrs. Walford Gosnall, Masbrall, Chelmsford ; 4, " Thames Valley Lady Babbie," Miss Derby Hyde, North Moreton, Wallingford.
Class 5, Chinchilla or silver, male-1 Mrs. Sinkins, Aldernoor House, Southampton ; no second; 3 Rob Roy, of Arrandale," Mrs. George Wilson, Arrandale, Adamrill-road, Sydenham; 4, "Silver Sheen," Mrs. G. Barton Collier, Brough Cottage, Brough, E. Yorkshire; extra "Lord Nugent," Mr. L. Omerod, 15, Wellington-street, St. John'sroad, Blackburn; vhc "Lord Hampton," Mrs. E. Davies, Upper Caterham. Surrey.
Class 6, Chinchilla or silver, female-1 " Edie," Mr. H. Thomas, 19, Queen's Gate Mews, S. Kensington, London no second; 3 "'Lady Southampton," Mrs. Walford Gosnall; 4 " Arrandale Queenie," Mrs. Geerge Wilson ; hc " Silver Patti," Mrs. B. P. Earwaker, Manor House, Buxton ; Mrs. H. B. Palmer, 19a, Wellington Park, Clifton, Bristol, and Mrs. Sinkins.
Class 7, tabby, any colour, without white, male—1 "Thames Valley Silver King," Miss Derby Hyde ; no second; 3 Silver Green Eyes," Mrs. Thomas Furze, 171, Gooch-street, Birmingham; 4, Mrs. F.Walker, Kingston-road, Leatherhead; extra 4, Mrs. H. B. Palmer; vhc Thames Valley Prince of Orange," Miss Derby Hyde.
Class 8, tabby, any colour, without white, female—1 silver tabby, the Hon. P. Woodehouse, Wilton Park. North Walsham, Norfolk ; 2 blue tabby, the Hon. P. Woodehouse; 3 " Wickham Beauty," Miss Chamberlayne, 16, Belvedere-road, Norwood, S.E.; 4 Jenny Wren," Mrs. Cartwright Upwood, Handley, Salisbury; vhc Jennie Deane," Miss Anderson Leake, Dingley Hill, Bradfield ; hc " Lady Maud," MissE. S. Cook, 44, Wingate-road, Ravenscourt Park, London.
Class 9, any variety not mentioned, male or female—1 Ronald Kirk [Romaldkirk] Admiral," Miss Winifred Beal, Ronaldkirk Rectory, Darlington ; 2 " Pet," Miss Emily Goddard, 30, Lansdowne Gardens, Stockwell, London; no third ; 4 " Garboldisham Briton," Mrs. C. L. Kennaway, Garboldisham Rectory, East Harding, Norfolk ; extra 4 Mrs. Alfred A. Allen, 26, Prospect-street, Caversham; vhc the Hon. P. Woodehouse.
KITTENS. (Long-haired, under eight months old)
Class 10, best single kitten, any colour tabby, without white; amalgamated with class 11, chinchilla or silver—1 “ Baden Powell," Mrs. Clark, Kyrle Ashbrittle, Wellington, Somerset ; 2 and 3 not awarded ; 4 Miss M. E. Bradford, 21, Victoria-street, Exmore ; extra 4 " Pretty Pretoria," Miss Anderson Leake ; hc Rosehilda," Miss Chamberlayne, and “Trinity Abdula," Mrs. G. Watkinson, 14, Trinity-street, Colchester.
Class 12, best single kitten, blue, self colour-1 " Holmwood Horsfall," Miss Jay, Holmwood, Putney Hill, S.W.; no second ; 3 Cambridge Lifeguard," Mrs. S. B. Wallis, Ventnor, St. Barnabas-road, Cambridge ; 4 Mrs. W. Shaler, Manor House, Lillington, Leamington ; vhc " Little Pixey," Rev. H Davies, Hereford.
Class 13, best single kitten, any colour not mentioned, long or short haired—1 " Matthew of the Durham," Mrs. D'Arcy Hildyard, Starttorth, Barnard Castle; 2, "Thames Valley Blue Eyed May," Miss Derby Hyde ; 3, Mrs. Sinkins ; 4 "Sandy Hero," Mrs. F. W. Western, Sandy, Bedfordshire,
SHORT-HAIRED CATS.
Class 14, Siamese, male, female, or neuter—1 " Tozer," Mrs Backhouse, Sutton Court, near Hereford; 2 " J. W. N." Mrs.Parker Brough, Springfield, Kettering; 3 "Imported Chowfa," Miss Derby Hyde ; reserve " Chowfa Maka," Miss E. B. Ackford, 8, Bathwick-street, Bath ; vhc " Princess Chota," Mr. John Rhodes, 360, Blackburn-road. Accrington, “ Chowfa Dar Janoot," Miss E. B. Ackford, and " The Mammy," Miss A. C. J. Fraser, 7, Forbes-road, Edinburgh ; hc Kithen," Miss A. C. J. Fraser.
Class 15, Manx, male, female, or neuter—1 " D-Tail," Mr. Gambier Bolton, 28, Charing Cross-road, London, W.C.; no second ; 3 Messrs, Tarbox and Parker, 28, York-street, Rugby; 4 " Primrose," Mr. Gambier Bolton; reserve Miss F. Dresser, Springfield, Bexley Heath; vhc "Jorty," Capt. H. Blackett, Ascot.
Class 16, tabby, any colour without white, male; neuter cats not admissible—2 " Silver Prince," Mrs. H. B. Palmer ; 3 " The Orange Boy," Miss Derby Hyde; 4 " Baby Boy," Mrs. Collingwood; reserve Mrs. Bryden.
Class 17, tabby, any colour without white, female—1 " Silver Duchess," Capt. H. Blackett; no second and third ; "Silver Queen," Capt. H. Blackett; reserve Mrs. E. Smyth, Forest Hill, S.E.; hc Mrs. H. B. Palmer.
Class 18, any other variety, male or female—1 " Thames Valley Blue Eyed Daddy," Miss Derby Hyde ; 2 " Oxford Lightfoot," Mrs. E. Page, Cardigan-street, Oxford ; 3 " Holmwood Daisy," Miss Jay ; 4 " Shady," Miss Derby Hyde; extra 4 “Surprise," Mr. Surridge, 196, Oxford Avenue, Southampton ; reserve " Thames Valley Blue Eyed Daisy," Miss Derby Hyde; vhc "Floss," Miss Derby Hyde; hc "Sandy Surprise," Mrs. F. W. Western; c "Trot," Miss E. Mortivals, Takeley, Essex.
Class 19, neuter cats, long or short haired—1 " Blenheim Bijou," Miss E. B. Ackford; no second; 3 " Royal Prince Du Congo," Miss Kate Sangster, 2, Palmerston-road, Southsea; 4 "David," Mrs. Collingwood; extra Mr. James Haslam, 17, Irving-place, Blackburn; vhc "Arzin,” Miss Seilla Bartlett, Holmesdale, Bexley Heath ; hc Mrs. F. Walker.
Class 20, Novice class, long-haired male, female or neuter— 1 "Trilby," Mr. T. G. Lloyd, 17, Chesterman-street, Reading; 2 “Darkie," Mrs. Collingwood; 3 Mrs. Swarm, Erleigh House, Earley ; 4 “Don," Mr. A. Oliver, 15, Cross street, Reading ; r Gordon Blue," Miss E. Bowly, Meadow Cottage, vhc "The Duchess," Mr. C. Crosby, Broom Hurst, Dorking, and " Trico Bunch," Mr. G. Watkinson.
Class 21, Novice class, short-haired—Cancelled.
Class 22, selling class, long or short haired, male, female or neuter. Any age. Not to exceed £2 2s.—1 Mrs. Walwyn, Croft-y-Bula, Monmouth ; no second ; 3 " Keyser," Mrs. E. Wetten, 52, Connaught-road, Reading; 4 “Silver Locks," Mrs. Walwyn; r " Lord Bobs," Mr. Surridge; vhc Miss M. E. Bradford, and " Judith," Mrs. Luxmore, Kennet View, Mansfield-road, Reading.
LOCAL CLASSES. Open to exhibitors residing within ten miles of the Market-place.
Class 23, long-haired cats, male, female or neuter —1 " Billy," Mr. W. Nicholls, County Police Station, Reading ; 2 "Baby," Miss L. Smith, Argyll-street, Reading; 3 "Black," Mrs. White, 23, Kingsgate-street, Reading; 4 "Ben," Miss A. Hall, Reading; extra Mr. Phinchin, 15, South-street, Caversham ; vhc "Tiny," Miss Hall, Reading, and " Tiger," Mrs. Knapp, Caversham; hc " Ruff," Mr. F. T. Archard, 26, Caversham-road, Reading, and " Bluette," Miss E. Bowly.
Class 24, short-haired cats, male, female or neuter—1 Mr. L. Dymond, 66, St. Mary's Butts, Reading; 2 " Totters," Miss Paice, 195, Oxford-road, Reading; 3 Mrs. F. Williams, De Beauvoir House, London-road, Reading; 4 Master H. Deacon, 55, Donnington-road, Beading; r "Black Jim," Mrs. H. Butler, London-street, Reading; vhc " Blackie," Mr. E. H. Simmons, Tregenna, Alexandra-road, Reading; hc “Josey," Miss L. Smith, Mrs. S. Bishop, Basingstoke-road, Reading, and Mrs. F. Hobbs, Caversham-road, Reading.
Class 25, kittens, long or short-haired, under 8 months—l!" Queen," Mrs. E. S. Allen, Blenheim-road, Caversham; 2 Miss Daisy Fidler, Warren-side, Caversham; 3 Mr. S. Lutkin, " Boar's Head" Yard Malthouse, Reading ; 4 Mr. F. Kidgell, London-road, Reading; extra 4 Master S. Godwin. Cross street, Reading; r Mrs. St. John, Battle House, Reading; vhc Mr. B. J. Bishop, Southampton-street, Reading, and Mrs. John B, Dormain, Kings-road, Reading.
SPECIAL PRIZES.
Champion Prize for best cat, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford Miss Winifred Beal's "Ronald Kirk Admiral."
Silver medal, presented by the Cat Club, for the best longhaired cat. Open only to members of the Cat Club —Miss Winifred Beal's " Ronald Kirk Admiral."
Bronze medal, presented by Cat Club, for best short-haired cat. For members of the Cat Club only—Miss Derby Hyde's Thames Valley Blue Eyed Daddy."
Silver medal, presented by the National Cat Club, for best cat—Miss Winifred Beal's " Ronald Kirk Admiral."
Silver medal, presented by the National Cat Club, for best neuter, long-haired—Mrs F. Walker's blue in class 19.
Silver medal, presented by the National Cat Club, for the best short-haired cat—Miss Derby Hyde's " Thames Valley Blue Eyed Daddy."
Silver medal, presented by the National Cat Club, for the best short-haired neuter, for cats registered at the Club— Mrs. Backhouse's " Tozer."
Prize presented by Miss Frances Simpson for best blue fe male long-haired cat, open to all - Mrs. G. Boutcher's " Blue Margurite."
Prize presented by Mr. T. A. Lack, for the best blue male long-haired cat, open to all—Miss A. Greatorex's " Neppo."
Prize presented Miss Anderson Leake, for the best silver tabby female, long-haired, open to all—The Hon. P. Woodehouse's silver tabby in class 8.
Prize presented by Lady Marcus Beresford for the best chinchilla or silver in classes and 6—Mrs. Sinkins.
Prize presented by Miss Kate Sangster for the best longhaired white neuter cat, open to all—Mrs. Swann.
Prize presented by Messrs. Harmsworth for the best cat in class 1—Mrs. Harold V. James's "Champion Backwell Jogram."
Prize presented Mr. A. Houghton, for the best kitten, open to all—Mrs. D'Arcy Hildyard's “Matthew of the Durham."
Prize presented by Captain H. Blackett, for the best brace of short-haired silver tabbies—Won by Captain Blackett.
Champion prize presented by Mr. G. W. Palmer, M.P.. for the best cat, short-haired, open to all—Miss Derby Hyde’s " Thames Valley Blue Eyed Daddy."
Prize for the best Manx female cat, under 1 year—Messrs. Tarbor and Parker.
Prize for the best Manx female cat—Messrs. Tarbor and Parker.
Prize presented by " Our Cats," for the best novice longhaired cat—Mr. T. G. Lloyd's " Trilby."
Prize presented by Mr. J. Challenger, for the best cat in class 2 - Mrs. Harold V. James “Champion Backwell Jogram.
Prize presented by Mrs. Hildyard, for the best, long-haired cream or orange female, not novice. Open to all - Mrs. D'Arcy Hildyard's " Mathew of the Durham.
Prize presented by Mrs. Omerod, for the best long-haired black female Persian. Open to all —Mrs. Alfred Allen.
Prize presented by Mrs. Walker for the best long-haired silver kitten. Open to all—Mrs. Clark’s “Baden Powell."
