REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1922

1922 ABERDEEN POULTRY [ETC] SHOW

ABERDEEN POULTRY SHOW. Aberdeen Press and Journal, 2nd January 1922
The 21st annual exhibition - and the first since the outbreak of war - of the Aberdeen Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit, Cat, and Cavy dub was held in the Artillery Drill Hall, North Silver Street, on Saturday. There was a very large number exhibits in all classes, while the quality was to a high standard.
Cats. Long haired, male or female – 1, Wm. Sherrit,; 2, Mrs Johnstone, Aberdeen.
Long-haired kitten, 6 months – 1, John Mainland, Aberdeen; 2 Mrs G. Gordon, Nigg; 3, D. Rhind, Banff.
Short-haired, male or female – 1, Aggie McPherson Fife-Keith; 2 and 3, W. Farquharson, Aberdeen.
Short-haired kitten, 6 months – 1, Wm. Center, Spital; 2 and 3 Wm. Farquharson.

1922 MIDLAND COUNTIES (BEDFORD) CAT SHOW

CHAMPIONSHIP CAT SHOW Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 13th January 1922
Cats of all kinds and colours from the four corners of the Kingdom foregathered yesterday in the Town Hall, Bedford, for the Championship Show of the Midland Counties Cat Club, which was held under the patronage of the Mayoress, Mrs Orman, Mrs Jocelyn Speck and Mrs Josselyn. Not since 1915 has this show been held in Bedford, and it was highly successful, the number of entries exceeding all expectation, and involving the utilisation of all available space for the pens. A strong feature of the Show were the four local classes in which there were 46 entrants from the borough of Bedford, exhibited by the following:- Mrs Archbold, Miss Attenborough, Miss Allprese, Miss Cooke, Miss Clutton, Mrs Chandler, Mrs Christian, Mrs Dinsdale, Miss Elliss, Miss Fegan, Mrs Gray, Mrs Gedge, Mrs Garner, Mrs Ham, Miss Hague, Miss Jarvis, Mres Mundy, Mrs Mayes, Miss Maydwell, Miss L, Orman, Miss Pollard, Sister Mary Price, Miss Roddis, Mr Woodford Robinson, Mrs Swire, Miss Smith, Mrs Beckton, Mrs Martyn, Mrs Enting, Mrs Litchfield, Mrs Wiggins, Mrs Royle, Mr W.A. Juffs. Mrs Orman gave a special prize for the best cat in the local classes and this was won by Mr Robinson's "Jack."

Mrs Western, of Biggleswade, was the biggest local exhibitor in the Championship Classes while Mrs W. Singleton, of Bedford, who, with Mr Singleton, worked hard in the organisation of the show, had some splendid animals penned. Mrs Dinsdale and Mrs Crossman, of Bedford, also exhibited in the Open Classes.
LOCAL CLASSES
Any colour, long hair, 1, Mr Robinson's "Jack"; 2, Miss Crossman's "Honeysuckle"; 3, Mrs Gedge's "Tab"; 4, Mrs Christian's "Judy"; 5, Mrs Archbold's "Peter"; res, Miss L. Smith.
Any colour, short hair, 1, Miss Maydwell's exhibit; 2, Sister Mary Price's "Lizzie"; 3, Miss Elliss's "Woodie"; 4, Miss Clutton's "Tomkins."
Any colour, kitten, long or short hair, 1, Sister M. Price's "Peter"; 2, Mrs Christian's "Lizzie"; 3, Miss Litchfield's "Russet"; res, Mrs Royle.
Any colour, neuter long or short hair, 1, Mrs Pollard's "Peter"; 2, Mrs Gray's "Flipp."

Mrs Singleton achieved the success in the open classes, her cats "Tarzan of the Cottage" (smoke male) and "Daddy's Darling" (smoke female) gaining full championship honours by taking their third champion card. This pair also took 1 and 2 in the any colour limit class, and first in the brace class, and together with "Cheetah of the Cottage," won the team class. The last named won second in the Smoke Female Class, and 3rd in the Novice Class.

