REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1912

As the cat fancy became better organised with regional clubs, the cat show results tended to be published in specialist magazines such as "Fur and Feather." The shows were no longer novelties and fewer newspapers published full results list. On the other hand, more and more regional fetes, poultry shows and agricultural shows included a cat show.

1912 ABERDEEN KENNEL CLUB

ABERDEEN KENNEL CLUB Aberdeen Press and Journal, 2nd January 1912
The fifteenth annual show under the auspices of the Aberdeen Kennel Club (Incorporated) was held in the Olympia Skating Rink, and was successful in the highest degree … cats 24 [entries]. [Cat judge Mr Robert Duncan, Aberdeen.]
Long-haired males (5 entries) – 1, James Milne; 2, William Young; 3, John McNab.
Long-haired females (8 entries) – 1, John Lyon; 2, Duncan Cumming M.R.C.V.S.; 3, Mis Mary A. Skakle.
Long-haired neuter (2 entries) – 1, Miss Phyllis Roy Henderson; 2, William Young; 3, Mrs John Smith. [2 entries, but 3 winners!]
Long-haired kittens (3 entries) – 1, Mrs McNab; 2, John McNab; 3, Mrs John Smith.
Short-haired males (2 entries) – 1, Mrs E.J. Wilkins; 2, Joseph Smith.
Short-haired neuter (4 entries) – 1, Mrs Foulger; 2, Rosemary George; 3, James E. Guyan.

1912 EAST OF SCOTLAND KENNEL ASSOCIATION

EAST OF SCOTLAND KENNEL ASSOCIATION Aberdeen Press and Journal, 2nd January 1912
The first New Year’s Day dog show under the auspices of the East of Scotland Kennel Association, Aberdeen, was held in the Albert Hall, Huntly Street, yesterday . . . 31 cats [entries]. [Cat judge – Mr Colin Harrower, Marquis Road, Aberdeen.] In the cat section, Miss M.E. Smith, Milltimber, was first for long-haired males, and other prize-winners in this section were Mrs Dunn, Carmelite Lane, Aberdeen, and A. McHardy, 8 Leadside Road, Aberdeen.
Long hair, males – 1, Miss M.E. Smith; 2, Mrs Simpson; 3, Jas. Duncan.
Long-hair, females – 1, Mrs Dunn; 2, Mrs H.C. Taylor; 3, Mrs Francis T. Smith.
Long-hair. Kittens, under 6 months – 1, Andrew McHardy; 2, Victor Booth; 3, Miss Smith.
Long-hair, geldings – 1, Mrs L. Howell; 2, Wm Caird.
Short-hair, males – 1, Alex Sangster; 2, Linta and Steel; 3, Mrs Geo. Ogilvie.
Short-hair, kittens, under 6 months – Miss Isabel Murray.
Short-hair (geldings) – 1, Alex Begg; 2, Mrs Mary Allan; 3, Robert Still; 4, John Cruickshank.
[The show of cats is one of the largest ever seen in the city - Dundee Courier, 2nd January 1912]

ABERDEEN DOG [AND CAT] SHOWS The Scotsman, 2nd January 1912
The East of Scotland Kennel Association (Aberdeen) held their dog show in the Albert Hall, Aberdeen, yesterday . . . The annual show under the auspices of the Aberdeen Kennel Club was also held yesterday.

1912 DUNDEE CAT SHOW

[DUNDEE DOG AND CAT SHOW] Dundee Evening Telegraph, 3rd April 1912
The “aristocracy” of Scottish dogs and cats are on exhibition in Dundee to-day. In the Kinnaird Hall the annual show of the Dundee Canine Club is being held. The Dundee show is one of the best in Scotland.
[Elsewhere in same paper] Mrs Slingsby’s Ch. Red Eagle of Thorpe was declared the best male cat in the sow, and Black Gem, belonging to D. Scobie, Errol, the best female.

AT THE DOG AND CAT SHOW. Dundee Courier, 4th April 1912
A lady correspondent writes:— Dog lovers were out in full force yesterday at the opening the Dog and Cat Show in the Kinnaird Hall . . . upstairs in the gallery are some handsome cats, not a few of them looking rather timid and scared by the noise going on all around them.

DOG SHOW IN DUNDEE The Scotsman, 4th April 1912
Cats – Mrs Slingsby, D. Scobie, Errol; J. Fyffe, Kingennie; L.C. Grant, Lybster, Caithness; and Miss Kathleen Pirie, Berryhill.

1912 SOUTHERN COUNTIES (WESTMINSTER) CAT SHOW

SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW Westminster Gazette, 10th January 1912
A new feature of the annual show of the Southern Counties Cat Club, which will be held at the Royal Horticultural Hall to-morrow and Friday, will be a contest among champions for the king-championship of the show world. Entries and exhibits, which have shown increases each year, will number 800 and 400 respectively, and many of the finest cats in the world will be on view. Exhibits will appear from John O’Groats in the north to the Channel Islands in the extreme sout of the kingdom.

[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] London Evening Standard, 10th January 1912
The Southern Counties Cat Club will hold their annual show under the presidency of Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, at the Horticultural Hall, Westminster, to-morrow and on Friday. About 400 cats will be on view, long and short-haired, Chinchilla, silver tabby, orange, tortoiseshell, Siamese, Abyssinian, and Manx. In all 100 classes are provided, including three special classes for working people. Nearly £200 is offered in prize money, besides 200 special prizes and valuable cups. The judges are Miss Simpson, Mrs Higgins, Miss White Atkins, Mrs Ransom, and Messrs Mason and Little. Amongst those who have made entries are Lady Decies, Lady Alexander, Mrs Clive Behrens, Miss Clifton, Mrs Forsyth Forrest, Mrs Maxwell, Mrs Sinkins, Mrs Slingsby, Mrs Western, and Mrs George Wilson. The proceeds will be given to the Our Dumb Friends League to help the numerous cat shelters in London.

THE WESTMINSTER CAT SHOWThe Queen, 20th January 1912
The event so eagerly looked forward to by members of the cat fancy took place last week at the Horticultural Hall, St. Vincent-square, where the Southern Counties Cat Club held its annual show. The entry proved a record one, being close on 800, and the quality of the exhibits was certainly above the average, but the long haired cats were not in such good coat as usual owing to the mild weather. The following judges officiated, Mrs Higgens, Mrs Ransome, Miss Frances Simpson, Miss White Atkins, Mr Little, and Mr T.B. Mason. This year a new and interesting feature was introduced, a class for champions being instituted for long-haired males and one for females, as well as one for short-haired cats, male and female. These classes brought out seven males and seven females, and four short-haired cats, who were judged by Miss Frances Simpson and Mr T.B. Mason in public, the result being that Miss Cheetham’s blue female Oaklands Sceptre was awarded the gold medal offered by Mrs Sinkins for the champion of champions. Mrs Stephens’s Blue Jacket was put second in the male class and Miss Chamberlayne’s Crown Diamond third. In the champion female class Mrs Sedgewick’s Thelma Leonora was placed second to Sceptre, and Mrs Chilcott’s Smoke Pearl stood third. In the short-haired champion class Dr Prior’s Silver Raleigh was an easy winner, and was followed by Mrs Western’s Blue Peter and Lady Decies’s silver tabby Boy. The judging for the best cats and kittens in the show took place at three o’clock. Miss Cheetham was again successful with Oaklands Sceptre, and Dr Prior with Silver Raleigh, two fine specimens in their respective breeds. Mrs Forsyth Forrest exhibited the best kitten in the show in her grand red tabby Shining Light, and Mrs Chilcott’s perfect little Siamese well-deserved this award in the short-haired section. It was unfortunate that two of the judges could not remain to assist in awarding these special prizes. On the first day of the show the attendance was excellent, and amongst the visitors were Sir Dyce and Lady Duckworth, Mr John Matthews, Dr Godson, Mr Louis Wain, Admiral Douglas, Dr T. Bird, Dr and Mrs Vlasto, Mr and Mrs Russell Biggs, and Mayor Shakerley. All the arrangements as regards penning and feeding were excellent, and the judges started their work at the advertised hour of ten o’clock. Amongst the largest exhibitors were Gertrude LadyDecies, who made twenty-five entries, Mrs Slingsby, the hon. Mrs Clive Behrens, Lady Alexander, Mrs George Watson, Miss Clifton, and Mrs Western.