Prize presented by Hon. P. Woodehouse for the best Siamese male. Open to all—Mrs. Parker Brough's “ J.W.N." .
Prize for the best short-haired novice cat—Miss E B Ack ford's " Blenheim Bijou.”
Prize presented by Mr T. Yates, for the best local cat, long-haired—Mr. Nicholl's "Billy"
Prize presented by " Ladies Pictorial'," for the best shorthaired local cat—Mr. L. Dymond.
Prize presented by Miss Prances Simpson, for the best brown tabby, long-haired, in classes 7 and 8 – Miss Chamberlayne’s “Wickham Beauty.”
[READING SHOW] Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, 7th March 1901
Mr. G. H. Billett, of Cross-street. who is well. known as a cat and bird judge, organised a new departure for Reading in the shape of a Cat Show, which was held in the Cross-street Hall, on Wednesday and Thursday in last week. The show which was under distinguished patronage proved a great success, the 170 entries comprising some splendid specimens from all parts of the country. Among the visitors was Mr. G. W. Palmer, M.P., one of the many generous donors of prizes. There is a generally expressed wish that the show so successfully initiated may prove an annual fixture.
1901 DUNDEE DOG AND CAT SHOW
DOG AND CAT SHOW IN DUNDEE. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 3rd April 1901
The annual Dog and Cat Show of the Dundee Canine Club is being held in the Kinnaird Hall to-day. [. . .] The cat section also shows improvement over previous years, both as regards numbers and quality.
CATS. Toms, long-haired— 1 Mrs Finnie Young, Dunblane; 2 Mrs Hay, Dundee; 3 Mrs Andrew McLeish, Dundee.
Tibbies, long-haired—1 Roberts & Don, Dunblane; 2 Mrs .Jessie Alexander, Barnhill; 3 Kate Alexander. Dundee.
Toms and Tibbies shortrhaired— 1 Lizzie Winton, Dundee; 2 Richard Kuhnel, Bradford; 3 Miss Mitchell. Dundee.
Geldings, long or short haired—1 John Page, Dunblane; 2 Mrs D. McLaren, Perth; 3 Mrs John Lynn, Falkirk.
Kittens, any variety, under six months— 1 John Page, 2 Mrs Young, 3 James Dawson, Stirling.
Any Variety Toms or Tibbies, novice— 1 Mrs Hay, 2 John Page, 3 R. W. Rodger, Dundee.
THE DOG AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 4th April 1901 (Ladies’ Column)
Very few ladies had "gone to the dogs" yesterday when I walked round the show in the Kinnaird Hall, the feminine visitors, indeed, being confined to the friends of the canine exhibits. [. . .] The cats, upstairs, might stand for the feminine element the assemblage, and, like their feminine prototypes, they seemed to derive a good deal of inward satisfaction from their toilets, which they were assiduously performing to keep themselves from feeling fatigued, or perhaps frightened. It was easy to distinguish Pussy that had been a show before from Grimalkin new to the business. The former disposed himself gracefully at the front of his cage with caressing undulation, or presented the tip of a pretty ear to be scratched; the latter crouched in the far comer, as if seeking for a means of escape. I have always heard that white cats with blue eyes are deaf; but one specimen here with china blue eyes seemed to hear quite well. Perhaps it wished it didn't ! - MARGUERITE.
1901 LADIES’ KENNEL CLUB SHOW, REGENT’S PARK
LADIES’ KENNEL CLUB SHOW, REGENT’S PARK Aberdeen Press and Journal - Friday 31 May 1901
The Ladies' Kennel Association annual show, which was opened to-day at Regent's Park, promises very soon to take prominent place among the dog and cat shows in the country. There is certainly no other show where so many distinguished ladies meet in friendly competition, or where one sees so many distinguished people among the spectators. A large proportion of the exhibits were dogs, but there were also fairly large collections cats and poultry.
[L.K.A. MIDSUMMER FETE] Portsmouth Evening News, 3rd June 1901
At the seventh Midsummer Fete, held by the Ladies' Kennel Association, Miss Sangster, of Southsea, won with her blue Persian cat, "Royal Heather Belle," first in the open class, second in the novice, three special prizes, championship silver medal, and the Ladies' Kennel Association Premiership. She also won first prize and the National Cat Club's silver medal with her chinchilla cat "Prince Congo."
A CHARMING DOG [AND CAT] SHOW. The Gentlewoman, 8th June 1901
THE annual show of the Ladies' Kennel Association, held last week at the Royal Botanic Gardens, will rank as one of the chief successes of the London season. [. . .] The entry in the dog and cat sections was of the most encouraging nature, added to which there was a very fair show of poultry and pigeons. Mrs. Stennard Robinson is to be heartily congratulated upon the excellence of her arrangements. [. . .] The cat show, under the auspices of the N.C.C., was a most successful feature of the exhibition. Lady Alexander secured innumerable prizes, finishing up by winning the special for the best in the show. Among other winners were: Miss W. Beal, Mrs. McLaren Morrison, Lady Aberdeen, Mrs. A. Knight, Miss White Atkins, Mrs. Young and Miss Hunt, Mrs. O. Westlake, Mrs. Herring, Mrs. Collingwood, Alice Bennet, Mrs. Mackenzie Stewart, Mrs. F. Norris, Mrs. P. Brown, Miss K. Sangster, Mrs. G. Boutcher, Mrs. Sinkins, Mrs. B. Martin, Mrs. G. Wilson, Miss Mildred Beal, Mrs. A. D'Arcy Hildyard, Mrs. H. A. Cartwright, Mrs. C. Kennaway, Lady Pink, Miss Derby Hyde, Miss M. Wilkinson, Mrs. J. Ricketts, Mrs. E. Gant, Mrs. W. Nott, Miss K. Sangster, Mrs. G. Wilson, Miss Hilda Patterson, Mrs. J. Ricketts, Miss I. Vallance, Miss B. Sargent, Miss J. M. Holmes, Mme. Louise Portier, Mrs. K. J. Baldwin, Miss Wimbush, Mrs Crampton, Mrs. E. Smyth, Mrs. Fendall Charles, Mrs. C. Cooke, Mrs. Barnett, Mrs. R. O. Backhouse, Mrs. M. Robinson. Miss A. E. Cartwright, Miss A. F. Dresser , Miss H. Cochran, Mrs. C. Meller Bonny, Mrs. E. F. Russell Biggs, Mrs. M. B. Wentworth, Mrs. Vallance. Miss U. C. Welles, Mrs. F. Walker, Hon. P. Wode,house, Mrs. Parker Brough, Mrs. K. M. Middleton, etc.
1901 SLOUGH CAT SHOW
A CHAMPION CAT SHOW Windsor and Eton Express, 14th September 1901
Lady Marcus Beresford's champion cat show, which will be held at the Leopold Institute, Slough, on Friday, the 27th inst., under the auspices of the Cat Club, is exciting a good deal of interest in the neighbourhood. Princess Christian has given her patronage, and the proceeds will be devoted to the Princess Christian Nursing Home at Windsor. It is likely to be a rather big affair, and 106 prizes will be given in forty-eight classes. There will be a concert in the afternoon, at which both amateurs and professionals will assist. Among well-known people likely to exhibit are Lily Duchess of Marlborough, Edith Duchess of Wellington, Lord and Lady Marcus Beresford, Lady Decies (who has a large number of prize cats), Sir Claud and Lady Alexander (who possess over forty pedigree cats), and Lady Maitland (whose "silvers" cannot be beaten).
[SLOUGH SHOW] Northampton Chronicle and Echo, 16th September 1901
The culture of the cat is one of the pet fads of society women at present. Some of those who are successful in acquiring a reputation for fashionable breeds of cats find that it is a fairly profitable hobby, as much as £300 having been paid for a rare cat. One of the chief votaries of the cat cult, Lady Marcus Beresford, is organising a show of cats to be held at Slough on September 27, in aid of Princess Christian’s Nursing Home at Windsor. The Princess has promised her patronage, and prizes are being offered by the various cat clubs, and by private patrons of the cult, among them Lily Duchess of Marlborough, Edith Duchess of Wellington, Lord and Lady Marcus Beresford, and Lady Aberdeen. The entries for the show close on September 17. The catalogue, with its numerous classes of cats, is a revelation to the uninitiated. There is apparently a fashion in the colour of cats, and just now, after a long reign of silver Persians, the cream-coloured variety of the Persian is in the ascendant.
FASHIONABLE CATS Leominster News and North West Herefordshire & Radnorshire Advertiser, 20th September 1901
Baskets and hampers, dainty enough to be quite distinctive, may be expected by the dozen at Slough Railway Station next week. They will contain all the domestic cat aristocracy of the United Kingdom, which is entered for the Cat Club Show. The companion of the humble hearth has no place among these glossy specimens of pure breed. They come from stately domains where they are the pride of the chatelaine, who has long since made the "fancy" an extremely fashionable one. The cat can no longer be reproached as indispensable only to the old maid. Some of the greatest ladies in the land are extremely fond of feline pets, and the competitions respecting their individual merits are always very keen. In the present instance an excellent classification has produced a numerous entry from amateur fanciers, including Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, who is the owner of four cats and three kittens, Lily Duchess of Marlborough, Edith Duchess of Wellington, and Lady Marcus Beresford. Upwards of 250 prizes and medals are offered-a revelation to those unaware of the popularity of cat culture. It is news also to know that the familiar "tabby" has outlived its favour, and is now entirely supplanted by the silver varieties. "The most popular cat to-day," says a well-known fancier, "is the blue Persian;” and it is so not entirely through the vagaries of fashion as from the fact that it is the only variety in which perfect succession of breed is certain. "The healthiest cats," he added, "are those which are not pampered, but allowed to live, as far as possible, a perfectly natural life." Sage advice indeed-which applies to other organisms besides cats.
[SLOUGH CAT CLUB SHOW] Manchester Evening News, 27th September 1901
At the Slough Cat Club Show, to-day, Princess Victoria secured the first prize in the blue challenge class, and the premier award in the silver variety.
1901 MANCHESTER CAT SHOW (NORTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB)
NORTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 24th September 1901
The Northern Counties Cat Club. Third Championship Show. A Kitten Show, under direct Royal Patronage, will be held in the Chorlton Town Hall (opposite All Saints’ Church), on Wednesday, September the 25th. Admission before one o’clock, 2s. 6d.; after one o’clock, 1s.
NORTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP KITTEN Manchester Evening News, 25th September 1901, Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 26th September 1901
The third championship show of the Northern Counties Cat Club was held to-day at the Town Hall, and proved a complete success. The exhibits, which numbered over 160, were more numerous than last year's show, and the experts declared tint quality was higher. Certainly there were some extremity pretty kittens staged, the six-months-old Siamese (Chaseley Robin) sent by Miss Armitage, of Chorley and the five-months-old tabby (Edgbaston Don Pedro) sent by Miss E.M. Cope, of Birmingham, being particularly handsome specimens. Other fanciers whose kittens attracted notice and admiration included. H.R.H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein Lady Lathom, Miss Beal (Darlington), Miss Simon (Liverpool), Miss Joan Woodcock (Wigan), and the. Rev. P. L. Cosway (Wakefield). The show, which is only open for one day, was well attended, and the awards, which follow, appeared to give general satisfaction. Prize-winners:-
LITTERS
Any variety: Miss E.M. Cope, 1; Mrs E. Gill, Doncaster, 2; Mrs Darcy Hildyard, Barnard Castle, 3.
LONG-HAIRED
Chinchilla pairs: Miss Simon, 1; Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, 2; Mrs Tyrwhitte-Drake, 3.
Chinchilla male: Miss Simon, 1; Mrs Martin, High Wycombe, 2 and 3.
Chinchilla female: Miss S. Nelson, Rochford, Essex, 1; Mrs Tyrwhitt-Drake, 2; Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, 3.
Blue pairs: Rev. P.L. Cosway, 1; Mirs Goodall, Darlington, 2; Miss M.M. Wilson, Daventry, 3.
Blue male: Rev. P.L. Cosway, 1; Miss Cope, 2; MrsGoodall, 3.
Blue female: Rev. P.L. Cosway, 1; Miss Young, 2; Miss E. Eardley, Burslem, 3.
Orange, cream, or fawn, pairs: Mrs Hildyard, 1; Mr Blane, 2, Mrs Woodcock, Wigan.
Orange, cream, or fawn, single: Mrs Neate, Marlborough, 1; Mrs Hildyard, 2; Mr Blane, 3.
Black or white, pairs: Mrs Gregory, Southampton, 1.
Black or white, single: Mrs Benj. Roberts, Liverpool, 1; Mrs J. Walker, Harrogate, 2.
Tabby, pairs: Miss Gray, Chelmsford, 1; Mrs Godsal, Salop, 2; Mrs John Walker, 3.
Tabby, single: Miss Cope, 1 and N.C.C. Championship for best long-hair, in addition to many specials; Mr Foalstone, Ruabon, 2; Miss Gray, 3.