Mrs Western's successes were as follows:- Firsts: red tabby female (and champion), ditto (male or female); brown tabby male (and champion); tortoiseshell, tortoiseshell and white (champion); any colour limit. Seconds: red tabby male, tortoiseshell and whit; any colour, novice; any colour, special limit; any colour, breeders. Thirds: silver tabby (male or female).

1922 KENSINGTON CAT AND KITTEN SHOW

[CAT AND KITTEN SHOW] Kensington News and West London Times, 30th June 1922
Philbeach Hall, Philbeach Gardens, S.W. Three minutes from Earls Court Station, Warwick Road Entrance. A Grand Cat & Kitten Show will be held at above Hall on Thursday, July 6th. This being the only Cat Show held in the West End, a unique opportunity is afforded of seeing the finest specimens of cats of all breeds. A special feature will be the Local, Novice Exhibitors, & Household Pets Classes. Entries close Friday, June 23rd. For schedules and full particulars apply Mr. C. Yeates, Hon. Sec., 119 Barkeston Gardens, S.W.5, or Miss Frances Simpson, 16, Stafford Terrace, Kensington, W.8. Admission (plus tax) 10 to 1 o’clock to view judging, 2/-; from 1 to 6.30, 1/-.

1922 SANDY SHOW

SANDY SHOW Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 1st September 1922
The elite of the cat world was penned in this champion show and entries were well above those of last year in quantity. The judges' task was no light one. Mrs Western was highly successful with her "Holme" cats taking 1 and championship with her red self "Holme Rudray" and 2nd with her red tabby "Holme Firelighter." Her tortoiseshell "Holme Merry Maid" carried off 1st and championship. Other very successful exhibitors were Mr E.H. Guy, of Reigate, and Miss Langton of Corsham, Wilts.
72 [classes] for cats. (Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 11th August 1922)
Cat entries – 1920 – 238; 1921 – 220; 1922 – 263 (Biggleswade Chronicle, 1st September 1922)

SANDY SHOW Biggleswade Chronicle, 1st September 1922
The cat entries were very fine, but the numbers were not very large. Mrs Western did splendidly.

Cats: Western, Mrs. F. W.. Holme Grove, Biggleswade. - Red tabby, 2nd; red self or shaded, 1st; tortoiseshell, 1st, 3rd; any other colour novice except blue, 2nd 3rd; any colour breeders, 1st; ditto, junior, 1st; any colour special limit,1Ist. 3rd; ditto, limit, 1st; ditto, open, 2nd; cream, 1st, 3rd; any col. novice 3rd; limit, 1st, 2nd; ditto limit, 1st, 2nd; ditto, open, 1st, 2nd; grand challenge kitten, vhc; tabby any other col., 1st; any col. special tortle or tortie and white, 1st, 2nd;any col. Nov. 1st, 2nd; any col. Special, 1st, 2nd; ditto spec. limit, 1st, vhc; any col. limit 2nd; any col. open, 1st; Sandy Society's longhair adult, 2nd, 3rd; any variety, longhair kitten, 2nd. 3rd; ditto, novice, 2nd; ditto, special limit, 1st, 2nd; ditto, shorthair adult, 1st. 2nd; ditto, kitten, 2nd, 3rd; Southern Counties Club longhair, 2nd, vhc; ditto, shorthair adult, 1st, 2nd.
Pym, Mrs. Guy, Caesar's Camp, Sandy. - Any other colour shorthair, r.

1922 NEWBURY CAT CLUB (READING) CAT SHOW

FUR AND FUN AT THE CAT SHOW. THE REPOSE THAT STAMPS THE VERE-DE-VERE. Reading Observer, 10th November 1922
Imagine, if you can. 237 cats of all conditions and dispositions ranged each in its separate wire cage round a large hall. Imagine, also, nearly as many "mere humans" pacing sedately round the aforesaid cages and criticising or appraising the animals situated therein. Imagine this, I say, and you will have a clear conception of what the Corn Exchange looked like on Wednesday of last week when the Newbury Cat Club held their seventh championship cat show.