In the long-haired section blue Persians were as usual by far the most numerous, although the Hounslow show still holds the record for entries in the blue kitten classes. In the short-haired section Lady Alexander and Miss Clifton were the chief exhibitors. There was only one class for Siamese or foreign, and no Abyssinians were penned. In the class for white long hairs Master Currie headed the three males with Rex of Minley, and was put first in the class for females with White Satin, the best cat in the show at the Crystal Palace. Mrs Clive Behrens’s Swinton Heartsease, shown in lovely coat, was placed second. The class for black males or females contained by one entry, Mrs Dee’s Black Knight. It is time that some influential and enterprising fancier took up this handsome and much-neglected breed. Competition was very keen in the class for blue males, and the first award went to Miss Cheetham’s Oaklands Spearmint, a nice young blue, the second prize winner, however Blue Jacket of Hyver running him close; the other prize-winners were Sir Archie II of Arrandale, Remus of Highgate, and Mrs Burtle;s Lord Delamere. In the class for blue females Miss Cheetham’s Oaklands Seabreeze was an easy winner, the same exhibitor being placed second and extra second, while Miss Colville’s Money stood third. There were only two entries in the class for smoke males, and Mrs James’s Backwell Javelin was placed in front of Mr Mann’s Betto Cutbarth, who needs the dark overcoat. In the smoke female class Mrs Chilcott’s Smoke Pearl, penned in lovely coat and condition, was placed second to Mrs Anderson’s Ivanca, Mrs Kennaway following with Garboldisham Festina.

A fine lot of chinchilla males were headed by Mrs Sinkins’ pure coloured Aldermoor Don II, who has much improved and shows promise of being a massive type of silver. Mrs Slingsby’s Comet of Thorpe was put second, and Mrs E. Todd’s Silver Pasht stood third. Some fascinating females were exhibited, the Crystal Palace winner, Silver Witch of Arrandale, owned by Mrs George Wilson, again winning, and being followed by Mrs Sedgewick’s well known Thelma Leonora, who showed great wealth of coat. The third prize winner was a novice exhibited by Gertrude Lady Decies, a lovely specimen of perfect shape . Silver tabbies were not numerous, and it is a pity this beautiful breed is not better represented. Mrs T.G. Moore won the first prize in the class for males with Monarch of the North, Mr Spofforth coming second and Mrs Western third. Mrs Leycester’s female, though rather too dark, was the best in her class. Tortoiseshells were good, and Mrs T.B. Mason scored again with her Royal Queenie who is now a full champion. Miss Whitney was not exhibiting, owing to illness and, therefore, the brow tabby classes were smaller than usual. Mr Powell won with Stanhope Invincible, and he now becomes a champion; while Miss Chamberlayne was placed second and third. Mrs Bird and Miss F. Simpson’s Brown Bruno was entered “not for competition.” Only one female was penned, Mrs Sinclair Webb’s Sally Sim being absent. Mr Slingsby’s two orange males stood first and second, and were followed closely by Messrs Brown and Wilson’s Hampstead Red Lion; while Mrs Forsyth Forrest, Mrs Clive Behrens, and Gertrude Lady Decies’s exhibits were place in the order names in the orange female class, which was well filled. Creams had only one class, which contained eight entries. Miss Butler’s Captain Biscuit was put first, beating some of the well-known champions. In the class for tortoise and white Mrs Slingsby’s Rosette of Thorpe was absent, and her Minorite and Butterfly were beaten by a new exhibit Topsy Turvy owned by Mrs Ansell. In the stud class Minley Rex, the winning white male, was followed by Messrs. Brown and Wilson’s orange, Mrs G. Wilson’s well-known Sir Archie taking the third prize, and Mrs Burtle’s Lord Delamere the third, whileMrs Stephens’s Blue Jacket was reserve in the fine class of fifteen males.

Miss Savory had quite a field day with her blue kittens, and carried off many prizes with Blue Riband and Blue John, Miss Baggs being placed third with a lovely kitten. In the class for blue females Mrs Roper’s fine headed kitten Mistletoe was put first, Mrs Elbourne’s Lady Peggy running the winner very closely. Mrs Stephens exhibited some grand blue kittens in the eight to twelve months’ old class, which carried all before them. Unfortunately, they seemed very nervous and remained under the straw in their pens. Mrs Scheibe’s Clarendon Prince was placed third. In the class for smoke kittens Mrs Singleton’s Banshee of the Cottage was placed first, but Mrs James’s Jest and Joke, the second and third prize winners, were better in colour. Some lovely chinchilla kittens were exhibited, but silver tabbies were again rather poor. Mrs Bird’s Bruno Best Boy, the Crystal Palace winner, was again placed first in the class or brown tabbies, his markings and colour are splendid, and it is a pity such a fine specimen should be sold to America. Mr Powell’s second and third prize-winners are charming kittens of great promise. Orange kittens came out well. The winner, Shining Light, was owned by Mrs Forsyth Forrest, and later on declared to by the best kitten in the show. Creams were a fairly good lot. Mrs Pettit exhibited a lovely white male kitten worthy of all his many prizes and specials.

It was a pleasure to see some nice black kittens, and Mrs Benest ought to do well later on with her first prize male, grand in shape and eye. In the class for kittens, so-called, from ten to twelve months old, three splendid exhibits were penned. Silverado, owned by Gertrude Lady Decies, certainly the finest chinchilla kitten in the show; a litter sister, owned and bred by Mrs Sinkins, was put second, and Mrs Singleton’s Danny of the Cottage stood third. Seeing such a trio, the absurd mistake of calling cats over ten months kittens was very forcibly testified. A class for kittens, any colour, from three to four months old was a novel feature in this year’s show. The best exhibit in the class was undoubtedly Mrs Mason’s pale chinchilla female, but unfortunately, she had a running eye, probably caused by teething, and therefore, was passed by the judge. This kitten, however, should give a good account of herself later on. Mrs Bosanquet too the first and third prizes with a pair of silver kittens, and dainty, good-coloured orange exhibited by Mrs L. Maxwell divided them. Neuters had three classes, which were all well filled. A fine orange-eyed blue stood first in the class provided for blues only, and Royal Rex, last year’s winner, was put third. There was nothing to beat Prior of Woodhouse, the grand orange neuter, in the tabby class. Mrs Bazeley brought out a fine sound-lipped brown tabby, who took the second prize, and Mrs Corner’s well-known Red Boy of Eversley was put third. He is not yet in full coat. This same exhibitor headed the neuter any colour class. In the one for short-haired neuters Mr E. Oliver had an easy win with his noted red tabby, Miss Chamberlayne’s brown Tibbo Tibbs being placed second. In the class for short-haired whites Dr Prior won with Moss Trooper, and in the one for blacks with The Gibson Girl. Mrs Western headed the blues and Lady Alexander the brown tabbies. In the class for silver tabbies Dr Prior’s famous Silver Raleigh carried all before him. Mr Oliver was placed first in the class for orange males, Lady Alexander heading the females. This same enthusiastic breeder exhibited her tortoiseshell Tom and tortoise and white Tom, unique specimens in the cat fancy. Mrs Shore won the first award with her lovely silver tabby kitten. Miss Clifton showed a number of Manx, and Mrs Chilcott’s lovely Siamese kitten before mentioned was an easy first.

On the second day of the show Gertrude Lady Decies presented the Blue Persian Cat Society’s special prizes to the winners.

LOCAL PRIZEWINNERS Ross Gazette, 25th January 1912
At the Southern Counties Cat Club’s great show, held at the Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on Thursday last, Mr A.P. Small took reserves and specials with his blue Persian cats. The blue classes were exceedingly strong, containing over 200 specimens. Mr Small’s cats were, unfortunately, unable to be judged in several of the classes in which they were entered, owing to the Railway Company’s failing to deliver them in time.

FINEST CAT. CHAMPION OF GREAT BRITAIN. - Bruce Herald, 11 March 1912
THE VERY FINEST CAT - Boston Evening Transcript, Jan 27, 1912.

What is called a King-Championship was awarded at the animal show of the Southern Counties Cat Club at the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, on January 11. The winning cat, which happened this year to be a "queen," is reckoned the finest cat in Great Britain. The long-haired blue, Oaklands Sceptre, belongs to Miss Gladys Cheetham, of Oaklands, Brighouse, Yorkshire, was awarded this championship. The cat won its blue ribbon for evenness of color, length of coat, large round "cobby" head, neat ears, and orange colored eyes. The most formidable rival of the opposite sex which Miss Cheetham's cat met was Mrs Fisher-White's Champion Remus, of Highgate, a handsome blue, which won the male championship. Dr Prior, of Heckmondwike, Yorkshire, showed in Champion Silver Raleigh a silver tabby, the best specimen of its kind since the days of the famous Champion Toodles eight years ago. It won the short-haired championship, and was priced at £1000. Other valuable cats were Lady Alexander's tortoiseshell male, Ballochmyle Benedict, and tortoiseshell and white male, Champion Ballochmyle Bachelor —both great rarities. The most notable of the kittens was Mrs. Forsythe-Forrest’s Shining Light, which for richness of color and distinctness of markings was the best red tabby longhair seen for many years.