A.O.V. Pairs: Mrs Alexander, Bowdon, 3 (no other prizes awarded).
A.O.V. Single: Mrs W.M. Meeson, Essex, 1 and 3; Mrs Kirk, Leamington, 2.
SHORT-HAIRED
British Self-coloured: Mrs Hughes, St. Helens, 1, 2, and 3.
British A.O.C: Miss Joan Woodcock, 1; Mr P. Charnley, Blackburn, 2; Mrs Tatae, Castleford, 3.
Manx: Miss Cochran, Wimborne, 1; Miss A.F. Dresser, Bexley Heath, 2.
Siamese: Miss R. Armitage, 1 and N.C.C. Championship for best short-haired, in addition to several specials; Mrs W.M. Nield, Bowdon, 2 and 3.
1901 HARROGATE SHOW
DOG AND CAT SHOW. INTERESTING EXHIBITION AT HARROGATENewcastle Daily Chronicle, 15th August 1901
Notwithstanding the almost continuous rain, the championship open show of sporting, non-sporting, and toy dogs and cats opened yesterday in grounds adjoining the railway station, Harrogate, was a brilliant success. . . . Of feline exhibits there were a number of very fine specimens. The judges were Mr L.P.C. Astley, Mr C.A. House, Mr G.A. Townsend, and Mr E. Welburn. The prize lis is as follows:-
Long-haired blue cats, class 1, male, 1st Mrs Collingwood, 2nd Mrs A. Finnie Young, 3rd Rev. P.L. Cosway.
Female class 2, 1st Miss W Beal, 2nd Rev. P.L. Cosway, 3rd Miss Bushell.
Long-haired cats, silver or chinchilla, class 4, female, 1st Miss A. F. Dresser,.
Class 5 male or female, 1st Hon. P. Wodehouse.
Long-haired smoke cats, male or female, 1st Mrs A.M. Stead.
Long-haired silver tabby, class seven, 1sr Miss Derby Hyde.
Long-haired silver tabby, white or black, class 8, male or female, 1st Miss E. Harper, 2nd Mrs T. Toothill, 3rd Mrs Wm. Nott.
Long-haired orange or cream, male or female, 1st Miss W Beal, 2nd Mrs D’Arcy Hildyard, 3rd Miss W Beal.
Long-haired tabby, 1st Miss Frances Simpson, 2nd Mrs A.M. Stead.
Long-haired tabby, other than silvers, female, 1st Miss L. Higgs.
Long-haired tortoiseshell or tortoiseshell and white, male or female, 1st Miss Mildred Beal, 2nd Hon. P. Wodehouse.
Long-haired kittens, blue, 1st Mrs R. J. Baldwin, 2nd Mrs W. Edmondson.
Long-haired kittens, chinchillas and shaded silvers, 1st Miss E.M. Cope, 2nd Miss E.M. Cope, 3rd Miss E.M. Cope.
Long-haired kittens, silver tabbies and smoke, 1st Miss E.M. Cope, 2nd Mr Hugh Maxwell, 3rd Mrs G. Oliver.
Long-haired kittens, tabby, 1st Mrs Francis Collison.
Long-haired kittens, any other colour, 1st Mrs F. Toothill, 2nd Miss T. Turner, 3rd Miss R. Mortivale.
Long-haired kittens, selling class, 1st Mrs John Walker, 2nd Miss B. Sargent, 3rd Mrs Duffin.
Long-haired neuters, male or female, 1st Rev. P.L. Cosway, 2nd Miss S. Bartlett, 3rd Miss Eggett.
Long-haired Novice cats, male or female, 1st Mrs D’Arcy Hildyard, 2nd Mrs R.J. Baldwin, 3rd Mrs A. Finnie Young.
Short-haired, Siamese cats, 1st Miss A.E. Cartwright, 2nd Mrs Barnett.
Short-haired, Manx cats, 1st Miss H. Cochran, 2nd Miss H. Cochran.
Short-haired black or white, 1st the Hon. P. Wodehouse, 2nd Miss Derby Hyde, 3rd mrs Collingwood.
Short-haired tabby, 1st Mr R. Kuhnel, 2nd Mr W. Phillips.
Short-haired tortoiseshell or tortoiseshell and white, 1st Mrs M.A. Pratt, 2nd Mrs John Walker, 3rd Mrs John Walker
Shor-haired self or whole coloured kittens, 1st Mrs F. Toothill, 2nd Mrs M. Hughes, 3rd Mrs M. Hughes.
Novice short-haired cats, 1st Mrs G. Oliver, 2nd Hon P. Wodehouse, 3rd Mr R. Kuhnel.
Local class, 1st Mrs W. Edmonson, 2nd Messrs. Cade’s kitten.
1901 SANDY (BEDS) CAT SHOW
SANDY DISTRICT FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. THE ANNUAL SHOW. Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 30th August 1901
Notwithstanding the almost wintry weather of the week, and the great anxieties of the organisers of Sandy Show, the eventful day which was yesterday, Thursday—was favoured with weather as perfect though it had been supplied to order. The northerly winds veered to the west, summer returned on time for this popular holiday, and the zephyrs tempered what would have been otherwise a hot day. When our first report left the showground at 2.30 p.m., the people were trooping in hundreds, and the road to Bedford was reminiscent of a ride to Epsom.
Cats. —"Has anybody seen our cat?" was not the cry, but "Have you been to see the cat show?’’ Oh! the pushing, squeezing, and hugging there was in that tent where 108 feline pets were put on view. Canaries generally have to sacrificed to cats when the cats get hold of them, and so [it was] in this case. Canaries were moulting, and the committee determined to sacrifice them and give the cats a chance. Result: A stupendous show, at which some of the finest cats in the kingdom were present. The champion cat was labelled "dangerous," and although he did look awfully vicious, his beauty was generally admired. This was Mrs. Parker Brough's Siamese "Jim." The Cat Club's specials were won by Miss E. Gant, and Reeve and Hough, and the Silver Society’s by Mrs. A. M. Stead, Mrs. G. Wilson, Mrs. E. Pickard; Blue Persian Society’s specials Rev. P. L. Cosway and Miss E. Gant. Other specials were won by Miss A. Bennett, Mrs. G. Wilson. Mrs. Fawsett. Miss Hyde Derby, Mrs. Coupland. Mrs. Clarke. Miss Winifred Beale, Miss Mildred Beale, Mrs. Paisley, Mrs F. W. Western, Mrs. H. Sell, R. Little, Gambier Bolton, F. W. Western, and Mrs. Vyvian.
Local classes, any variety, open to Sandy only: 1 F. W. Western, 2 Mrs. H. Banes, 3 Mrs. F. W. Western, vhc Mrs. Ibbott and E. N. D. Twelvetrees. Kitten, any variety, 1 and 2 Mrs. F. W. Western, 3 Mrs. Tott.
SANDY SHOW, BEDS Bedfordshire Mercury, 30th August 1901
The thirty-third annual exhibition in connection with the Sandy and District Floral and Horticultural Society took place in the Park of Sandye Place yesterday, by kind permission of the President of the Society (Sir Robert Edgcumbe). [. . .] Cage birds were dropped this year to make a specialty of cats.
CATS. Judges : Miss F. Simpson, Durdan’s House. St. Margarots-on-Thames; Miss Champion, 61, Fairlawn Grove, Chiswick. —Prizes, 1st 12s., 2nd 6s., 3rd 3s.
SPECIAL PRIZES.
The Cat Club’s silver medal for the lightest silver male cat (long-haired), Mrs G. Wilson.
Cat Club silver medal for best blue female (longhaired), Miss E. Gant.
Cat Club bronze medal for best silver tabby cat (short-haired). Reeve and Hough.
Silver Society silver medal for best silver tabby or smoke cat (members only) Mrs A. M. Stead.
Silver Society silver medal for best shaded silver or chinchilla cat (members only), Mrs G. Wilson.
Silver Society silver medal for best silver tabby or smoke kitten (members only), Miss E. Pickard.
Silver Society silver medal for best chinchilla or shaded silver kitten (members only). Miss E. Pickard.
Blue Persian Cat Society’s challenge prize—silver inkstand for the best blue Persian male (to be won 3 times) already won once by Mrs Collingwood’s “Royal Bobs,” Rev. P. L. Cosway,
Blue Persian Cat Society challenge prize—a silver tea caddy for the best blue female (to be won 3 times) already won once by Miss Sangster’s “Roval Heather Belle” Miss E. Gant.
Blue Persian Cat Society silver medal for the best blue male cat, Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Blue Persian Cat Society silver medal for the best blue female cat. Miss E. Gant.
Miss F. Simpson, special for the best blue male kitten, Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Mrs Collingwood, for the best blue female kitten, Miss A. Bennett.
Miss Patterson, soundest coloured blue female cat Miss E. Gant.
Miss Jay, silver medal for the best blue male, other than the winner of the Blue Persian Cat Society silver medal, Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Lady Marcus Beresford, silver medal for the best blue (long-haired , Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Lady Marcus Beresford, gold medal for best cat in silver classes, Mrs G. Wilson.
Lady Marcus Beresford, silver medal for best longhaired white with blue eyes, Mrs W. Nott.
Lady Marcus Beresford, bronze medal for best silver tabby long-haired), Mrs G. Wilson.
Lady Marcus Beresford, bronze medal for the best smoke Mrs A. M. Stead.
Lady Marcus Beresford, for best chinchilla kitten, Mrs L. Coupland.
Lady Marcus Beresford, for best smoke kitten (longhaired), Mrs S. F. Clarke.
Lady Marcus Beresford, for fawn male (long-haired). Miss Winifred Beal.
Lady Marcus Beresford, for orange female (longhaired), Miss Mildred Beal.
Mrs Champion, for silver tabby kitten (long-haired), Mrs Paisley.
Dr. Abbott, for best chinchilla under 4 years, Mrs G. Wilson.
Miss F. Simpson, for brown tabby female, Mrs F. W. Western.
Miss Dresser, for best adult cat in smoke, silver and chinchilla classes, Mrs G Wilson.
The Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison, for best cat in the show, Mrs Parker Brough.
Mr J White, for long-haired neuter, Mrs Sell.
Mrs F W Western, silver medal for best exhibit in Class 212, R Little.
Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford, silver bowl for best long-haired male in show, Miss Winifred Beal.
Short-haired Cat Society medal for best Manx cat exhibited by a member, Gambier Bolton.
Short-haired Cat Society medal for best short-haired silver tabby exhibited by a member, Mrs F W Western.
“Our Cats” framed gallery of celebrated cats for best cat that has never won a prize, Mrs G. Wilson.
“Fur and Feather,” bound volume for best exhibit in local adult class, Mrs F. W. Western.
Miss Monson, for best exhibit in local kitten class, Mrs F. W. Western.
“Our Cats” for best exhibit in local kitten class, Mrs P. W. Western.
F. P. Llewellyn, for best silver tabby Manx (striped or spotted), Gambier Bolton.
Mrs Sievewright, for best Manx male under 18 months, Gambier Bolton.
Siamese Club medal for best Siamese, Mrs Vyvyan.
LONG-HAIRED CLASSES
Class 203.—Blue. male. 1 Rev. P. L. Cosway, 2 Mrs F. W. Western.
Class 204.—Blue, female, 1 Miss K. Gant, 2 Rev. P.L. Cosway, 3 Miss Hilda Patterson, r. Miss Winifred Beal, vhc Mrs F. W. Western and Miss G. M. Young.
Class 205. —.Smoke, shaded silver, silver tabby, and chinchilla, male, 1 Mrs G. Wilson, 2 Miss Derby Hyde, . Mrs Sinkins, r. Mrs H. .Sherlock.
Class 206. —Ditto, female, 1 Mrs Pawsett, 2 Mrs A. M. Stead, 3 Miss Grant, v.h.c. Mrs M. A Moseley, h.c. Mrs S. Francis Clarke.
Class 207 - Any other colour, male, 1 Miss Winifred Beal, 2 Mrs D’Arcy Hildyard, 3 Mrs W. Nott.
Class 208—Ditto, female, 1 Miss Mildred Beal, 2 Mrs E. Pickard, 3 Miss Winifred Beal, vhc T. Furze.
Class 209.—Kitten, under months, blue, male or female, 1 Rev. P. L. Cosway, 2 Miss A. Bennett, 3 Hugh Macwell, r. Mrs S. Francis Clarke, hc Mrs E. F. Russell-Biggs.
Class 210. Ditto, smoke and silver tabby, 1 Mrs Paisley, 2 Mrs E. Pickard, 3 Mrs S. Francis Clarke, r. Mrs M. Cartwright, vhc Mrs E. Pickard (2).
Class 211.—Ditto, shaded silver and chinchilla, 1 Mrs L. Coupland, 2 Mrs E. Pickard, 3 Mrs Western.