To merely attempt to describe the different varieties of the feline tribe in that hall would be a task beyond my capabilities. There were cats there which came from all the different quarters of the globe, but there existed nevertheless a perfect harmony and understanding between them that put the League of Nations to shame. Siamese were nest door neighbours to Persians end Europeans, but here at least East and West did meet. There were cats who, I am perfectly sure, would have been frightened if a mouse had appeared, and to have vulgarly termed them "mousers" would have had the effect of causing acute suffering to their pride. There were regal members of the feline tribe who were lying luxuriantly at ease on purple velvet and appeared superciliously indifferent to the commotion going on around them.

Many of the animals had succumbed to the somnolent influence of a hearty lunch, and beyond keeping the proverbial "one eye" open, had no interest whatever in the future Fate had in store for them. In one cage I happened upon a perfect example of domestic bliss. There a mother lay stretched at her ease on the clean straw, and snuggled close to her were some kittens. I say "some" because it was humanly impossible to distinguish from such a conglomeration of multi-coloured fur one animal from another. In the next cage, however, there was a different state of affairs. Here the mother sat bolt upright amongst a group of gambolling kittens, and the expression on her face was one of patient resignation, and was ludicrous in the extreme. A terrible of affair, existed in one cage Here two noble anima's sat with their backs turned on one another, and the dignity which befits the Vere-de-Vere stamped on each expressive face. I am glad to say that their appearance at the show did not affect the appetites of the animals, as a row of saucers licked clean of milk or meat eloquently testified. I should have liked to have seen them dispose of tea, but out of respect to catty etiquette I withdrew and allowed them to eat in peace. I am glad to say the show passed off quite successfully. The building did not take fire, and nobody shouted out "lights." – B.E.A.

1922 CROYDON CAT CLUB (SHOW

[ CROYDON CAT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW ] Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 1st December 1922
Exhibiting her Siamese cats at Croydon Cat Club Championship Show, Miss R. Cooke, East Cliff, Teignmouth, won nine first and two special prizes, four seconds and two thirds.

CROYDON CAT SHOW. BIGGEST FELINE EVENT IN THE KINGDOM. RECORD ENTRIES Croydon Times, 25th November 1922
In varying poses, cats of all shades and ages were gathered in the Baths Hall, Scarbrook-road, Croydon, on Wednesday. The Croydon Cat Club Championship Show was responsible for their presence, and as there were almost one thousand exhibits from all over the country, it will be gathered that there was no lack of feline grace and feline expressiveness. Nowadays, the Croydon Club can claim to have the largest show in the United Kingdom, the Crystal Palace event being superseded by the latest gathering at the Baths Hall. Last year there were six hundred exhibits, so there was a decided advance. As usual, blues were the strongest class, and the standard of the show generally getting back to its pre-war attainments.

Miss H. Hill Shaw, the hon. secretary, was a successful local exhibitor, amongst other wins her "Sabia of Cademuir" carrying of honours in the Siamese section, but Miss Perkins failed to repeat her Reading access, when she won a "first" with a litter of chinchillas, being placed second on Wednesday. A nice black kitten won for Mrs. Elmslie the cup offered by the Black and White Society, and Mrs. Carew Cox, as usual, was successful in the short-haired classes. " Glengarry," Mr. Connor's fine blue, was the best cat in the show, and its owner one of the most successful exhibitors, whilst Mrs. Higginbottom's "Simeon of Westfield" proved the best kitten in the show. There was a special section devoted to local household pet classes, which were judged by Miss Adams, and these were well supported, some fine animals being on view.

Spirited bidding marked a little auctioneering interval, a blue Siamese kitten bringing £6 15s., and two others of the same variety realised four guineas and £4 respectively.