1912 NEWBURY CAT SHOW

NEWBURY CAT SHOW The Queen, 17th February 1912
After a short spell of cold weather, a welcome change set in just before the date of the opening of this show, and exhibitors must have felt relieved at the rapid rise of temperature for themselves and their exhibits. The Corn Exchange is a capital building as regards space and light, and it was a pity a larger entry was not forthcoming. Mrs Fosbery, the energetic manager an secretary, had everything in readiness for the judges, who were Mrs Ransome, Mrs Hardy, Mrs Carew Cox, Mrs de Vere Brooke, and Mr Ambrose. The classification was a liberal one, but in many cases entries proved small, and some classes had to be cancelled. By far the largest exhibitor was Mrs Slingsby, who made over fifty entries. There were no Abyssinians and only a few Manx cats; but Siamese came up fairly well, and Mrs de Vere Brooke made a successful debut as a judge of this charming variety. Mrs Fosbery had championship cards special printed in white and gold, with particulars of the winning cats and the judge’s signature. In some of the classes these awards were won very easily. Mrs Slingsby had quite a field day, especially amongst the blues, as she carried off all the club’s specials except for the blue neuter. Her male Blue Lightning of Thorpe was declared the best cat in the show, the runners up being Master Currie’s white and Mrs Sinkins’ chinchilla. Mrs Slingsby also showed the best kitten in Wilful [?] of Thorpe, while Dr Prior added yet another victory with his fine silver tabby, Raleigh, the best short-hair in the show. In the class for white longhairs Mast Currie carried all before him, and his male Rex and female White Satin are now champions. Some good blacks were penned, Mr Lawrence standing first and third with a nice male and female, while Mrs Benest’s Westmnster winner Dirty Dick headed the kitten class.

In the class for blue males, Mrs Slingsby’s Blue Lightning was placed first, lovely in body colour, but with a dark tail. Macallum Miss, formerly owned by Mrs Bergman, but now the property of Mrs Slingsby, came second, and Mrs Boulter’s grand, massive Lord Delamere third. In the class for blue females, which was a poor one, Mrs Slingsby’s Erica was an easy winner, and also headed the younger blue kittens; but those from nine or twelve months were headed by Mrs Stephen’s Blue Domino and Miss Savory’s Nightcap of Emberton. These are lovely specimens, and were shown in perfect condition. The blue neuter class brought out a very fine specimen in Miss Dean’s Hassan, possessing a wealth of coat, massive limbs, and fair eyes; there was nothing to touch him in the class. Mrs Sinkins’s lovely Aldermoor Don II., who took the first prize in the class for chinchilla males, is making up into a grand cat. Mrs G. Wilson was put second in the male and female chinchilla classes, her palace and Westminster winner Silver Witch being beaten by Mrs Denyer’s Lady Silver Petal, and Mrs Sedgwick’s Thelma Leonora was placed third. This cat appears to carry a full coat all the year round.

The class for chinchilla kittens three to twelve months old was well filled, and ought to have been divided by age. The Crystal Palace winner, Mrs Aubrey’s Langherne Prince, came first, and Mrs Sinkins’s Silverna second, a dainty little kitten bred by Mrs Adams standing third.

The class for smoke males contained only Mrs Mitchell’s Teufel III., and in the one for females the first prize winner declined to show herself, remaining under the straw. Mrs James headed the smoke kittens with Backwell Gent, Mrs Lea Wynn taking the second and third awards with two wonderful-coated specimens. Silver tabbies were not up to the mark, some being too light, others too dark, and a well-known winner very brown. Mrs Moore’s Monarch of the North was rightly placed first, and Miss Meeson’s Rellinder Queen occupied a similar position in the class for females; she is a trifle too dark in the back for the rest of the body. Silver tabby kittens were poor, and brown tabby males were headed by Mrs Slingsby’s Brayfort Victor; his colour is grand, but he is not a well-marked tabby. Brayfort Viking was put second, and Mr Powell’s well-marked Brown Mick third. Mr Powell took the first prize in the class for brown tabby females with Brown Duchess, and in the one for kittens with Bronzino, a Westminster winner. Mrs Slingsby’s Red Eagle of Thorpe had to give place to Mrs Western’s grand-coloured orange male, with fine eyes. In the class for cream males Captain Biscuit, who was placed first, is an enormous cat, in fine show form, but his colour is rather too grey. Mr Maden’s Rockcliffe Buttermilk was put first in the class for females.

In the stud cat class Mrs Slingsby’s Blue Lightning was placed first, her Brayfort Victor second, and Mrs Boulter’s Lord Delamere third; but these placings might have been reversed in the opinion of some ringside critics. In the short-haired section Dr Prior did most of the winning, but his short-haired white Moss Trooper was no in quite good show form. In the class for blacks, Dr Prior’s Gibson Boy has an easy victory, and in the one for blues Mrs Western was lucky to score with Blue Peter. In the class for silver tabbies Dr Prior’s Silver Raleigh was the winner, and red tabbies were headed by Mrs Oliver’s Red jacket. A lovely Siamese was exhibited by Mrs Hume Barker, and Mistress Gollywog has a promising future before her. Two beautiful kittens were penned by Mr A. Shakespear, and Mrs Samuel won in the Manx classes. Mr Oliver’s well-known red neuter Jacko was put first, and Mrs M. Hammond second with a silver tabby, who later on won in the ring class which Gertrude Lady Decies judged. This year there were only two entries.

Mrs Fosbery tried the experiment of two novice exhibitor classes for cats and kittens, and entries came in very well. Miss C. Meeson was placed first in the adult class, and was followed by Miss Tiddeman and Mr Pole Smith. In the kitten class Mrs Aubrey was awarded the first prize for her charming Langherne Prince, but as this kitten had won at the Crystal Palace the second prize winner, Mr F. Stokes, will possibly be moved up. Mr A.C.W. Duke’s orange-eyed blue Queen was third. Mr Laurence headed the working people’s class with his handsome black male, the first prize winner in the open class, while the local classes were well filled and contained some good cats and kittens, penned in fine condition. The Newbury Club now numbers eighty members, and was opened by Gertrude Lady Decies who is president of the club.

1912 RICHMOND SHOW

CAT SHOW SUCCESSES. Croydon Times, 6th July 1912
Several local people carried off prizes in the annual cat show held at Richmond on Tuesday. Mrs. Carew Cox, of 71, Clyde-road, Addiscombe, took first and third prizes in the class for Abyssinians. Mr. E. Oliver, of High-street, Thornton Heath, secured first prize in the Neuters' class, with "Gainsborough Jacko," and second prize in another class with ''Champion Gainsborough Redjacket." Another successful local competitor was Mrs. R. Scheibe, of "Clarendon," Elliott-road, Thornton Heath, who had the second prize in the class for long-haired blue litters, and first in another class with "Blue Clan Ullstereine." Mrs. George Wilson, of Purley Grange, Purley, had first prize in the class for long-haired blue males with " Sir Archie II. of Arrandale"; first prize in the local classes with the same cat; first prize in the novice class, with "Sir Robbie of Arrandale"; first prize in the class for blue pairs with "Sir Robbie of Arrandale” ,and "Sir Donald of Arrandale"; second prize in the class for blues, bred by exhibitors, with "Sir Robbie of Arrandale''; and third prize in the class for long haired kittens, with "Sir Donald of Arrandale”. In the long-haired neuters' class, Miss Voules, of Grange Park road, Thornton Heath, captured the third prize.

CUMBERLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY SHOW, CARLISLE

CARLISLE DOG AND CAT SHOW West Cumberland Times , 10th August 1912
Cumberland Agricultural Society – the eightieth Annual Show of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Butter, Eggs and Honey, with the Carlisle Dog and Cat Show (in conjunction) will be held on the Show Field, Warwick Road, Carlisle, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 1912.