Class 212.—Ditto, any other colour,1 R. Little, 2 Drury Bros., 3 Miss J. Moore.
SHORT-HAIRED CLASSES.
Class 213.—Whole or self coloured (except Manx or Siamese), male or female, 1 Miss Derby Hyde, 2 the Hon. P. Wodehouse, Mrs G. Pilkin, jun., r. F. W Western, hc Miss Maggie Pym.
Class 214, Tabby, striped, barred, or spotted (except Manx), male or female, 1 Reeve and Hough, 2 Mrs C. M. Bonny, 3 Mrs G. Pilkin, jun., hc G. Pope.
Class 210.—Manx, male or female, 1, 2, and 3 Gambier Bolton.
Class 217.—Siamese, male or female, 1 Mrs Vvvvan, 2 Mrs Parker Brough.
Class 218.—Kitten, under 8 months, any colour, male or female, 1 Mrs G. Pilkin, jun., 2 Mrs C. M, Bonny, 3 Miss Maggie Pym.
LONG-HAIRED AND SHORT-HAIRED CLASSES
Class 219.—Neuter cat, any variety. 1 Mrs H Sell, 2 Miss Swain, 3 Miss A. E. Cartwright, r. Rev. P. L. Cosway, vhc Miss Bartlett, hc A. M. Bland and Mrs Fletcher, c. E. D. Twelvetrees.
Class 220. —Selling, any variety, any age, price not to exceed 42s.. male, female or neuter, 1 Mrs Nott, 2 and r Mrs S. Francis Clarke, 3 Mrs F W Western.
LOCAL CLASSES.
Open to residents of the parish of Sandy only.
Class 22l.—Cat. any variety, 1, 3 and r Mrs F. W. Western,2 Mrs H. Banes, vhc E. N. D. Twelvetrees and Mrs Ibhott.
Class 222.—Kitten, any variety, 1 and 2 Mrs F. W, Western, 3 Mrs Tott.
1901 SLOUGH CAT SHOW
[CAT SHOW, SLOUGH] Carlow Sentinel, 21st September 1901
Lady Marcus Beresford is organising a Cat Show to be held at Slough on the 27th, under the auspices of the Cat Club. The entries are numerous, and amongst them may be seen the names of some famous champion cats.
[SLOUGH CAT SHOW] Bucks Advertiser & Aylesbury News, 5th October 1901
Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein secured the first prize in the Blue Challenge Class at the Slough Cat Show on Friday, and also the premier award in the silver variety. Lady Pink captured the first and four specials for silver tabbies. Lady Williams and Lord Bridport obtained chief honours in their respective classes. Lady Marcus Beresford was also a prize winner. The show was for the benefit of the Princess Christian Nursing Home.
CAT SHOW AT SLOUGH. Windsor and Eton Express, 5th October 1901
SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION IN AID OF PRINCESS CHRISTIAN’S NURSING HOME. Under the auspices of the Cat Club, which has for its presidents, Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, Edith, Duchess of Wellington, and Lady Marcus Beresford, a Show was held in the Leopold Institute, Slough, on Friday. We believe it is the custom of the Society to hold each year one or more exhibitions in aid of charity. On the present occasion the object was to augment the funds of a most deserving institution in the Royal Borough, viz., Princess Christian's Nursing Home. Her Royal Highness readily consented to become patroness of the Show, and many well-known local people being cat fanciers were assiduous in their endeavours to make the undertaking a success. It is therefore pleasing to record that their efforts were not in vain, for in every respect the show proved a veritable triumph. The entries numbered 272, and many of the most noted breeders sent animals to compete. Consequently competition was very keen, and the judges had no sinecure position to fill.
Her Highness Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein competed, and was very successful. In the Blue Challenge Class she had no opposition, and Blue Girl was awarded the premier prize. Her Highness gained a similar distinction amongst a numerous collection with a beautifully-shaded and well-coloured kitten Puck III. The same animal gained a silver medal given by the Silver Society, for best Chinchilla or shaded kitten. In the Siamese Class there were some magnificent animals penned, Lady Marcus Beresford's "Windsor King of Siam" was much admired. He cleared off all the premier prizes in which he was entered, amongst his successes being the challenge cup and the President's cup. Her ladyship also captured the chief honours for the best Siamese female with "Khoula," an excellent specimen of this particular breed. In the Manx division, Mr. Gambier Bolton's well-known cats cleared the board. Lady Pink's famous "Shrover II," who gained such distinctions at Westminster earlier in the year, was again to the fore in the classes for Silver Tabbies and gained the challenge trophy presented by the Countess of Aberdeen, the five guinea challenge cup presented by the Silver Society, and other specials. The Rev. P. L. Cosway, of Wakefield, with his well-known animals gained still further triumphs, including several cups and specials. Mrs. Leuty Collins showed some excellent animals and secured honours with "James II.," which was sold at £7 7s. - a big bargain. Presumably this is the first time this handsome silver tabby has been shown and besides capturing a first and second, it secured two championships, a silver medal, and an enamelled pendant. Mrs. Tyrwhitt Drake was also very prominent with her chinchillas, and obtained many prizes. The entries throughout were of an excellent quality and many of the most noted prize-winners were competing in the honours list, which included no less than 115 specials.
The pens were fitted rip by Messrs. Spratt. The arrangements of the Show were admirably conceived and carried out by a committee, consisting of Lady Marcus Beresford, Mrs. Paul Hardy, Miss Anderson Leake, Mr. R. Bagster, Mr. Gambier Bolton, Mr. W. R. Hawkins, and Mrs. Bagster (hon. secretary T.C.C.). Of course the brunt of the clerical work fell on the local secretaries, and the Society were fortunate in obtaining the services of Messrs. W. Wicks and Jones, both of whom are well acquainted with this particular class of work. Mr. Western, of Bracknell, kindly undertook the duties appertaining to the position of veterinary inspector. The judging, as far as one could gather, met with the universal approval of the competitors, a fact upon which Mrs. Mackenzie Stewart, Mrs. Mary Campbell, Miss Champion, and Mr. C. A. House (editor of Fur and Feather), who undertook the onerous and not always pleasant task of allotting the awards, are to be congratulated. The following is the prize list :-
LONG-HAIRED CATS
Class 1. Black or white male.-Mrs. William Nott, Hatfield, 1; Miss E. Harper, Haywards Heath, 2; Mr. Robert Little, Beckenham, 3.
2. Black or white female.-Mr. Robert Little, 1; Miss D. Champion, Chiswick, 2; Mrs. H. A. Cartwright. Salisbury, 3.
3. Blue challenge class, male or female.- H.R.H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, Cumberland Lodge, 1.
4. Blue male. - Rev. P. L. Cosway, Wakefield, 1, and r. ; Mrs. F. Norris, Kew Green, 2; Mrs. Hobden, Chalvey, 3.
5. Blue female.- Mrs. Edith Gant, 25, Conduit-street, London, W., 1; Rev. P. L. Cosway, 2; Peter Brown, Streatham Hill, 3; Miss Winifred Beal, r.
7 and 8. Chinchilla, male or female.- Mrs. G. P. Tyrwhitt Drake, Scarsby, Lincs., 1; Lady Marcus Beresford, Bishopsgate, 2; Mrs. Walford Gosnell, Chelmsford, 3; Mrs. George Wilson, Sydenham, r.
9 and 10. Shaded silver, male or female.- Miss Alice Dell, Harlesden, N.W., 1 ; Mrs. Fawssett, New Bolingbroke Vicarage, Boston, 2; Miss Lister, Ascot, 3.
11 and 12. Silver tabby, male or female.- Lady Pink, Shrover Hall, near Cosham, Hants, 1; Mrs. Herring, Lee, Kent, 2; Miss Anderson Leake, Bradfield, Reading, 3; Miss Derby Hyde, r.
13 and 14. Smoke, male or female.- Rev. P. L. Cosway, 1; Mrs. Sinkins, Aldernoor, Southampton, 2; Mrs. Harold James, Backwell, near Bristol, 3.
15 and 18. Any other colour.- Mrs. Carew Cox, New Milton, Hants, 1; Mr. Thos. Furze, Birmingham, 2; Miss Mildred Beal, Darlington, 3.
16. Brown tabby, male or female. - Miss F. Simpson. St. Margaret's-on-Thames, 1 and 2 ; Miss Derby Hyde, North Moreton, Wallingford, 3.
17. Orange, male or female.- Mrs. E. Davies, Upper Caterham, Surrey, 1; Miss Winifred Beal, Ronaldkirk Rectory, Darlington, 2; Rev. P. L. Cosway, 3.
17a. Cream or fawn, male or female. - Miss Winifred Beal, 1; Mrs. F. W. Western, Sandy, Beds., 2; Mrs. D'Arcy Hildyard, Barnard Castle, Durham, 3.
19. Neuter, any colour.- Lord Bridport, 1; Rev. P. L. Cosway, 2 ; Miss Edith Ashton Jonson, Englefield Green, 3.
21. Long-haired kittens, blue male.- Mrs. Alfred Allen, 1; Lady Marcus Beresford, 2 ; Mrs. Peter Brown, 3.
22. Blue female.- Mrs. S. Francis Clarke, Upgate, South Lincs., 1; Mrs. Cecil Curwen, Fifield, near Maidenhead, 2; Miss Hilda Patterson, Maiden-lane, Charing Cross, 3; Lady Marcus Beresford, r.
23, 24, 25, 26, and 27. Silver any variety, male or female.- H.H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, 1; Miss Anderson Leake, 2; Mrs. Simon, Regents Park, N. W., 3; Miss S. E. Horsman, r.
28, , 29, 30, 30s, and 31. Any other colour, male or female.- Mrs. Francis Neate, Marlborough, 1; Mr. Robert Little and Mrs. D’Arcy Hildyard, equal 2; Miss Marie Bayer, Bishopsgate, 3.
SHORT-HAIRED CATS
32 and 33. Short-haired cats, self coloured.- Miss Derby Hyde, 1; Mr. Albert Steward, Roseham, Norwich, 2; Mrs. Carew Cox, 3.
34, 35, and 36. Tabby, male or female.- Mrs. Leuty Collins, Croydon, 1; Mrs. George Oliver, 2; Mrs. Clarence Mellor Bonny, Ditchling, Sussex, 3.
37 and 38. Male or Female (any other colour).- Mrs. George Pitkin, New Bushey, Herts, 1 ; Mrs. E. Page, Oxford, 2 ; Mrs. Collingwood, Leighton Buzzard. 3.
39. Manx, male or female.- Mr. Gambier Bolton, 1, 2, and 3.
40. Siamese, male or female. - Lady Marcus Beresford, 1; Mrs. Hood Wright, Frome, 2; Mrs. M. Robinson, West Kensington, 3.
41. Neuter, any colour.- Mr. C. Emmett, Epsom, 1 ; Mrs. Collingwood, 2 ; Mr. Andrews, Bishopgate, 3.
43. Short-haired Kittens, male or female.- Mrs. Collingwood, 1; Mrs. Leuty Collins, 2 ; Mr. Gambier Bolton, 3.
SELLING CLASSICS.
45. Cats, longhaired, any colour, male, female, or neuter.—Mrs. L. F. Welwyn, Monmouth, 1; Mr. T. Furze, 2; Mrs. G. Bowyer. Bracknell, 3.
47 and 98. Kittens, any colour, male, female, or neuter.—Lady Williams, 1 and 3; Miss Hilda, Patterson, 2.
SPECIAL PRIZES.
Presented by Lord Marcus Beresford.—Challenge cup for best long haired blue male—Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Challenge cup for best Royal Siamese male—Lady Marcus Beresford.
Presented by Lady Marcus Beresford.—Challenge cup for the best long-haired brown tabby male—Mr. Robert Little.
Ditto, long-haired brown tabby female. —Miss Derby Hyde.
Challenge cup for the best Royal Siamese female. —Lady Marcus Beresford.
Challenge cup for the best short-haired tabby (silver and brown).—Mrs. Leuty Collins.
Challenge cup for the best self-coloured shorthaired cat.—Miss Derby Hyde.
Challenge cup for the best short-haired blue male. —Mr. Albert Steward.
Presented by Lily, Duchess of Marlborough – Challenge cup for the best long-haired male (any other variety).—Miss Winifred Beal.
Presented by Colonel Chaine, C.B.—Challenge cup for the best long-haired white male—Mrs. William Nett.
Presented by Mr. H. King.—Challenge cup for the best long-haired black male—Mr. Robert Little.
Presented by a cat fancier.—Challenge cap for the beet long-haired smoke (male or female)—Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Presented by a cat fancier.—Challenge cup for the best long-haired orange male—Mrs. E. Davies.
Presented by a cat fancier.—Challenge cup for the best long-haired silver tabby (male or female)—Lady Pink.
Presented by Mrs. Preston Whyte.—Challenge cup for the best long-haired tortoiseshell female—Mrs. Carew Cox.