THE DOG AND CAT SHOW [CARLISLE] Carlisle Journal, 3rd September 1912
The section comprising dogs, cats, &c proved an attractive feature . . . there was a nice show of cats and rabbits. In the class for longhairs, male or female, the first prize was taken by Mrs Brough, Petteril Street, Carlisle. This exhibit was a beautiful blue, which was followed by a very beautiful white specimen shown by the Hon Mrs Behrens, Malton, and secured the second prize. Miss Hope, Castle Street secured the premier award in the longhair neuter class with a lovely silver tabby with nice eyes. The second award in this class went to Mrs H.E. Power, Petteril Street, who showed a massive cat. There was a remarkably fine show of longhaired kittens, and the class was topped by Lawson Atkinson, Bradford, with an animal which, in the opinion of a competent judge, was very hard to find fault with. The class for tortoiseshells and whites brought forward some close competition, which called far great pains in judging. The prize for the best cat exhibit in the show was secured by the Hon Mrs Behrens with a shorthaired animal which, in the opinion of the judge, was the best he had seen. The second award in this class was won by Lawson Atkinson with an excellent white, the only fault being in the eyes. The section for local cats was topped by Mrs J.W. Strong, Warwick Road, with an excellent blue cat, which was followed by a remarkably good second shown by Miss A. Topping, Currock Road. The exhibit was a black, and was only beaten in the eye.
LONGHAIRS
Male or female, self-colour – 1, Mrs Brough; 2, Mrs Behrens; 3, Mrs Graham Coltart; 4, Lawson Atkinson; 5, D. McKee; 6, Miss Cowar.
Neuter – 1, Miss Hope; 2, Mrs H.E. Power; 3, J. Reid.
Kittens, not above 9 months – 1, L. Atkinson; 2, Mrs H. Atkinson; 3, Mrs Bordon-Rayner; 4, Miss H.K. Stable; 5, Mrs M.Parker; 6, T. MacPhail.
SHORTHAIRS
Male or female, tortoiseshell or tortoiseshell and white – 1, J. Reid; extra first, Miss Dawson; 2, Dr Prior; 3, Miss H.M. Waters.
Self-colour – 1 and 3, Mrs Behrens; 2, L. Atkinson.
Any other colour – 1, Mrs Reay; 2, Miss M.B. Dawson; 3, the Hon Mrs Behrens.
Kittens not above nine months – 1 and 3, Mrs Reay.
Local cat, kitten, or neuter, not to be shown in any other class – 1, Miss J.W. Storng; 2, Miss A. Topping; 3, mrs Sharp; h.c., Miss Nancy Wheatley.
SPECIAL PRIZES
Silver cup for best cat in show – Hon Mrs Behrens, Swinton Grange,Malton.
Silver cup for best neuter in show – Miss Hope, Castle Street.
Silver cup for best kitten – Lawson Atkinson, Bradford.
Special for Best:
Longhair male – Mrs Brough, Carlisle.
Longhaired female – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Longhaired neuter – Miss Hope.
Longhaired kitten – Lawson Atkinson.
Shorthaired male – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Shorthaired female – James Reid, Glasgow.
Shorthaired neuter – Mrs Hall Atkinson, Carlisle.
Shorthaired Kitten – Mrs Reay, Carlisle.
Blue male – Mrs Brough, Carlisle.
Blue female – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Blue kitten – Lawson Atkinson.
Chinchilla – Miss Ellen K. Stable, Newark.
Black cat – Dr. Prior,Heckmondwike.
White or Cream – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Orange tabby – Miss M.B. Dawson, Carlisle.
Tortoiseshell – Dr Prior.
Tortoiseshell and white – J. Reid, Glasgow.
Pair of cats – Miss M.B. Dawson.
Best eyes – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Local male – Mrs Brough, Carlisle.
Local female – Miss M.B. Dawson.
Local neuter – Miss Hope, Carlisle.
Local kitten – Mrs Hall Atkinson.
Longhaired black neuter – Mrs H.E. Power, Carlisle.
Best shorthaired black neuter – Mrs Hall Atkinson.
Siamese cat or kitten – Mrs Reay, Carlisle.
Shorthair – Mrs Reay.
LOCAL CLASSES:
Male – Miss A Topping, Carlisle.
Female – Mrs J.W. Strong, Warwick Road.
Neuter - Mrs J.W. Strong.
Kitten – Miss N. Wheatley, Carlisle.
SCOTTISH CAT CLUB:
Longhaired cat or kitten – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Shorthaired cat or kitten – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Best exhibit shown by a member of the Scottish Cat Club – Hon Mrs Behrens.
NORTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB:
Silver medal or spoon for longhaired cat or kitten – Hon Mrs Behrens.
Shorthaired cat – Hon Mrs Behrens.

1912 SANDY CAT SHOW

SANDY FLOWER SHOW Biggleswade Chronicle, 30th August 1912
Yesterday the picturesque Park of Sandye Place was again the scent of the annual exhibition of the Sandy and District Floral and Horticultural Society. It was the forty-fourth show as was as extensive in its operations and appeared to be as popular as ever as one of the great holidays of the Midland.

Donors of Special Prizes: For Cats by Miss Savory, Mrs Lea, Wynn, Miss F.E. Frowd, Mr B. Tisinbom, the Black & White Club, the Neuter Cat Society, Midland Counties’ Cat Club, Mrs Forsyth Forrest, Northern Counties Cat Club, Orange and Tortoiseshell Society, Blue Persian Cat Society, Southern Counties Cat Club, Siamese Club, Chinchilla and Silver Smoke Society, Newbury Cat Society, Richmond Cat Club, Shorthaired Cat Society, Hon. Mrs Behrens, Miss Gladys Cheetham, Miss Meeson, Miss Butler, Mrs Stephen, Messrs Brown & Wilson, Mrs Hughes, Mrs Lewis, Mrs Bennett, Mrs Maxwell, Mrs Brereton, Mrs Izod, Mrs Kennaway, Miss Middleton, Mrs Spofforth, Miss Chamberlayne, Mrs Fisher White, Miss R.L. Manners, Mrs Ryan, Mrs Sinkins, Mr C.E. Page, miss Grindly, Mrs Corner, Mrs Judge, Mrs E.F. Delamere Booth, Mrs Malcolm Gray, Mrs Burt, Mr James Reid, Mr A.T. Mann, Mr W.H. Powell, Mrs Scheibe, the Brown Tabby Persian Cat Society.
[Cat judges: Miss F. Simpson, Mr F. Norris and Mr T.B. Mason]
CATS.
Longhair, white – 1, Master R. Currie; 2, Hon Mrs Clive Behrens; 3, Master Currie.
Longhair, blue male – 1, Messrs Davidson and Sons; 2, Mrs E. Watson; 3, Miss Gladys Cheetham; r, Mrs Preston, Yorks.
Longhair, blue female – 1, Miss Gladys Cheetham; 2, Mrs R. Fisher White; 3, Miss M. Fisher; r, Miss Gladys Cheetham.
Longhair Chinchilla – 1, Mrs George Wilson; 2, Mr W. Odell.
Longhair, smoke – 1, Mrs Lea, Wynn; 2, Mrs W. Singleton.
Longhair, silver tabby – 1, Mrs F.G. Moore; 2, Mrs F.W. Western.
Longhair, Brown tabby, male – 1, Miss Chamberlayne.
Longhair, Brown tabby, female – 1 and 2, Mrs Slingsby.
Longhair, orange tabby, male - 1 and 2 – Mrs Forsyth Forrest, 3 and r, Mrs Slingsby.
Longhair, orange tabby, female – 1, Mrs Bennett; 2, Miss H. Lea; 3, Mrs Slingsby.
Longhair, orange self, male – 1, Mrs F.W. Western; 2, Mrs Hall; 3, Mrs Kennaway; r, Mrs Slingsby.
Longhair, cream, male – 1, Mrs Slingsby; 2, Mrs Forsyth Forrest; 3, Miss S.M. Butler.
Longhair, cream, female – 1, Miss H. Lea; 2, Miss Turnhill; 3, Mrs F.W. Western; r, Mrs Hall.
Longhair, tortoiseshell – 1, Mrs Bennett; 2, Mrs Slingsby; 3, Mrs Kennaway.
Longhair, tortoiseshell and white – 1, Mrs T. Ansell; 2, Mrs Slingsby; 3, Mrs T. Ansell; r, Mrs Slingsby.
Shorthair, black – 1, Mrs F.W. Western; 2, Dr Prior; 3, Mr James Reid.
Shorthair, white – 1, Hon Mrs Behrens; 2 Dr Prior; 3, Hon Mrs Behrens.
Shorthair, blue – 1, Hon Mrs Behrens; 2, Mrs F.W. Western; 3, Mr D. Cutter.
Shorthair silver tabby – 1, Dr Prior; 2, Mrs F.W. Western; 3, Mrs C.F. Weston.
Shorthair, red tabby – 1, Rhodes Bros.
Shorthair, tortoiseshell and white – 1, 2 and 3, Mr James Reid.
Shorthair, Siamese – 1, Mrs Kennaway.
Miscellaneous longhair, any variety limit – 1, Hon Mrs Behrens; 2, Mrs Forsyth Forrest; 3, Miss Gladys Cheetham; r, Mrs B. Watson.
Miscellaneous longhair, any variety, special limit – 1, Mrs Forsyth Forrest; 2, Miss Gladys Cheetham; 3, Mrs E. Watson; r, Mrs F.G. Moore.
Miscellaneous longhair, any variety, novice – 1, Mrs E. Watson; 2, Mrs F.G. Moore; 3, Mrs George Wilson; r, Miss Gladys Cheetham.
Miscellaneous longhair, any variety, breeders – 1, Hon Mrs Behrens; 2, Miss Gladys Cheetham; 3, Mrs F.G. Moore; r, Mrs G. Wilson.
Miscellaneous longhair, any variety, neuter – 1, Miss Gladys Cheetham; 2, Mrs Forsythe Forrest; 3, Mrs Nadin; r, Miss M. Munro.
Miscellaneous shorthair, any colour not provided for in classes 181 to 188 – 1, Mr J. Reid; 2, Dr Prior.
Miscellaneous shorthair, any variety limit – 1, Mr E. Oliver; 2, Rhodes Bros; 3, Mr J. Reid; r, Mrs Kennaway.
Miscellaneous shorthair, any variety special limit – 1 and 3, Mr J. Reid; 2, Mrs Kennaway;r, Mr. E. Oliver.
Miscellaneous shorthair, any variety novice – 1, Mrs Kennaway; 2, Dr Prior; 3, Mr E. Oliver.
Longhair kitten, blue male – 1 and 2, Mrs G. Wilson; 3, Mrs G. New; r, Miss Gladys Cheetham.
Longhair kitten, blue female – 1, Miss Cheetham; 2, Mrs Bergman; 3, Mrs B.F. Minns; r, Mrs New.
Longhair kitten, Chinchilla – 1 and 3, Mrs Lewis; 2, Miss Risbee; r, Mrs Preston Yorke.
Longhair kitten, any colour, tabby, other than red – 3, Mrs Western.
Longhair kitten, orange – 1, Mrs F.W. Western; 2, Mrs E.K. Mann; 3 and r, Mrs Bennet.
Longhair kitten, cream – 1, Mrs Hall; 2, Miss H. Lea; 3, Mrs F.W. Western; r, the Misses Veevers.
Longhair kitten, breeders, any colour – 1, Mrs Lewis; 2, Mrs G. Wilson; 3, Mrs E.K. Mann; r, Mrs G. Wilson.
Longhair kitten, novice, any colour – 1, Mrs Lewis; 2, Miss G. Cheetham; 2, Mrs E.F. Delamere Bouth; r, Mrs G.Wilson.
Longhair kitten, pairs, any colour – 1, Mrs G. Wilson; 2, Miss G. Cheetham; 3, Mrs E.F. Delamere Bouth; r, Mrs F.W. Western.
Longhair kitten litter, any colour – 1, Mrs Brereton; 2, Mrs Kennaway; 3, Mrs Fosbery; r, Mrs Preston Yorke.
Longhair kitten, selling class, three guineas, any colour – 1, Mrs F.W. Western; 2, Mrs Fosbery; 3, Miss E. Spencer; r, Mrs Lewis.
Shorthair kitten, self, any colour – 1, Dr Prior; 3, Mrs F.W. Western.
Shorthair kitten, any other colour – 1, Mr E. Oliver; 2, Mrs Kennaway; 3, Mrs Lelia Donnes-Martin.
Shorthair kitten, breeders – 1, Mr E. Oliver; 2, Mrs Kennaway; 3, Dr Prior; r, Mrs Lelia Donnes-Martin.
Members, longhair, any age, self, female – 1, Master R. Currie; 2, Miss G. Cheetham; 3, Hon Mrs Behrens; r, Mrs R. Fisher White.
Members, longhair, any age, any other colour, male – 1, Mrs F.G. Moore; 2, Mrs Forsyth Forrest; 3, Mrs G. Wilson.
Members, longhair, any age, any other colour, female – 1, Mrs F.W. Western; 2, Mrs Bennet; 3, Miss H. Lea.
Members, longhair kitten, self, male – 1, Mrs G. Wilson; 2, Miss G. Cheetham; 3, Mr D. McKee; r, Mrs E.F. Delamere Bouth.
Members, longhair kitten, self, female – 1, Miss G. Cheetham; 2, Mrs B.E. Minns; 3, Mrs Fosbery; r, Mrs E.F. Delamere Bouth.
Members, longhair kitten, any other colour, male – 1, Master R. Currie; 2 and 3, Mrs Lewis.
Members, longhair kitten, any other colour, female – 1, Mrs F.W. Western; 2, Mrs Lewis; 3, Mr A.W. Brawn; r, Mrs Bennett.
Members, longhair kitten, breeders – 1, Master R. Currie; 2, Mrs Lewis; 3, M D. McKee; r, Mrs F.W. Western.
Members, longhair kittens, pairs – 1, Mrs G. Wilson; 2, Mrs Bennett; 3, Mrs Lewis; r, Mrs Fosbery.
Members, shorthair, any age, self, any colour – 1 and 2, Dr Prior; 3, Mrs F.W. Western.
Members, shorthair, any other colour – 1 and r, Dr Prior; 2, Rhodes Bros; 3, Mrs F.W. Western.
Members, shorthair kitten, self, any colour – 1, Dr Prior; 3, Mrs F.W. Western.
Members, shorthair kitten, any other colour – 1, Mr E. Oliver; 2, Mrs Kennaway; 3, Mrs Lelia Donnes-Martin.

SANDY CAT SHOW. The Queen, 7th September, 1912
The annual exhibition of he Sandy and District Floral and Horticultural Society was held on Aug. 29 by kind permission of Mrs Graves in the park of Sandye Place. The cat section was a championship show held under the rules of the governing council of the Cat fancy. Last year the entries numbered 260, and this year they came up to 402. The judges were Miss Frances Simpson, Mr T b Mason, and Mr F Norris. In the early morning the clouds were very threatening, and by nine o’clock the rain was coming down in torrents, but by the time most of the class cards were up the atmosphere had cleared, the rain stopped, and promise of a fine day after all was fulfilled. In the cat tent the judges found all in readiness, and their work was completed in good time. Dr Prior’s Silver Raleigh, a beautiful silver tabby, won the highest award, beating all the long-haired cats in the show, master Currie’s Minley White Satin being reserve. This young gentleman’s Minley White Heather was awarded the special prize for the best kitten in the show, and being bred by the exhibitor, it deserved all the prizes it won. Mrs Lewis’s pale chinchilla female was the second best kitten in the show, and Miss Cheetham’s blue kitten took the prize for the best self female kitten. Mrs New’s blue was the best reserve kitten in the show, and Mrs G Wilson was put first in the pair of kittens class with her handsome blues. Adult brown tabbies, silvers and smokes made a poor show, and those penned were naturally not in good trim at this season of the year.

An exception to this rule may be quoted as regards the three long-haired whites, which were in wonderfully good coat. Mnley White Satin took the first prize, and was followed by The rake of Minley, both hard pressed by the Hon Mrs Clive Behrens’s Swinton Heartsease which needs a little better coat and condition to win well. The blue male class contained some good cats, Messrs Davidson and Sons showing the winner, Tony’s Double, in grand coat and condition. Mrs Watson’s Barry Blue John was a good second, possessing a fine head and nice orange eyes. The class for blue females was very strong, all the nine entries being fine specimens. Miss Cheetham’s Seabreeze held her own, and was shown in wonderful coat and fine condition, while Mrs Fisher White’s second prize winner, the dainty little Juliet of Highgate, has a perfect head and lovely eyes, but is on the small size for an adult; miss Fisher’s Scilla was put third, and Miss Cheetham reserve with Sheila.

Chinchillas only numbered two, and Mrs G Wilson took the first prize with Silver Victory, a pale son of Lord Silvercote. Mrs Lea Wynn won with Peter of Castlethorpe in the class for smokes, Mrs Singleton being placed second. Both these exhibits were shedding their coats and showing tabby markings. Two good tabbies were exhibited by Mrs Moore and Mrs Western, but only one brown tabby male put in an appearance, The Sable Boy, owned by Miss Chamberlayne, showing good markings, but having little coat. The same may be said of the first and second prize winning brown females penned by Mrs Slingsby.

In the class for orange males Mrs Forsyth Forrest was placed first with Shining Light, in fair coat, but showing very few body markings, and Mrs Bennet gained her full championship with Rokeles Redrose, a nice specimen, though rather pale in eye. In the self orange class, Mr Mckee’s Cathcart Laddie beat Mrs Hall’s well-known Tower Wood Pharaoh, and Mrs Slingsby’s Watchful of Thorpe headed the cream males, while Miss Lea was put first in the class for cream females with Georgette of Thorpe. Mrs Bennet again scored with her finely patched longhair tortoiseshell, and a new exhibit appeared in a good tortoiseshell and white, which won the first prize for Mr Ansell. There were some very fine cats in the short-haired section, which was judged by Mr T B Mason. Mrs Western beat Dr Prior’s The Gibson Boy with her black female, Wynnstay Raven, and Mrs Clive Behrens won the first and third prizes with her two beautiful whites. Swinton North Star was looking particularly well, and was an easy first. This exhibitor also won in the class for blue shorthairs with Wynnstay Lupin. In the class for silvers, Dr Prior’s silver tabby beforementioned carried all before him, and Mrs Western was put second with a young male purchased at Richmond. Only one Siamese was show, by Mrs Kennaway, but it was worthy of the first prize.

In the class for longhaired kittens the blues were by far the most numerous, and the two classes provided for males and females should have been sub-divided by age. It is hardly fair to judge or exhibitor to have kittens penned at eight weeks old and over eight months in the same competition. Mrs G Wilson won the first and second prizes with two handsome big kittens born in December, 1911, who competed against Mrs Scheibe’s dainty little Laddie of the Blue Clan, born July, 1912! Mrs New’s Sete, a fine-limbed exhibit, was a good third. In the blue female kitten class Miss Cheetham brought out a handsome little specimen, good in all points. Mrs Bergmann’s Mhorag, the second prize winner, which was greatly admired, is a pale but quite sound blue, with nice head, though rather pale in eye. Mrs Minn’ Tess of Narran followed very closely in the keen competition of eleven good exhibits. Mrs Lewis took the first and third prizes in the Chinchilla kitten lass, the winner being a good specimen with hardly any markings, and Miss Risbee was placed second with a pretty little exhibit, full young for exhibition. There was nothing very striking amongst the orange and cream kittens. Master Currie’s winning white has been referred to before, and Mr Oliver exhibited a grand little orange kitten. There were ten entries in the litter class and five were blues. The first prize went to Mrs Brereton (blue), the second to Mrs Kennaway (orange and cream) , and the third to Mrs Fosbery (blue).