Presented by Mr. C. W. Witt.—Challenge cup for the best long haired blue female—Mrs. Edith Gant.
Presented by Messrs. D. J. Wellby and Co.— Challenge cup for the best short haired orange tabby, male or female—Mrs. Collingwood.
Presented by Messrs. Spratt's Patent Limited.— Challenge cop (value five guineas) for the best short haired silver tabby, male or female—Mrs. Leuty Collins.
Breeders' cups, for the bent cat or kitten bred by exhibitor; to be won four times—Long haired blue, presented by Mrs. Barnett—Rev. P. L. Cosway.
White, presented by Mr. W. R. Hawkins – Mrs. William Nott.
Black, presented by Mrs. Maconochie – Mr. Robert Little.
Smoke, presented by members of the Cat Club— Mrs. Sinkins.
Silver, presented by Scotland—Miss Alice Dell.
Silver tabby, presented by members of the Cat Club—Lady Pink.
Brown tabby, presented by members of the Cat Club—Miss F. Simpson.
Orange, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford— Mrs. Herring.
Cream and fawn, presented by members of the Cat Club—Miss Winifred Beal.
Tortoiseshell, presented by members of the Cat Club—Miss Mildred Beal.
Short haired, tabby, any colour, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford—Mrs. Collingwood.
Manx, presented by members of the Cat Club—Mr. Gambier Bolton.
Open to all local cats, owned within a radius of 12 miles of Slough.—Long haired, a gold medal for the best cat—Miss Lister.
Silver medal for the best black or white—Miss D. Champion.
Silver medal for the best neuter—Miss Ashton Jenson.
Short-haired: Gold medal for the best cat—Mrs. Collingwood.
Silver medal for the best silver or brown tabby— Miss Leuty Collins.
Silver medal for the best orange, fawn, or tortoiseshell—Miss Marie Bayer, Bishopgate.
Silver medal for the best neuter—Mr. C. Emmett.
Long-haired kittens: Bronze medal for the best tabby—Miss Anderson Leake.
Presented by Lady Marcus Beresford, open to all exhibitors other than members of the Silver, Blue, Orange, Siamese, or Short-haired Societies, unless those members are also members of the Cat Club : A parasol for the best brown tabby female kitten— Miss F. Simpson.
An embroidered hand bag for the best fawn kitten —Mrs. Francis Neate.
Ditto for the best black kitten—Mr. Robert Little.
Ditto for the best silver tabby kitten - Miss Anderson Leaks.
A cat brooch for the best blue kitten—Mrs. S. Francis Clarke.
Short-haired: Enamelled notebook for the best Siamese in the show—Lady Marcus Beresford.
Cat's brooch for the Manx male—Mr. Gambier Bolton.
Enamelled pendant for the best silver tabby—Mrs. Leuty Collins.
Gold money bag for the best brown tabby—Mrs. George Oliver, Otley, Yorks.
Special, presented by Miss H. Murray, for the best neuter silver tabby short-haired (open to all)--Mr. C. Emmett.
Silver ornament, presented by Mrs. Vary Campbell, for the best Siamese female—Lady Marcus Beresford.
Silver-topped scent bottle, presented by Mrs D'Arcy Hildyard, for the best cream male (novice)— Mrs. F. W. Western.
Presented by the Silver Society, five guinea challenge cup for the best male in the Silver Society classes ; also a silver medal to commemorate each win—Lady Pink.
Four-guinea challenge cap for best female in S.S. class, also a silver medal to commemorate each win— Mrs. G. P. Tyrwhitt Drake.
The S.C.R. challenge bowl (in memory of the Stud Cat Register) to be awarded to the best cat in the S.S. classes, bred by exhibitor—Miss Alice Dell.
Five-guinea challenge bowl and a silver medal to commemorate each win for the best chinchilla—Mrs. G. P. Tyrwhitt Drake.
Challenge trophy (solid silver model of a cat) presented by the Countess of Aberdeen, together with a silver medal to commemorate each win, for the best silver tabby bred by exhibitor—Lady Pink.
Challenge bowl, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford for best smoke female, bred by exhibitor—Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Gold medal for best smoke or silver tabby, male or female—Miss Alice Dell.
Silver medal for best smoke or silver tabby kitten— Miss Anderson Leake.
Silver medal for best chinchilla or shaded silver kitten - H.R.H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein.
Special, presented by Miss Cope, for best silver tabby kitten, long-haired—Miss Anderson Leake.
Silver special, presented by Mrs. G. Boutcher, for the silver special class that has the least number of specials offered for it—Miss Alice Dell.
Presented by the Blue Persian Cat Society. Challenge prize, a silver inkstand for the best blue male cat (to be won three times)—Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Challenge prize, a silver tea caddy, for the best blue female cat (to be won three times)—Mrs. Edith Gant.
B.P.C.S. special badge for the best blue kitten, bred by exhibitor—Mrs. Cecil Curwen.
Special, presented by Lady Marcus Beresford, for the best blue female cat—Mrs. Edith Gant.
Special, presented by Mrs. Maconochie for the best blue male—Rev. P. L. Cosway .
Special, presented by Mrs. Mackenzie Stewart, for the second prize blue female cat—Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Special, presented by Mrs. Peter Brown, for the best blue male kitten.—Mrs. Alfred Allen, Caversham.
Special, presented by Mrs. Bishop, for the best orange eyes in the female blue kitten class—Mrs. S. Francis Clarke.
Special, presented by Mrs. Paul Hardy, for the best blue neuter—Lord Bridport.
Special for Mrs. Ponder for the best blue female kitten—Mrs. S. Francis Clarke.
Special, presented by Miss F. Simpson, for the soundest coloured male blue cat—Rev. P. L. Cosway.
Special, presented by Mrs. Russell Biggs, for the second best blue male Persian kitten—Lady Marcus Beresford.
Presented by the Orange and Tortoiseshell Society (open only to members of the Orange and Tortoiseshell Society). Special, for best orange female (novice)—Mrs. Francis Neate.
Special for best tortoiseshell female (novice)—Miss Mildred Beal.
Presented by the Siamese Chill (open only to members of the Siamese Club).—The President's Cup for best Siamese in Show (to be won three times)—Lady Marcus Beresford.
A medal for the bees Siamese male, female, kitten or neuter—Lady Marcus Beresford.
Presented by the Short-haired Cat Society (open only to members of the Short-haired Cat Society).— The Walker Challenge Cup and Club medal to commemorate each win for best silver tabby (to be won four times)—Mrs. Clarence Mellor Bonny.
The Club medal for the best blue-eyed white—Miss Derby Hyde.
The Club medal for the best black—Mrs. Coilingwood.
The Club medal for the best brown or red tabby— Mrs. Collingwood.
The Club medal for the best Manx—Mr. Gambier Bolton.
Presented by Lady Marcus Beresford, for the best long-haired blue neuter—Lord Bridport.
For the largest long-haired blue neuter—Miss Edith Ashton Jonson.
For the best long-haired cream cat or kitten—Miss Winifred Beal.
Special presented by Mrs. Champion, for shaded Silver Female, shape and size of head to be the chief consideration—Miss Alice Dell.
Special, presented by the Misses Champion, for the best Chinchilla Female, shape and size of head to be the chief consideration—Mrs. G. P. Tyrwhitt Drake.
Challenge Cup, presented by the Short-haired Cat Society, for the best blue, exhibited by a member— Mrs. R. Middleton, Chelsea.
Pair of sugar sifters, presented by Mrs. Cecil Curwen, for the best black English cat, with yellow or orange eyes (local)—Mrs. Collingwood.
Butter knife and sugar tongs, presented by Mrs. Cecil Curwen (local) – Mrs. George Oliver.
CAT SHOW AT SLOUGH Bucks Herald, 5th October 1901
The Cat Club, of which Lily Duchess of Marlborough, Edith Duchess of Wellington, and Lady Marcus Beresford are presidents, selected this town for a championship show, and the event took place at the Public Hall on Friday, Sept. 27. Princess Christian’s Windsor Nursing Home was the object in aid of which the exhibition was held, and the undertaking was under the patronage of Her Royal Highness, while her daughter, Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, was among the exhibitors, showing a cat and two kittens. The former was Blue Girl, beautiful blue Persian, which easily carried off premier honours. The kittens were Puck III. and Imp II., and both were bred by Lady Marcos Beresford. Puck III. won a first and a silver medal for the best shaded silver kitten. Lady Marcus Beresford gave a number of special prizes and won several, including a challenge cup presented by her husband, Lord Marcns Beresford, for the best Royal Siamese male. The Countess of Aberdeen’s silver model of a cat, for the best silver tabby, was won by Lady Pink with Shrover II., which was awarded several additional specials. Mrs. Cecil Curwen, of Fifield, near Maidenhead, penned her Orient Rose and Orient Thistle, and the former obtained second prize in the class for blue females and the B.P.C.S. badge for the best blue kitten bred by exhibitor. Mrs. Hobden, of Chalvey, Slough, showed her blue male Henry, and it secured a third. Miss Rae, of Iver Grove, exhibited in four classes, and her Iver Dan was commended. Mrs. Warden Chilcott, of Lovel Dene, Windsor Forest, entered Peter the Great, which was very highly commended. Lord Bridport took first prize with Marcus, and Mrs. Collingwood, of Bossington, Leighton Buzzard, was very successful with her cats. Mrs. G. P. Tyrwhitt Drake was first with her Chinchilla Musa and three valuable trophies offered by the Silver Society. A grand afternoon concert took place in the Masonic Hall in connection with the show, and it was attended by a fashionable audience including Lord Bridport, Lady Tatton Sykes, Lady Willmott, Lady Marcus Beresford, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Vyse, Mr. G. Howard-Vyse, the Rev. T. Read Davies, Capt. Crawley, &c., &c.
1901 AYLESBURY SHOW
[AYLESBURY FANCIERS’ SHOW] Bucks Advertiser & Aylesbury News, 26th October 1901
The twelfth show of the Aylesbury and District Fanciers' Club of dogs, poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cage birds, cats, cavies, mice and rats, was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday and Thursday last . . . Owing to the large number of exhibits the cats had a gallery to themselves. Some very nice looking pussies were view, and evidently their owners set great store by them, for a few were treated to luxurious cushions covered with pale blue silk. On the whole, however, the cat show was not quite so good as one might have expected, and one leading exhibitor secured nearly every prize.
CATS. Prizes – First 10s., 2nd 5s., 3rd 2s. 6d.
Class 74 - Long hair, male or female - First and special, 2nd, and 3rd Mrs Collingwood, r Mrs Western.
Class 75 - Short hair, male or female - First, 2nd, and r Mrs Collingwood, 3rd Mrs Western.
Class 76 - Kitten, under six months - First, 2nd, and 3rd Mrs Collingwood, r F Goodyear.
1901 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW
1901 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW The Graphic
CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE – The Times, October 30, 1901.
The 12th championship show held under the auspices of the National Cat Club was opened at the Crystal Palace yesterday. There are 640 exhibitors, with 1,200 entries, and these numbers constitute the largest show organized exclusively for cats ever held in the country. Among those who are exhibiting are the patron of the club, Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein; the Countess of Aberdeen, Viscountess Maitland, and Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle, vice-presidents; Lady Decies, Lady Pink, the Hon. P. Wodehouse, M.P., the Rev. P. L. Cosway, and Dr. Roper. Though blue Persians form the largest section of the exhibits, the number of entries indicating a revival of interest in the breeding of short-haired cats, perhaps the most attractive classes are those for Chinchillas, of which there are many beautiful specimens. The cream-coloured Persians, a recent development in shows of this nature, are the objects of much interest and curiosity, both on the part of breeders and the public; while the fine collection of silver tabbies also comes in for a large share of attention. One of the most successful exhibitors is Mrs. Pettitt, of St. Leonards, who, with “Piquante Pearl,” secures the Stisted Challenge Bowl, one of the club's open championships, and several other prizes. Lady Alexander wins the National Cat Club’s Challenge Cup for the best short-haired cat in the show, the Machonochie Challenge Cup, an open championship, and other trophies in addition. Mrs. Lenty Collins, of West Croydon, is awarded the open championship for the best black long-haired cat; while other principal prizes are taken by the Countess of Aberdeen, Lady Pink, Lady Decies, Miss W. Beal, of Darlington, Mr. E. Inman, of Harrogate, Mrs. R. O. Backhouse, of Sutton Court, Hereford, and the Hon. P. Wodehouse. The judges — the Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, Mrs. M. Robinson, Mr. Louis Wain, the Rev. J. C. Maynard, Mr. C. G. Silk, Mr. H. Jung, Mr. H. C. Brooke, Mr. E. Welburn, and Mr. G. W. Mason — were unable to complete their task yesterday, when there was a crowded attendance, and the judging of the remaining classes will be resumed to-day.