[1912 SANDY CAT SHOW] CAT FANCIERS AT LAW. ALLEGED SLANDER ON A LADY JUDGE Nottingham Evening Post, 20th June 1913
Mr. Justice Coleridge and a special jury had before them, in the King’s Bench Division to-day, the action of Miss Frances Ann Simpson, a well-known cat show judge, who sued Mr. Thomas Watson, exhibitor at cat shows, for damages for alleged slander in regard to her actions as a judge at certain shows mentioned. Opening the case, Mr. Tindal Atkinson K.C., said that Miss Simpson, whose address is Leonard-place, Kensington, had for many years taken an interest in the breeding and care of cats. She was the writer of the standard English work on cats, “The Book of Cats.” For 26 years, she had been employed to act as a judge at cat shows in various places in England. On August 29th, 1912, at Sandy Cat Show, in Bedfordshire, the plaintiff was acting as one of the judges. The defendant, an exhibitor at that show, falsely and maliciously spoke and published to a Mr. William J. Wilson and others the following words:

“I told you how it would be, Mr. Wilson, Miss Simpson (meaning the plaintiff) was appointed the judge. Everything wrong. We shall get no-one to exhibit soon, I have had dozens of letters about it, and I know as a fact that she received bribes from exhibitors, that is the reason. I am talking of what I know to be true and others are saying the same.”

Again on October 3rd, 1912, at a house in Narbonne-avenue, Clapham, the defendant was said to have spoken these words: “There you are; you have appointed Miss Simpson to judge at the Westminster Show. I shall not show under her at Westminster. As I told you before she takes bribes to award prizes, especially from Mrs. George Wilson. I warn everybody the same will happen at the Westminster Show.”

Counsel said that plaintiff first heard a rumour going about that she was receiving bribes from exhibitors in order to induce her to give a certain exhibitor prizes at a show. Ultimately she was able to secure evidence against a Mrs. Savory. She brought an action for slander against Mrs. Savory, and the action was settled, with Mrs. Savory making a public apology. Evidence [on the current alleged slander] was then called.

What she heard. The plaintiff gave evidence supporting the statement of counsel. She told the Court that she was judging at the Southern Counties’ Club Cat Show at Sandy on the 29th August, and Mr. Watson, the defendant, got a second prize. Afterwards Mr. Watson came along and asked her who had taken the first prize in a certain class. She gave him the information, and as he went away she heard him remark very angrily, “Well, there’s no use exhibiting. I shan’t do it anymore.”

Mr. William James Wilson, of Ashford and Croydon, for many years an expert in cats, stated that at the Sandy Show he heard the defendant say “No one can win under Miss Simpson,” adding that a Mrs. George Wilson was paying the plaintiff to give prizes to her. On another occasion, at a committee meeting, where defendant repeated the libel, he told defendant it was a foolish remark to make if he had no foundation for it.
Mr. Rose Innes, K.C., for Mr Watson, asked witness whether others were present at the committee meeting in question could have heard the alleged slander uttered by the defendant.
Witness: Perhaps you do not appreciate that it was a committee meeting of ladies. (Laughter.)
Counsel: Perhaps I don’t. You mean they were talking about cats?
Witness: Yes. (Laughter.) - Counsel: I will try to appreciate it.
Mrs. Frances Selina Simpkins, wife of Colonel Simpkins, of Southampton, who stated that she was chairman of the Southern Counties’ Cat Club, was next called as witness. She said that she took the chair at the meeting of the committee on October 3rd at the house of the secretary, Mrs. Miller. She explained that it was nothing out the way for people who exhibited either at cat or dog shows to say that they would not show under particular judges. She did not remember Mr. Watson making the remark alleged at the committee meeting. There was some discussion on Miss Simpson’s appointment, and witness remarked that if they were going to discuss judges they must do it thoroughly and consider the meeting privileged.
Mr. Tindal Atkinson: Why did you make that observation?
Mrs Simpkins: Because they were discussing some judge, I believe it was Miss Simpson.

[1912 SANDY CAT SHOW] CAT SHOW SLANDER CASE Pall Mall Gazette, 20th June 1913
Charges of Bribery. Action by a Lady Judge. King’s Bench Division. Before Mr. Justice Coleridge and a Special Jury. [. . .] Plaintiff found that rumours were about that she had been receiving bribes, and evidence would be called to prove that the defendant made the following remarks to a Mr. Wilson: “I told you what it would be, Mr. Wilson, if Miss Simpson was appointed a judge. We shall get no one to exhibit soon. I have had dozens of letters about it, and know as a fact that she receives bribes from exhibitors.”

Mr. Wilson, proceeded counsel, at once expostulated, and warned defendant against repeating such a statement, and defendant said, “I am talking of what I know to be true, and others are saying the same.” The only defence in this case, remarked counsel, was that the words were not uttered, but it would be shown that the defendant repeated the charges complained of.

Exhibitors’ Evidence. Mr. W. M. J. Wilson, who carries on business at Ashford, Middlesex, and also at Croydon, said he had attended at dog and cat shows for twenty years, but was not himself an exhibitor. At the show at Sandy last August defendant made a statement to him that a Mrs. George Wilson, a large exhibitor was paying plaintiff to give her prizes. Defendant also told him that he had letters where the same remark had been made, and he knew it for a fact.
Witness stated that at the selection of the Westminster show judges at Clapham in October, 1912, Watson was against Miss Simpson’s nomination.
Replying a question by Mr. Rose-Innes, K.C., witness said, “Perhaps you don't appreciate a committee meeting with ladies?" (Laughter.)
Mr. Rose Innes : Perhaps I don't. We were talking about cats, (laughter.)
Mr. Atkinson (re-examining): In respect do you mean that we don't appreciate a committee meeting with ladies?
Witness : Well, all the ladies talk at once sometimes. (laughter.) A cat committee a more free and easy sort of meeting. (Renewed laughter.)
Mr. Rose Innes: Yes, there less formality about it.
Mrs. Selina Frances Simpkins, wife of Colonel Simpkins, chairman of the Southern Counties Cat Club, was called, but said she did not recollect the defendant making the observations alleged. Miss Carsewell, of Kensington, a member of the Committee, said she did hear the defendant mention the plaintiff’s name.
Let Sleeping Cats Lie! Mr. Rose Innes, in opening the case for the defendant, reminded the jury that there was an old adage which ran, Let sleeping cats lie.” (Laughter.)
His Lordship: Dogs.
Counsel : I beg pardon—“ let sleeping dogs lie.” (Loud laughter.)
The defendant, who lives in Barry-road, East Dulwich, said he never uttered the words complained of. He heard no rumours to her discredit.
Mrs. Priscilla Millar, Narbonne-avenue, Clapham, hon. sec. of the Southern Counties Club, said that at the meeting at her house last October she heard a statement that some exhibitors would not show under Miss Simpson. She could not say who made the statement. It was a well-known fact that several exhibitors would not show under Miss Simpson. She had never heard it suggested that Miss Simpson was taking money from exhibitors.
After further evidence counsel addressed the jury. The jury, without retiring, returned a verdict for the defendant. Judgment was entered accordingly.

[1912 SANDY CAT SHOW] LADY JUDGE’S ACTION. CAT SHOW EXHIBITOR DISPROVES SLANDER ACCUSATION. Leeds Mercury, 21st June 1913
[. . . ] Defendant, in the box, denied having uttered the words which were the subject of the action. He was satisfied with his second prize at the Sandy Show, although had hoped get first. He had never heard rumours against Miss Simpson. In cross-examination, witness admitted that he objected at the committee meeting to the appointment of Miss Simpson as judge, but his grounds were that he preferred one of the other judges. The jury, without leaving the box, returned a verdict for the defendant, and judgment was entered accordingly with costs.

[1912 SANDY CAT SHOW] SOUTHAMPTON LADY AND THE CAT SHOW COMMITTEE Hampshire Independent, 21st June 1913
Mrs Selina Frances Simpkins . . . When the question of selecting the judges for the Westminster Show came up, Miss Simpson’s name was mentioned. There was some discussion with reference to her appointment . . . she did not want any stabs in the dark She believed that Miss Simpson was the judge that was being discussed. She (the plaintiff) had judged at their show for a great many years, but was not appointed for the coming show.

[1912 SANDY CAT SHOW] A CAT CLUB SQUABBLE RESULTS IN A LAW ACTION Norwood News, 28th June 1913
In opening the case for Miss Simpson. Mr. Tindal Atkinson said the plaintiff had for many years taken an interest in the breeding and care of cats. She was also the founder of the Southern Counties Cat Club, and for many years had acted as judge at various cat shows in the country. [. . . ] Miss Simpson, giving evidence, said she had not been chosen as a judge for the Westminster show this year. In cross-examination, she stated that defendant was very rude to her when he only got second prize. [. . . ] In cross-examination. Mr. Watson said he had never heard any rumours alleging that Miss Simpson took money. At the committee meeting he voted against Miss Simpson being appointed as judge for certain additional classes because he wanted another judge to act. He had no other reason for doing so. Mr. Edward Olner, of Thornton Heath, said lie was with Mr. Watson all day at Sandy. and did not hear him speak the alleged slander. Mrs. Miller stated that the committee meeting referred to was held at her house at Clapham. She did not hear the alleged slander.

1912 HOUNSLOW CAT SHOW

[HOUNSLOW CAT SHOW] Croydon Times, 6th November 1912
Mr. A. E. Oliver, of Thornton Heath, exhibited at the Hounslow Cat Show on Tuesday, and he also put up a kitten and a buff orpington at the Maidenhead Fanciers Show on Wednesday.

[HOUNSLOW CAT SHOW] Croydon Times, 13th November 1912
Quite recently, in the Hounslow Championship Show, Mr. Oliver showed “Gainsboro’ Jacko” in the cats section, and was fortunate enough to pull off a first and a third prize, a medal, and the Challenge Cup. This trophy Mr. Oliver has won out right.

[HOUNSLOW CAT SHOW] Middlesex County Times, 13th November 1912
Wilson’s annual grand championship at show took place at the Baths Hall last week. And attracted a crowded attendance of visitors. There were in all sixty classes, and a considerable number of silver cups, silver and bronze medals were offered as prizes. There were about 300 entries, and many of the animals were sent by some of the best-known fanciers of the feline department. In the classes for blue, male and female, there was a particularly good show, those for long hair and other kinds of kittens were full, and the class for novices, in which cats of every variety appeared, proved to be most popular. The judges were Miss F. Simpson, Mr T.B. Mason, and Mr F. Norris, and the general superintendence of the show was in the experienced hands of Mr W.J. Wilson. Lady Duckworth presented the prizes.

THE HOUNSLOW CAT SHOW. The Queen, 16th November 1912
Mr W. J. Wilson, of Ashford, Middlesex, held his annual show at the Public Baths, Hounslow, recently, the number of entries amounting to 602. The judges were Mrs Frances Simpson, Mr T. B. Mason, and Mr F. Norris. Blues fell short by twenty in the kitten classes when compared with the entry of last year. There was, however, an entry of fourteen in the black kitten class, and for this time of year litters of kittens came up splendidly. Miss Cheetham had a field day with her team of five blues, Champion Oaklands Sceptre again taking the prize offered for the best in the show. Master Currie e was to the fore with his splendid whites, winning in the classes for adults and kittens, while Mr Benest headed the black adults with Derby Dick. In the class for blue males Mrs Watson was put first with Barry Blue John, who has come on finely in coat and form since the Sandy show. In the class for chinchilla males Mrs Adlam led, but Mrs G. Wilson's Silver Lion ran him very closely, being much better in head and shape. Mrs Forrest Forsyth showed a grand orange which had an easy win in a small class, and Mr Powell's Copper King held his own amongst brown tabby males. Mrs Sinclair Webb's Sally Simm, in fine coat aid condition, headed the brown females. Mrs Corner's grand-coloured Queen was put second, and Miss Bowtell won in the class for silver tabbies. Smokes were few in number; Mrs Lea Wynn was put first. There was a nice show of tortoiseshells, and Mrs Bennet’s Rokeles Dorcas took highest honours. The three neuter classes were not very well filled. Miss Cheatham headed the blues, and Mrs Forrest Forsyth the tabby class with a splendid orange.

In the class for long-haired blue kittens from three to six months old Mrs G. Wilson's little male had a lucky win, and in the six to nine months section Miss Clement's Desmond was well worthy of first place. In the class for blue female kittens Mrs Ryan's Lupin of Telecote and Mrs Stephen’s Pearl of Hyver were very close together in merit, while a nice little queen owned by Messrs Binns headed a large class of twenty-two kittens from six to nine months old, Mrs Bergman’s pale coloured kitten, a Sandy winner, pressing her closely. There were some nice pale chinchilla kittens, and Miss Meeson carried off the first and second prizes, one of these winners being the best kitten in the show. –

Mrs Millar headed the older kitten class, her Regal Starlight being a fine pure chinchilla. Mrs Langden Shepherd's beautiful little queen headed a strong class of black kittens, Master Currie coming second with Nigger Boy, and Mrs Norris and Mrs Foster White being equal thirds. Mrs Owen penned a nice orange tabby kitten in Rubia. The any other class for kittens was a very strong one. Master Currie's White Heather stood first. White Chiffon, exhibited by Gertrude Lady Decies, second, Mrs Allhusen’s Smoke third. There were fourteen litters, and some of the blues were excellent. A well-grown litter of six belonging to Miss Hine was placed first, Mrs Bazeley's beautiful headed family of five second, and Miss Grindley third. In the any other class Miss Bartlett's six chinchillas were an easy first and in the short-haired section Mrs Carew Cox exhibited her celebrated Abyssinians in grand form. Dr Prior's noted champion silver Raleigh headed a fine class of tabbies any colour, and afterwards took the special award for the best shorthair in the show, and there were some fine white shorthairs. Lady Decies’s deep blue-eyed Dreamy Cutbarth being placed first.

Mrs Kennaway came first with a grand Siamese, but was beaten on points by Mrs Gawne's female kitten. Lady Alexander's well-known exhibits won easily in the classes for shorthaired blues and tortoise and white.

1912 BIRMINGHAM SHOW (MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB)

BIRMINGHAM CAT SHOW Birmingham Daily Gazette, 26th November 1912
The Hon Mrs Behrens, who will be one of the chief exhibitors at to-day’s cat show in Birmingham, is the possessor of a remarkable collection of feline fanciers. At Swinton Grange, Mrs Behrens’ Yorkshire home, the cats’ apartments are always the chief source of interest to visitors. Included in the collection are many champions. Mrs Behrens is a daughter of Lord Rothschild, and her brother-in-law was Lord Mayor of Manchester last year.

MIDLANDS CAT SHOW. BURTON-ON-TRENT WINNERS Burton Observer and Chronicle, 28th November 1912
There was a great gathering of the feline clans at the Midland Counties Cat Club show in Birmingham on Tuesday. They came from England, Scotland, and Wales, and were the very aristocracy of their race. They were of many colours and sizes, and although the “blues” predominated, the orange coloured cats were present in greatly-increased numbers, for one learns, this species is coming more and more into popular favour. The tri-coloured short-hairs also mustered in good numbers. The entries this year were a record, numbers 547, and representing 287 cats.

One of the principal prize winners was Mrs R. Forsyth-Forrest, of Burton-on-Trent, who secured three second prizes with her orange tabby “Shining Light,” a second in the class for brood queens with “Champion Redlight of Stapenhill,” a first in the class for any colour tabbies with “Hampstead Red Lion,” two firsts in the neuter classes with “Firelight,” and a first in the class for groups. Another local winner was Mr Gaved, who carried off premier honours in the class for Siamese males or females with “Davey.”

[BIRMINGHAM CAT SHOW] Croydon Times, 4th December 1912
Last week, Mr. E. Oliver, of High-street, Thornton Heath, showed at the Birmingham Cat Show, and his "Gainsboro' Jacko" had a second prize.

1912 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW

[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Croydon Times, 13th November 1912
One of the judges at the National Cat Show to be held at the Crystal Palace on December 12th and 13th. will be Mr. E. Oliver, of Thornton Heath. To judge at the "glass house” is, of course, the mecca of one's ambition. and this is a very high honour for Mr. Oliver, has taken a keen interest in live stock for practically 20 years. Mr. Oliver had taken many prizes at the Palace shows, but this year, of course, he will be debarred from exhibiting. To an enthusiast like Mr. Oliver this is a disappointment, but the honour is well worth it. Quite recently, in the Hounslow Championship Show, Mr. Oliver showed “Gainsboro’ Jacko” in the cats section, and was fortunate enough to pull off a first and a third prize, a medal, and the Challenge Cup. This trophy Mr. Oliver has won out right.

CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW London Evening Standard, 5th December 1912
The twenty-fifth annual championship show of the National Cat Club, which will be held at the Crystal Palace on Tuesday and Wednesday next, promises to beat past records. Not only does the number of entries exceed those of many previous years, but there will be the largest list of specials on record, the entries in this class alone exceeding 200. The classes will include sections for long-haired, short-haired, Siamese, Abyssinian, Manx, Chinchilla, Blue Persian, Orange, and Tortoiseshell varieties, and for the ordinary tabby. In the novelty section will be found the "Scout" and "Restaurant” cats. Many valuable prizes are offered.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW. 750 ANIMALS ENTERED. London Evening Standard, 10th December 1912
Animal lovers, and particularly admirers of the cat, will find much to interest and please them at the Crystal Palace to-morrow, when the twenty-sixth championship show of the National Cat Club is opened. The number of entries this year is particularly large, and 752 cats seek to charm the critical judges. For several hours yesterday evening the furry competitors kept pouring into the Crystal Palace from all directions, some of them arriving in baskets, some in crates, and some in carriages of state. There were cats of all sorts and sizes, of all colours and shades. There were long-haired cats, short-haired cats, tiny, playful, velvety kittens, and the giant, majestic Persians. There were black cats, white cats, tan cats, blue cats, silver cats, cream cats, tortoiseshell cats. There were brown tabbies, silver tabbies, orange tabbies, red tabbies, shaded tabbies, ordinary tabbies, and, as the official catalogue has it, “any other colour" of tabbies and ats.

The judges who will decide upon the merits of the cats in their various classes to-morrow will be Mrs. Greenwood, Mr. Cheetham, Mrs. Kennaway, Miss Cope, Mr. L. Wain, Miss Hill Shaw, Mr. Oliver, and Mrs. de Vere Brooke. Among the exhibitors are Lady Alexander, Sir Claud Alexander, Mrs. T. Angell, Mrs. J. P. Acheson, Mrs. M. F. Beardshaw, Hon. Mrs. C. Behrens, Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. A. Blackman, Mrs. Edith C. Britton, Mrs. E. A. Clark, Miss L. M. Colville, Mrs. A. K. Cartier, Mrs. C. Carew-Cox, Master B. Currie, Gertrude Lady Decies, Mrs. A. H. Hee, Mies Mary Tyrwhitt-Drake, Mrs. M. A. Finch, Mrs. A. Forsyth Forrest, Mrs. Forsbery, M. Edouard Goujon, Mrs. Aubrey Jonsson, Mr. E. E. Lewis. Mr. H. Marden, lieu. Mrs. Jan C. Maitland, Mrs. T. Mason, Mrs. Allen Maturin, Mrs. Louis Maxwell, Miss E. Meeson, Miss Meeson, Mrs. F. G. Moore, Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, Mr. W. H. Powell, Dr. Prior. Mrs. Ryan, Hon. Mrs. E. K. Salmond, Miss K Samuel, Mrs. William Singleton, Mrs. K. L. Stephen, Dr. John A. Vlasto, and Mr. George Wilson.

THE NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW. WINNING EXHIBITORS. FIVE POUNDS FOR A WORKIKG-MAN’S CAT. Pall Mall Gazette, 12th December 1912
The National Cat Club Show, held at the Crystal Palace, was considered to be the finest show ever held by the club. Mr. Louis Wain, one the judges, gave his opinion that the quality was the best he had ever seen at any show.
Lady Alexander did well with her exhibits and won the Rotherham and the Welburn bowls for the best short-haired cat in the show.
Mrs. Brown (of Shildon, Durham), won the challenge shield presented by the Richmond Cat Club for the best kitten in the show.
Mrs. Slingsby won the ten-guinea cup and the Stisted Bowl for the best longhaired cat in the show.
Mrs. Jonsson (of Droitwich) won the Crystal Palace Cup for the best longhaired kitten.
The Hon. Mrs. Behrens won the Hughes Cup for the best short-haired blue female.
Mrs. Carew Cox (of Croydon) won the championship for the best Abyssinian cat.
Lady Alexander won the championship for the best tortoiseshell-and-white male, and Mrs. Western for the best female.
Lady Decies won the championship for the best chinchilla male, Mrs. G. Wilson winning for the best female. Mrs. Slingsby bought the winning female chinchilla from Mrs. Western for £10, catalogue price.
Lady Alexander bought from a Yorkshire miner a cat shown in the working class for £5having the name of “Pretty Polly.”

RED KITTEN. THE IDEAL OF THE NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Dundee Evening Telegraph, 12th December 1912
“Have you seen the red kitten?” was the question every other person was asking at the two days’ show of the National Cat Club, now being held at the Crystal Palace. The red kitten, which belongs to Mrs H. Cook, and was most deservedly judged the best cat in the show, may be described as the ideal cat, at which the fanciers have been aiming for years. Mr Louis Wain, who was judging, has never himself drawn its equal. Its redness is not marred by one speck or suspicion of white. Its eyes are alternate circles of light red and dark red, just as its tabby coat is alternate streaks of the two shades. “Never before at any show,” said Mr Wain, “have we seen such perfection of shading as a number of the cats exhibit. So delicate are they that they can only be judged by pure daylight.”

This quality was hardly less marked in Mrs Slingsby’s and in Lady Alexander’s brown tabbies, which won respectively the special prizes for the best long and short-haired cats in the show. The tabbies swept the board.

The cult of the cat is growing and surely never have exhibitors gone to such extremes in tricks of exhibition. One sent along with a cat a tadpole in a bottle, because the curious object excited the cat’s attention, and inspired that spry air which is supposed to arrest the judges’ attention. The only part of the show less good tan usual was the foreign section. Our gloomy weather, it seems, has been quite too much for the health of the strange and beautiful Siamese cats, and even for some of the favourite Russian blues. It may be a surprise for some cat lovers to know that red and blue are now tow of the favourite tints with the cat fancier.

A GREAT SHOW OF CATS Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 12th December 1912
It seems that cat shows are likely to become as popular as dog shows. At the National Cat Club’s exhibition which closed at the Crystal Palace last night there were many feline specimens for the homes of the well-to-do – long-haired, short-haired, silver, browns, orange, tabby, Chinchilla, Siamese, Abyssinian, Manx and Persian cats; while there were also two classes allotted for cats the property of the working classes. In all there were 435 cats on view, and thus for two or three nights at least their usual haunts would know them not, and the slumbers of quite an appreciable number of people would be undisturbed by them.

SUCCESSES AT THE CAT SHOW Brighton Gazette, 14th December 1912
There were some local prize-winners at the National Cat Club’s Show which opened on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace. Mrs C. Mellor Bonny, of Millcroft, Beaconsfield-villas, Brighton, got a third with Endymion for a silver tabby, and a first with Lorenzo in the kitten classes. The Hon Mrs McLaren Morrison, of Parkfield, Park-lane, Southwick, took two seconds with Rowanberry, among long-haired cats, a third with Parkfield Joyce, and a first with Silverdale Bayard, the last-named being a veteran. Mr C. Hopwood, of Clarendon Lodge, kemp Town, was awarded a third for Crown Girlie of Clarendon, among tabbies, and a second with a neuter, Rory O’More. Mrs H. Marshall, of 56, York Road, Hove, took a third with Edward the Peacemaker in a long-haired novice class.

CAT SHOW AT THE PALACE Norwood News, 14th December 1912
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the annual Cat Show took place and attracted considerable attention among lovers of these animals, particularly ladies. Over 400 faced the music, or rather the judges, and there was a fair sprinkling of local successes, of which the following are the details:-
Long-haired – Mrs M.F. Beardshaw, 24 Oakwood-avenue, Beckenham, v.h.c.
Short-haired – Mrs C.A. Bull, 86 Sydenham-road, Sydenham, 2nd.
Long-haired – Mr A.W. Butler, 57 Ernest-street, West Norwood, v.h.c.
Long-haired Tabby – Mrs L. Chalk, 43 Cambridge-road, Anerley, h.c.
Long-haired – Miss J. Charlton, 46 Central-hill, Upper Norwood, h.c.; Mrs Charlton, 46 Central-hill, Upper Norwood, c.
Any variety – Mrs Ingram, 55A Leverson-street, Streatham Common, h.c.
Long Hair – Mr C. Jones, Oakhurst Stables, Canham-road, South Norwood, 1st.
Any variety – Mrs J. Mash, 198 Tulse-hill, h.c.
Kittens – Mrs A.E. McLachlan, 98 Alleyn-road, West Dulwich, h.c., v.h.c., res.
Long Haired Kitten – Miss F.C. Millidge, 11 Woodvale, Forest Hill, 1st.
Short Haired – Miss W.e. Mills, 28 Woodland-road, Upper Norwood, res.
Orange or Red Tabby – Miss E. Moon, 75 Croydon-road, Anerley, 2nd.
Blue – Miss B. Sargent, 22 Victoria-road, Upper Norwood, h.c.
Long Haired – Mr G.R. Simpkin, 94 Church-road, Upper Norwood, res; Miss A.M. Stormer, 21 Rose Hill-road, Wandsworth, v,h,c, Mrs Y.W. Vickers, “Iona,” The Avenue, GipsyHill, res., special silver cup for best tabby and white Persian in show, “Dimity.”
Any colour kitten – Miss J.F. Acherson, 119 Thurlow Park-road, West Dulwich, v.h.c.
Long Haired Tabby – Mrs R. Johnstone, “Stanton Harcourt,” Crystal Palace-parade, 3rd.