THE LONDON CAT SHOW. SCOTTISH PRIZEWINNERS. Edinburgh Evening News, 30th October 1901
The twelfth championship show of the National Cat which was opened the Crystal Palace yesterday is the largest show exclusively for cats ever held In this country. There are ten exhibitors from Scotland, including Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle (who takers lead with 22 cats), the Countess of Aberdeen (who sends three animals), Mr A. Boyes, Bridge of Allan; Mrs G. Kitto, Musselburgh, and Mrs Young, Dunblane. Lady Alexander carries off no fewer than 15 prizes. The Counters of Aberdeen gets the first and third prizes the novice class for any colour tabbies. Mrs 3 Kitto, Musselburgh, gets two commended tickets - one for a. tabby kitten, and the other for a female tortoiseshell.
CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 30th October 1901
The 12th championship meeting of the National Cat Club was opened yesterday at the Crystal Palace. The exhibits, occupying the whole of the north nave, are housed in a huge marquee. As a show exclusively organised for cats the exhibition is the largest ever held, and, although last year’s record entry of 575 was considered more than exceptional, the cats penned this year exceed that number by no fewer than 65. The exhibitors include Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein (patron of the club), the Countess of Aberdeen, the Viscountess Maitland, Lady Alexander, and Lady Decies. In the open championship Mrs Pettit, of St. Leonards, wins the National Cat Club’s challenge cup for the best white long-haired animal in the show, and Mrs. Leuty Collins, West Croydon, the club's challenge cup for the best black long-haired animal. The premiership for the best male Siamese cat goes Yorkshire, Mr. E.H.J. Inman, of Ellangoman, Harrogate, being the successful exhibitor. In a brace class for long-haired kittens Mrs. E. Gill, Bennithorpe, Doncaster, secures a second prize, whilst the Rev. P.L. Cosway, of Outwood, Wakefield, successful exhibitor of long-haired cats.
NATIONAL CAT SHOW Morning Post, 30th October 1901
The twelfth championship show of the National Cat Club was opened yesterday at the Crystal Palace, and will be continued to-day. Each year shows an advance both in the numbers and quality of the competitors. The number of entries is 1,021, divided into 106 classes, and the actual number of cats shown according to the catalogue is 601, but it was understood that the total was slightly in excess of that number. The entries show a considerable advance on last year’s record, and this notwithstanding the fact that the fees had been raised. The prizes are more numerous and valuable, and the National Cat Show promises soon to rank in importance with some of the best shows of the Kennel Club. Blue Persians form a large section, and the strong single-kitten class gives great promise for the future. Mesdames Bartlett and Lemmon take many firsts and specials with their Oliver Wooleepug. The Challenge Cap for the best short-haired cat in the show, English or foreign, male or female, was awarded to Lady Alexander's Ballochmyle Perfection, which has won over a hundred firsts and championships. Several specials also fall to its share on this occasion. There is fine lot of Chinchillas, and some representative specimens of the newly-developed breed of cream-coloured Persians, which attracted much attention. The silver tabbies found many admirers, and there were evident tokens of special breeding having proved successful. As usual, the kitten classes are exceedingly interesting, and a great attraction to visitors. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein contributes a handsome Chinchilla kitten, known as Puck III, which obtained the v.h.c., and also a blue in the long-haired section. Mr. E H. Inman took twelve special prizes with his Siamese Woodsley Pongo; and Mrs. Pettit was nearly as successful with her white long-haired Piquante Pearl. Among other exhibitors or prize winners were the Countess of Aberdeen, Viscountess Maitland, Lady Denies, Lady Pink, the Hon. Phillip Wodehouse, Mrs. West, Miss Beal, Mrs. D’Arcy Hilyard, Miss Butler, and Miss Una Fox. The show is held in the north nave, and is sheltered by a large marquee, which considerably interferes with the light, from the spectator’s point of view.
NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 30th October 1901
The National Cat Club opened its two days’ annual show at the Crystal Palace yesterday. The exhibition is a fine one. The cats benched numbered 640 – 65 more than last year—which constitutes record, and most of the champions in England and Scotland are competing. Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle benched a magnificent team, and won many prizes. Other distinguished exhibitors were Lady Pink, who obtained several firsts, Lady Decies, who was equally successful, the Countess of Aberdeen, Viscountess Maitland, Princess Victoria Schleswig-Holstein, who was very highly commended for Puck III., and the Hon. P. Wodehouse. Among the north-country exhibitors. Miss Winifred Beal, the Rectory, Darlington, took the leading position, her honours including first for blue female (long-hair), first for orange (male), first and second for female, first and second for male cream, second and third for female. Miss Beal’s firsts carried championships and many specials with them. Miss M. Beal was also a successful exhibitor. Miss S. M. Butler, Great Ayton, won several prizes, including second for blue female (short hair) and third in a kitten class. Mrs. H. Chapman, Middlesbrough, was third in open class for while male (short hair). Rev. P. L. Cosway, Outwood, Wakefield, shows some nice blue and smoke long-hairs and obtained three thirds among classics. Mrs. C. Heslop, Darlington, took the following honours —second for tortoiseshell (open, female), and second for red or orange tabby. Mrs. D’Arcy Hildyard, Barnard Castle, obtained the leading award for cream female (longhair). and other honours; Mr. E. H. J. Inman, Harrogate, took a lot of prizes in the Siamese variety, including first and twelve specials for Woodsley Pongo; Mrs. G. Oliver, Otley, was awarded third for brown tabby, long hair (open). Other Yorkshire exhibitors who were honourably mentioned are Mrs. Collier, Brough, East Yorkshire; Mrs. B. Dinsdale, Bradford; Mrs. E. Gill, Doncaster; Mrs. J. Hargreaves, Skipton; and Mr. K. Kuhuel, Bradford, came well to the front the short-hair division.
ARISTOCRATIC CATS. SOCIETY PETS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. St James's Gazette, 30th October 1901
Caste among cats is as painfully marked as it is among human beings; and it is consequently a far cry from the common or housetop variety to the 640 pampered aristocrats that are attracting hundreds of society ladies to the Crystal Palace. The National Cat Club, which holds its twelfth show this week, has as its patron H.R.H. the Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, and as its president her Grace the Duchess of Bedford, while among the vice-presidents are H.S.H. Princess Alexis Dolgorouki, the Countess of Warwick, the Countess of Aberdeen, and Viscountess Maitland. Thus there is little fear that the status of the cat in society will suffer, even if Mr. Louis Wain, the president of the club’s committee does sometimes have little consideration for the dignity of his subjects.
Among the most aristocratic cats on exhibition are a pretty male chinchilla and an equally pretty blue female, sent from Cumberland Lodge by Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein; three tabbies bedecked with Gordon tartan ribbons, shown by the Countess of Aberdeen; a blue female, the property of Viscountess Maitland; and two tabbies belonging to Lady Pink, one of which whisks his tail among five award cards-one first and four specials. From the cat-house of Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle come no fewer than twenty-five cats, for which she has secured over thirty award tickets of varied value. Perhaps the most successful cat in the show belongs to Lady Decies, a chinchilla, the heroine of a hundred cat fights, which rubs her aristocratic nose against two first prize tickets, fifteen special, and at least one championship. The Hon. Phillip Wodehouse sends from Witton Park four pretty creatures, for one of which he is awarded two special prizes.
Five minutes in the Palace will convince the unsophisticated visitor that the cats on exhibition are by no means the best in the country, for at every step almost, ladies may be heard making comments against which every self-respecting cat in the show must protest; while the aforesaid ladies pass confidential remarks about champions which, however, they took care not to expose to the fierce light that beats upon show-room cats and kittens. The cats at the Crystal Palace are not without their romances; and in saying this no reference is made to the words “unknown parentage” that are so shockingly frequent, and that stare at one out of every page of the catalogue. Not to mention the pathetic note sent by an absentee Bedfordshire entrant who, perhaps in some clandestine excursion, ran a straw into his eye, and had to forego the trip to the Palace; there is the £100 Bombay cat of Mrs. Brooke, of Wellin, Kent, which, although only one year old, twice fell overboard on the high seas and was shipwrecked when the Sobraon went down. The Club have, in arranging the exhibits, shown every consideration for the cats and their admirers, and the Committee, with Mrs. Stannard- Robinson as hon. secretary, have done their work thoroughly and well.
THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW: THE CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 31st October 1901
North Country exhibitors of cats, dogs, poultry, and pigeons will regret to learn that Mrs A. Stennard-Robinson, hon. sec. of the National Cat Club and the Ladies’ Kennel Club, who had not recovered from the effects of her recent carriage accident, suffered a relapse after her exertions at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday, and yesterday was confined to bed. Mr J.B. Townend acted with efficiency in her stead. The championship awards were made known, Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle, Lady Decies, and Lady Pink being conspicuously successful. Mis Winifred Beal, Darlington, obtained the championship for the long-haired cream variety wither her well-known Fluffie, and the Crystal Palace Company’s special prize. The championship in the Siamese breed was awarded to Mr E.H.J. Inman, Harrogate, for his Woodsley Pongo, two first prizes and fourteen specials. In addition to the awards mentioned yesterday, Miss S.M. Butler, Great Ayton, took first prize with a fine blue short-hair kitten, seven months old; the Rev P.L. Cosway, Outwood, Wakefield, first for brace of blue kittens; and Mrs Toothill, Horsforth, second for short-hair kittens. The classes for working men and women have proved very successful, several Yorkshire exhibitors being among the number.
CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE London Evening Standard, 30th October 1901
The largest cat show ever held was yesterday opened, and will be continued to-day at the Crystal palace. This is the twelfth annual Championship Show of the National Cat Club, and the exhibits occupy the greater portions of the North Nave. For their comfort a large marquee has been erected wherein the cats are staged. Last year the entries were 575, but this year there are 65 more. The prizes offered are larger in certain classes, but this has been accompanied by a raising of the entrance fees. The chief feature is the large number of Blue Persians. The many beautiful specimens of this particular breed prove that there is no falling off in liking for the short-haired variety. Cream coloured Persians – a recently developed breed – and silver tabbies form two interesting collections. The latter class especially shows great improvement in markings. A very pretty part of the show consists of the Chinchilla Persians, of which there are many fine examples. The judges were, for Chinchillas and foreign varieties, Mrs MacLaren Morrison; Siamese, Mrs M. Morrison; tortoiseshell, tortoise [shell and white], and working men’s classes, Mr Louis Wain; silver tabbies, Rev. J. C. Maynard; smokes, and any other colour tabby long-haired, Mr C.G. Silk; all tabby and tortoiseshell short hairs, Mr H. Jung; Manx, Mr H.C. Brooke; neuters, &c., Mr E. Welburn; blue, black, white, all long-haired, Mr G.W. Mason.
In the long-haired whites, males, Miss White Atkins was first with White Knight, a pretty animal already a prize winner, and Mrs Pettitt won with Piquante Pearl in the female class. The best male black was Mrs Lenty Collins’s Forest Beauty, and the best female Ballochmyle Queen of Eyes, belonging to Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle. In the single kitten class, black or white, Mrs Beavis was first with Othello, and Mrs Pettitt in the pair kitten class. The open class for blue males was won by Mesdames Bartlett and Lemmon with Oliver Woodleeping [Oliver Woolleepug], and in the corresponding class for females Miss W. Beal with Ronald Kirk Vic, which was also second in the novice class. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein sent Blue Girl, a very good specimen. The Rev. P.L. Cosway was first in the blue kitten class with a fine brace. The prize for single kittens was won by Mrs M. jJnes with Jock, and Piquante Pearl was first in the novice class. First place in the smoke chinchilla males was awarded Mrs H.V. James for “Champion Backwell Jogram,” and for females to Mrs E. Stillwell for Lady Victoria/ The first place for chinchilla males in the open class went to Miss White Atkin’s Tintagel, and in the female class to Lady Decies’ Champion Fulmer Zaida. Ronaldkirk Minotaur, owned by Miss W. Beal, was first in the orange male, and Jael, shown by the same owner, first in the cream male class, but the first prize for females was carried off by Mrs D’Arcy Hildyard’s Miriam of the Durhams.
[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Halifax Evening Courier, 30th October 1901
In the open class for males at the Cat Show the prize, together with several special prizes and the championship in the foreign variety, was easily carried off by Woodsly Pongo, belonging to Mr. E. Inman, or Harrogate. It is a mere kitten.
THE CAT SHOW
various, October 1901
The grand cat show of the year at the Crystal Palace is always a sight worth seeing. Louis Wain, whose inimitable sketches are of worldwide celebrity, is the President of the National Cat Club, and that is enough to ensure its success. One of the most remarkable cats belongs to Lady Decies, and is a chinchilla. Her honours consist of two first prizes, 15 specials, and one championship. One cat has had some aquatic adventures. It is a Bombay cat, and has been overboard twice, and shipwrecked once. It has certainly lost three of its nine lives. Visitors at the Palace cannot but admire the care and consideration shown by the managers in studying the convenience of the feline elite and their friends.
SCOTTISH PRIZE-WINNERS AT LONDON CAT SHOW. Aberdeen Press and Journal, 31st October 1901
The 12th championship show of the National Cat Club, held at the Crystal Palace, is the largest show exclusively organised for cats ever held in this country. Blue Persians form the biggest section of the show and the chinchilla Persians are an exceptionally good lot; while the recently developed breed of cream-coloured Persians were greatly admired. There are ten exhibitors from Scotland, including Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle (who takes the lead with twenty-two cats), the Countess of Aberdeen (who sends three animals), Mr A. Boyes, Bridge of Allan; Mr Colin Campbell, Larkhall; Miss A. J. C. Fraser, Inverness; Mrs G. Kitto, Musselburgh; Mr Hugh Maxwell, Ayr; Mrs Mackenzie Stewart Irvine; Mr T. Wallace, Ayr; and Mrs Finnie Young, Dunblane. Lady Alexander, who is specially successful in short hair sections, carries off no fewer than fifteen prizes. The Countess of Aberdeen gets the first and third prizes in the novice class for any colour tabbies. Mrs Kitto, Musselburgh, gets two commended tickets —one for a tabby kitten, and the other for a female tortoiseshell. The show, which was visited on Tuesday by thousands, remained open yesterday.
Various, November 23, 1901. At the Cat Show In the Crystal Palace, London, lately, the Counties of Aberdeen's silver cat Zoroaster took a first prize and one of her kittens was third in the same class.
NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW Inverness Courier, 1st November 1901
At the cat and kitten show at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday, not a few exhibits had gone all the way from Scotland. “Sweep,” a beautiful Siamese tom cat was sent by Miss A. Fraser, Island Bank, Inverness.
[NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW] Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 1st November 1901
Mrs W. Fortune, of Earsdon, has got first prize at the National Club’s Show, held at the Crystal Palace, on October 29 and 30, with her Chinchilla Persian cat, Fighting Mack.
[LOCAL WINNER] Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 1st November 1901
Miss Butler, of Ayton Hall, Great Ayton, has been a very successful exhibitor at the Championship Cat Show held this week at the Crystal Palace. For five entries, including four short-haired blue cats and one silver tabby, she was awarded first, second, and third prizes, highly commended, and reserve.
[LOCAL WINNERS] Beckenham Journal, 2nd November 1901
At the Cat Show at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dr. Roper followed up his successes of former years by securing the championship prize for a very fine tortoiseshell Persian. Dr. Stilwell was also successful, his nine-months-old kitten, “Lady Victoria,” securing 1st in the “Lady Smoke” class and the championship in the “Smoke” class.
THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. Bromley and West Kent Telegraph, 2nd November 1901
For the twelfth show of the National Cat Club at the Crystal Palace, which closed on Wednesday, there were 1,100 entries, which is more than in any previous year, and the quality of the cats was never higher. Perhaps the most famous cat in the show was Lady Decies' champion Fulmer Xenophon. a tabby which has won over 200 prizes. H.R.H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein showed a pretty little "blue" and a very playful chinchilla, which had been bred by Lady Marcus Beresford. Another famous cat - Champion Fulmer Zaida - had won for Lady Decies more than 100 pries. Seventeen cats were exhibited by Mrs. Herring, while Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle showed twenty-two. There were a large number of visitors from Beckenham and Bromley.
NATIONAL CAT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW Norwood News’ 2nd November 1901
[This report is partially illegible, I have tried to fill in the blanks]
The twelfth championship show held under the auspices of the National Cat Club, was open on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Crystal Palace. There were 640 exhibitors, with 1,201 entries in 104 classes, and these numbers comprised the largest show organised exclusively for cats held in this country. The judges were: The Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison, Mrs M. Robinson, Mr Louis Wain, the Rev. J.C. Maynard, Mr C.G. Silk, Mr E. Welburn, and Mr T.B. Mason. The exhibitors included Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, the Countess of Aberdeen, Viscoutess Maitland, and Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle, vice presidents; Lady Decies, Lady Pink, the Hon. P. Wodehouse, M.P.; the Rev. P.L. Cosway, and Dr Roper, and the show was one of the most successful of its kind. Local exhibitors were, as usual, numerous, and a proportion of them were fortunate in the prizes. The following is a list of successes:-
Bedward, Mr B., 12 Belvedere-road, Upper Norwood, 522, black h.c.
Bellfield, Mr H., 12, Kingswood-road, 538, kittens, 2nd.
Benjamin, Mrs H., Mosslea-road, 505, tabby, v.h.c.
Bollom, Mrs., Hamilton Road, West Norwood, 539, cl 97, h.c.; 578 long-haired [??]
Bonar, Mrs, 13 St. Mary’s-road, kitten, 3rd.
Brown, Mrs P., 59 Palace-road, Streatham Hill, 76, kitten, v.h.c.; 162, chinchilla.
Chamberlayne, Miss E.A. 16, Belvedere-roade, Norwood, 90, kitten, v.h.c.; 300, kitten
Cox, Miss, 34, Maple-road, Penge, . . . 1st.
Davies, Mrs Alice, 34 Colby-road . . . 127, kitten, h.c.; 527, tabby, h.c.; . . . v.h.c.
Deacon, Mrs M.A., 58 Woodlands, Upper Norwood, 586, gelded, 3rd.
French, Miss M., 51, Belvedere-road, Norwood, 37A, kitten, v.h.c.
Green, Mrs Harriet, 104, Romany-road, West Norwood, 554, kitten, c.
Hawkins, Mr George, 9, Woodland-roa, Norwood, 584, gelded, c.
Hilton, Mrs, 4, Thicket Grover, Anerley, kitten, c.; 551, kitten, v.h.c.
Lincoln, Mrs Eleanor, 34, Colby-rod, . . . Hill, 557, kitten, c.
Pattison, Miss, 15, Penge-road . . . kitten, 2nd.
Poole, Mrs R.A. Anerley-hill . . . v.h.c.
Pymble, Miss, 144, Gipsy-hill, 53? . . v.h.c.
Randall, Mrs J., 106, Edward-road, 570, 571, long-haired, h.c.
Saltmarsh, Miss, 20, Avington-grove, 573, long-haired, c.
Sansum, Mr E., Spa-hill, Upper Norwood . . . tabby, v.h.c.
Sargent, Miss B., 35, Colby-road, Norwood, 275, tabby, 1st.
Spencer, Mrs A.M., 57, Victoria-. . . Norwood, 521, black, 2nd.
Stead, Mrs A.M., Summerleigh, . . . Upper Norwood, 129, smoke, ???, smoke, 2nd; 263, tabby, v.h.c.
Stisted, Miss G.M., Gipsy Hill . . . v.h.c.
Swanborough, Mrs, Lancaster-road, Norwood, 516, tabby, 2nd.
West, Mrs, Crescent-road, South Norwood, ???, long-haired, 2nd; 38, kittens, 3rd; ??? v.h.c.; 283, kitten, v.h.c.
White, Miss, 34, Maple-road, Anerley, ???, kitten, v.h.c.
CRYSTAL PALACE NOTES. The Showman, 8th November 1901
FOR the ladies one of the greatest events of the season is always the Annual Cat Show at this popular place of resort, and they were much in evidence on Tuesday and Wednesday, when the twelfth exhibition was inaugurated. To some people there is something irresistible in the feline, and crowds came to visit the show and pour out their love at the shrine of pussy. Certainly some of them were extremely handsome, and others just as ugly. A Thomas from Siam, the rarity of the show, looked with proud disdain upon all comers, refusing all overtures of friendliness on the part of his admiring audience, secure in the knowledge that he had secured two first and twelve special prizes. Persians, both in the kitten and adult stage, were there in variety, making quite a pleasing picture and monopolising most of the attention, but the champion was a Pale Chinchilla supposed to be the lightest ever bred, who was tenderly guarded and cared for, whilst an admiring crowd looked on.
CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW The Queen, 9th November 1901
THE CAT SHOWS appear to increase not only in number but in popularity. At the recent show at Crystal Palace no less than 600 cats of various breeds were exhibited, a striking contrast to the small number which were brought together at the first show, which was held in the same place some thirty years since. There is this much to be said in favour of cat shows compared with those of other fancy animals. The object of the breeder has been almost invariably the production of animals of elegance and beauty, and the hideous monstrosities which are to be seen in most other fancy shows are absent. The object of the fancier, as has been truly said by Darwin, is to produce every fancy point to the extreme but this has not been the case with the cats, where beauty of form and colour have been the main points aimed at in the breeding. The animals so accurately and gracefully reproduced by Mr Wardle in our illustration show this to be a fact. The first animal on our illustrated page is Mrs Leuty Collins's Forest Beauty, a very good example of a black, long-haired male. The second head is that of Puck III., which is exhibited by H.R.H. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, a beautiful and dainty little chinchilla male, bred by Lady Beresford se recently as last April, and the last on the line is the soft, snowy head of the White Knight, exhibited by Mrs White-Atkins. This claims no ancestral honours, its pedigree being unknown, but it has succeeded in securing for its beauty two first and other prizes. The central figure portrays Mrs Pettit's Piquante Pearl, a beautiful example of a long-haired white female. The Countess of Aberdeen shows in the novice class for any coloured tabby a very fine specimen, The Rajah of Haddon, which was bred by the exhibitor. It will be seen that the specimens given by our artist all belong to the long-haired type, the short-haired cats being much less numerous and not lending themselves so favourably to artistic reproduction.
ENGLAND’S NATIONAL CAT SHOW - San Francisco Chronicle, December 10, 1901
The National Cat Club has just held its twelfth championship show at the Crystal Palace. The entries showed an increase, no less than 601 cats, divided into 106 classes, being shown. The challenge cup for the best short-haired English or foreign cat was taken by Lady Alexander's Ballochmyle Perfection, which now holds over 100 firsts and championships. The same animal was also awarded several specials. Among the exhibitors and prize-winners were Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein (whose Chinchilla kitten was very highly commended), the Countess of Aberdeen, Viscountess Maitland, Lady Decies and Philip Woodehouse. Illustrated London News.
THE DESIRABILITY OF BREEDING FIRST CLASS ANIMALS - The Age, February 1st, 1902
If competition is the soul of trade, it should certainly result in immense improvement among our domestic pets. Here in Melbourne our dogs are far too apt to be "just dog” and our cats “just cat.” And yet, as “horsemen” say, a good looking, well bred animal costs no more to keep than another. The theory that it is the mongrels that have the brains is long since exploded, and one might just as well expect breeding to count for nothing on the turf as to look for the intelligence of a well bred dog in every nondescript canine quadruped. Much the same applies to cats, and that the desirability of breeding first class animals is recognised in England is illustrated by the fact that the entries at the last National Cat Show totalled a thousand. Blue Persians formed one of the largest classes, though Siamese and Chinchilla cats were well represented.
1901 EDINBURGH CAT SHOW
[SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW] Edinburgh Evening News, 26th November 1901
The fifth annual show of the Scottish Cat Club was opened in Edinburgh to-day. The entries numbered over 250, being 60 in excess of last year.
[SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW] Aberdeen Press and Journal, 27th November 1901
At the show of the Scottish Cat Club held in Edinburgh yesterday, the Countess of Aberdeen took first prize in the Chinchilla (Female) section and second in the same section of males. For Siamese (male or female), Miss A.C.T. Fraser, Inverness, took second prize.
SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW Southern Reporter, 28th November 1901
At the Scottish Cat Club Show, opened in Edinburgh on Tuesday, Mrs W. Monteith, Forest Road, Selkirk, was awarded first and special for her longhaired silver grey male, “Border Chief.” J. Ballantyne, Peebles, secured second for longhaired or shorthaired kitten (selling class), and second for a litter of longhaired, three months old.
SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW Leith Burghs Pilot, 30th November 1901
At the fourth annual show of the Scottish Cat Club, held in Edinburgh on Tuesday, A. Bain, Leith, was first in the Shorthaired Gelding, any colour, class; while C. Forsyth, Leith, was first for kitten, any colour, under six months.
SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW The Queen, 7th December 1901
The fourth annual show of the Scottish Cat Club took place in the Oddfellows' Hall, Upper Forrest-road, Edinburgh, on `Nov. 26 and 27. Lady Marcus Beresford, who acted as judge of blues, blacks, whites, and Siamese, presented two handsome silver frames as prizes, of which there were in all about eighty, including club prizes and medals. Several ladies and gentlemen gave extra prizes. The Countess of Aberdeen's lovely cats gained several prizes.
1901 MANCHESTER CAT SHOW
CATS AT BELLE VUE Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 13th December 1901
BEST SHOW OF THE DOMESTIC PET OUT OF LONDON. At Belle Vue, Manchester, yesterday, the second annual show of the Northern Counties Cat Club was held. This is a new society, which has for its president Lady Alexander of Ballochmyle, with Mrs. G. H. Walker, Ashton-on-Mersey, at the head of the Committee, and Mrs. Herbert Ransome, Altrincham, as hon. sec. The cat fanciers and breeders are now quite a fashionable and popular body, with Princess Victoria Schleswig-Holstein as patron of the National Cat Club, and several titled ladies among its active supporters. The Northern club is affiliated to it, and in a short existence was able to secure at Belle Vue, Manchester, this year the largest and best show held away from the Crystal Palace. There were some 300 cats and kittens staged, the entries in the 48 classes being about 400. They were from all over the kingdom, and the most famous animals were among them. To the non-expert cat show is a revelation, and on that account the general public would have found it an interesting sight, but more inclement weather could not have inaugurated the first display Bat elle Vue.
Unfortunately the show was only of one day's duration. The classes included long-haired cats of all descriptions, white, black, blue, chinchillas with their silvery-grey coats, the very aptly-styled smoke, orange, cream or fawn, silver tabbies, brown tabbies, and tortoiseshells. The short-haired section comprises Siamese —like diminutive pumas, Manx, tabbies of various colours, tortoiseshells, whole-coloured blacks, whites, and blues. They preserved a studious and silent indifference to the presence of mere human beings, and seemed rather bored than otherwise. The long-haired blue and chinchilla classes were very fine. Lady Alexander won in blacks, and in blues Mrs. Collingwood was first with a magnificent one. The Misses Beal had here some famous animals. Their Palace champion female blue, however, was beaten by a London exhibit. The Rev. P. L. Cosway and Mrs Swanson had the best blue kittens. Mrs. H. V. James's champion Backwell Jogram, a magnificient smoke colour, was closely ran by Mrs. Sinkins’s Teufel. The Chinchilla males were headed Miss A. Leake's splendidly-coloured Pathan, Miss Neild, of Bowdon being second with a young one. Mrs. G. H. Walker's well-known Woodheys Fitzroy was third, and the Palace winner was only reserve here. Lady Decies won in the female class with Fulmer Zaida, that has won everything, and still wins before it. In the cream and orange classes the Misses Beal had the best specimens in the kingdom here in the champions Midshipmite and Admiral, and the females Mignonette, Flirt, and Calliope of the former colour, and Minotaur and Garnet of the latter. Minotaur, first at the Palace, could only get third here. Mrs. Moseley, of Newton Heath, won with Marceline in a good class of silver tabby females. It has won a score of prizes and is priced at only £30! Mr W. Musk, of Bacup, had the best brown tabby, Mrs. E. Whittaker, of Haslingden, being second. Of short-haired cats, Siamese were few but good, and proved a good section. In the tabbies, Lady Alexander had much success. Mrs. Pratt, of Rochdale, was successful in tortoiseshells. Mrs. Ward, of Pendleton, won the workingmen's class with a very good Siamese, Mr. A. Mudd, of Burnley, and Mr. H. B. Mead, Haslingden, being respectively second and third.
NORTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW Yorkshire Evening Post, 13th December 1901
At the Northern Counties’ Cat Club Championship Show at Manchester yesterday, the Rev. P.L. Cosway, Wakefield, had the best blue male kitten, and the second female.
1901 REGIONAL CAT SHOWS
CATS AT THE STIRLING POULTRY SHOW Dundee Courier, 21st January 1901
On Saturday the first show of the recently revived bantam, pigeon, rabbit, cavy, and cat show Stirling Ornithological Society took place the Arcade Hall, and was great success, financially and otherwise. [. . .] there were also a large number of cats and bantams. [. . .] The judges were: —Cats, J. M. Kidd, Alloa.
RUGBY AND DISTRICT FANCIERS’ SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW Rugby Advertiser, 9th February 1901
The sixteenth annual show promoted by the Rugby and District Fanciers’ Society was held at the town hall on Wednesday and Thursday, and so far as the number of exhibits was concerned it was quite up to the average, the entries numbering about 1,000. [. . . ] As in former years, the whole of the space in the Market Hall and Assembly Room was utilised, the pigeons, rabbits, cavies, cage birds &c., being exhibited in the latter room, and the poultry dogs, and cats in the Market Hall. [George Billet was cat judge.] There were only two classes for cats, but it would have been easy for the judges to have given two sets of prizes in each variety. The winning long hair was a grand blue Persian with lovely eyes, an animal that won first and four specials at the late Westminster Cat Show.
CATS (Open) Class 85. Foreign. 1 Mrs Collingwood, Leighton Buzzard; 2 L P C Astley, 3 Mrs L Ormerod, Blackburn; 3 Mrs H Churchley, vhc Mrs M A Moseley, J Swingler, and Mr Makepeace.
Class 86. English. 1 Mrs Trickett, 2, special and r Reeve and Hough, 3 T G Addison, vhc Mrs Hunt, E Powell, and H Clarke; hc T Skinner, Miss Vicars, and S W Hayre (2)
ARBROATH CANINE CLUB. GRAND DOG AND CAT SHOW Arbroath Guide, 16th February 1901
Grand Dog and Cat Show, Corn Exchange, Arbroath, Wednesday First, February 20th . . . Judges . . . Cats, Mr R.W. Rodger.
LOCAL PRIZE WINNING DOGS AND CATS Leith Burghs Pilot, 23rd February 1901
At the annual dog and cat show at Arbroath on Wednesday . . . in the cat department Mr Charles Forsyth, Leith, was first and second in the toms and tabbies class, and first in the any variety class.
ELGIN DOG AND CAT SHOW Elgin Courant, and Morayshire Advertiser, 7th May 1901
To-morrow (Wednesday) the Elginshire Canine Society hold their annual show in the Elgin Market Green Auction Company’s premises.
KILMARNOCK SHOWS Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald , 19th April 1901
Friday’s indoor exhibition of dogs and cats [at] the Agricultural Hall . . . was malodorous . . . one has an evil recollection of the dogs, to say nothing of a deep-rooted feline antipathy. [The general tone of the article was grumbling]
HALLAM AND ECCLESALL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY SHOW.Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 21st June 1901
POULTRY AND CATS. Mrs. T. C. Fletcher judged the cats, and on the whole she was well pleased with them, allowing for the fact that in mixed classes one cannot get the quality to be found in a specified class, and it is not so easy to judge as to eyes, width of body, colour, and so on. A few the animals were too young for competition, but the whole the animals were a very creditable lot.
Long-haired male cat: 1, Miss M. E. Merrill, 124, South Street, Moor, “Earl Gray”; 2, Mrs Brindley, 644 Abbeydale Road; 3, W. S., Laycock, Oakbrook.
Long-haired female cat: 1, Miss M. E. Merrill; 2, James Smurthwaite, Shincliffe Village, Durham; 3, Mrs Brindley; v.h.c., Mrs Redgate, Wigfull Road; h.c., E. A. Walch, 22, Daniel Hill, Upperthorpe, Persia.
English male cat: 1, Douglas Webster, 41, Millhouses Lane; 2, Mrs Hannah Piggott, 156, Whitham Road; 3, E.H. Aves, 30, South Street, Moor.
English female cat: 1, Miss Mellor, Tor Villa, Matlock, “Esmee”; 2, Miss Mellor, “Blackbird.”
Neuter cat: 1, W.s. Laycock; 2, Frank Brown, 279 Sharrow Vale Road, “Jack;” 3, H.E. Morley, 56, Neill Road, Tim; h.c. Miss Gertrude Shepherd.
WITHERNSEA SHOW TODAY Hull Daily Mail, 18th July 1901
Delightful weather favoured the Withernsea Horse, Foal, Dog, Cat, and Poultry Show to-day. . . . Cats formed a really good class; in fact the entries were considerably larger than those connected with the show expected to get. . . Mr G. W. Webster (Hull), a winner at the Hull Show with a beautiful Persian cat, showed the same animal here, whilst Mr A. Brook (Withernsea), a successful exhibitor, also showed some capital animals. The judges were:— Cats: Mr Fleming (Huil), in the absence of Mr E. Welburn. When the judging should have commenced, many of the exhibits in the various classes had not arrived. This was owing to the late arrivals of the trains from Hull. So heavy was the traffic on the line in the early morning that the trains were greatly delayed, and this naturally interfered considerably with the work of the officials of the show. Up to 2 o'clock horses were [still] arriving. [This would also have affected the cats as they were often sent by train as unaccompanied livestock.]
ALSTONFIELD POULTRY, PIGEON, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW Ashbourne News Telegraph, 23rd August 1901
Alstonfield Flower Show, Wednesday, August 28th, Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show.
[CATS AT] LONG BUCKBY FLOWER SHOW Northampton Mercury, 30th August 1901
The anuual show of the Long Buckby Floral and Horticultural Society was held in the grounds of Long Buckby Hall, by permission of Colonel Foster, on Tuesday. The proceedings were not attended by the full measure of success that the show deserved, for following Monday's heavy rain the weather was bitterly cold, and the skies threatened rain nearly all day long, and in consequence the attendance was not quite so large as it ought to have been [. . .] The Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, and Cat Show, for which the Long Buckby Show has acquired quite a reputation, contained some handsome and well-kept animals and birds, and it was again a thorough success. [. . .]
Cats: Long hair. 1 Mr. J. Mr. J. W. Ewart, 2 Mr W. Graves. 3 Mr B. Horn.
Short hair. 1 Mr. R. Bateman, 2 and 3 Mr H. H. Newitt; h.c. Mr. T. Blincowe.
CHAMPIONSHIP CAT SHOW [WINDSOR] Windsor and Eton Express , 14th September 1901
Under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. Championship Cat Show. The Cat Club will hold a Grand Exhibition at the Leopold Institute, Slough, on Friday, September 27th, 1901. Splendid Classification. Over 100 Specials. Numerous Challenge Cups. Gold and Silver Medals. Entries close Tuesday, September 17th.
ALLOA POULTRY, PIGEON AND CAT SHOWAlloa Advertiser, 26th October 1901
The 32nd annual exhibition and competition under the auspices of the Clackmannanshire Poultry, Pigeon and Cat Association, took place in the Drill Hall, Alloa, last Saturday. . . . Local and district prize-winners:
Male Cat, long-haired – 2, Andrew Ross, Alloa; 3, Mrs Arrol, Alloa.
Male or Female kitten, under six months old – 1, Andrew Ross.
POULTRY, BIRD AND CAT SHOW AT SHIRLEY Hampshire Advertiser, 16th November 1901
The annual show of the Southampton and District Fanciers’ Association was opened at the Parish Hall, Shirley on Wednesday. Although not open to all in England, as in the previous year, the show which was limited to a radius was very well supported as far as entries were concerned. . . . The committee very wisely decided to include classes for cats in this year’s show, and they undoubtedly proved an attraction.
CATS. Class 69, Long-haired. 1, special, and 2 Mrs Sinkins, 3 Mrs Blunden, reserve Mrs Mitchener.
Class 70. Short-haired. 1 Binning, 2 Weir, 3 Pitt, reserve Mrs Spooner.
Class 71. Kitten, long-haired. 1 and 2 Mrs Sinkins, 3 Miss Elvery, reserve Miss Ince.
Class 73. Selling. 1 Mrs Sinkins.
EXMOUTH SHOW. THE ANNUAL FANCIERS' SHOW YESTERDAY. Western Times, 28th November 1901
Exmouth annual Poultry, Bird, Rabbit, Dog, and Cat Show was held in the Public Hall yesterday. The entries numbered about the same as last year. There was a falling off in cage birds, however, the numbers being made up for by the increased entries in the cat and dog sections.
CATS (OPEN). Long haired.—1, Mrs Howard; 2, Miss Stone; 3, Captain Grepe.
Ditto short haired.— 1, Miss Glanville; 2, Miss F. Crees; 3. Miss Mitchell.
MANCHESTER POULTRY SHOW [AND CATS]Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 21st December 1901
It goes without saying that Manchester can do anything as well as any other city - if not better - and it would have been curious if such a popular institution as a poultry show should hot have been possible. The third exhibition of the Manchester Poultry and Pigeon Association, which opened yesterday in St. James's Hall, and remains open until Monday evening . . . The juxtaposition of rabbits, mice, and cats did not appear to excite any undue excitement among the specimens caged. The Tabbies were perhaps a little more socially inclined than at the Cat Show, the scent of the mice and rabbits perhaps having raised visions of captives to be delivered to them, but the mice, for the most part, remained buried in their cotton wool nests, whilst the majority of the rabbits, if weight is any criterion, look as if they could hold their own in any well-arranged combat with the cats.
The foreign long-haired classes are the best filled in the cat section. Miss Megson, of Sale, takes first and special for a long-haired grey, Mr F.C. Bentley second with a dark grey. In kittens MrsJ. Townson, Morecombe is first with a pure specimen, mrs Drabble, of Sheffield, being second with a pretty Siamese.
In English Tabbies Mrs E.H. Thomson, or Liverpool-road, Manchester, scores a popular and easy win with her fine black cat, Castlefield Beauty, Mrs M.P. Pratt, of Rochdale, being second.
In kittens, Mr W. Dinning takes first./p>