In addition to Miss Hill Shaw, secretary, the officials were Miss C. Norton, Chairman, Miss Perkin, hon. treasurer, Mrs. Carew Cox, Mrs. Esdaile, Misses Adams, Langston and Hamilton, Committee; while the Judges were the Hon. Mrs. Olice Behrens, Miss F. Simpson, Miss C. Morton, Miss Langston, Mrs. W. Beal, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Allen Maturin, and Messrs. Western and S. Woodiwiss. A word of acknowledgment is due to Mr. G. A. E. Elmslie, who has greatly improved the facilities for giving forth the results. Lady Alexander was present to witness the of a large number of her entries.
HOUSEHOLD PET CLASSES
Longhair (male and female) . -1, Mrs. F. Morris; 2, Miss H. Redman; 2 extra, Mrs. Grant; 3, Mrs. Saunders.
Shorthair (male and female). - 1, Mrs. E. Harris; 2, Miss Moore; 3, Miss Agale.
Neuter. - 1, Miss Heywood; 2, Mrs. Howard; 3, Mrs. Mackreill.
Kitten. - 1, Miss Hodgson; 2, Mrs. Howard; 3, Mrs. Grant.
Cat and Kitten. - 1, Mrs. G. Skegg; 2, Mrs. Davis; 3, Mrs. G. Bishop.
Church Lads' Brigade. - 1, Pte. Dale; 2, Pte. A. Hendebourck; 3, Ptes. J. and A. Kirby.
S.H. Neuter.- 1, Miss Cochrane; 2, Mr. Howard; 3, Miss Collins.

1922 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW

CRYSTAL PALACE Sunday Illustrated, 9th October 1921
A cats show will be held at the Crystal Palace this winter. The profits ought to amount to a considerable purr-cent.

PALACE CAT SHOW Norwood News, 1st December 1922
Two days' exhibition and sale. Cats of every breed will be exhibited at the 33rd National Cat Club Show, to be held at the Crystal Palace, on Wednesday and Thursday, December 6 and 7. Valuable prizes are presented, and cats can be purchased at moderate prices. Mr Louis Wain, the well-known artist, is president of the Cat Club, and on previous occasions has been seen busily engaged painting the exhibits.

CHAMPIONSHIP CAT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE Daily Mirror, 6th December 1922
The Championship Cat Show opens at the Crystal Palace to-day. The most fashionable class this year is the Siamese - several exhibits having been imported straight from Siam.

DEAD EXHIBITS. Pall Mall Gazette, 6th December 1922
[. . . ] Some of those who braved the risk have paid the penalty, it being discovered on the arrival of hampers [cat carriers] that more than one of the cats had given up the last of its nine lives [during transit]. [Note- this was inaccurate, no sick or dead cats were found.]

[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] London and China Express, 14th December 1922
At the Cat Show of the short-haired cats the Siamese, with their romantic history, were the most interesting, but perhaps not the most beautiful. They are said to be Palace cats and buried with their prince with food enough for fourteen days; and if they manage to escape from the tomb they are worshipped, for the spirit of the prince is supposed to have entered their bodies. The first specimens were brought to this country by the British Navy, and the naval tradition is upheld by Lieutenant Paget, whose Ch. Mon Dek has won firsts at four consecutive shows. Their pale fawn bodies and seal-brown ears, mask, and tail give them a picturesque appearance.

THE CAT CLUB SHOW. NO ANIMALS DIED IN THEIR HAMPERS. Pall Mall Gazette, 16th December 1922
We are asked by the National Cat Club to state that the report supplied to us by a news agency and published by us on the 6th instant to the effect that certain cats on arrival at the club's Show were found to have died in the hampers in which they were forwarded was inaccurate. We are informed that not one hamper contained a dead cat, or even a sick cat.

THE CAT CLUB SHOW [1922]. INCORRECT REPORT CONCERNING DISEASED ANIMALS. Pall Mall Gazette - Friday 12 January 1923
With reference to a report of the recent Cat Club Show supplied to us by a news agency, and published by us, which asserted that, in consequence of prevalent disease, certain animals arrived at the exhibition dead, we are informed by the club that the statement is quite inaccurate and we are quite satisfied that nothing of the sort occurred. While reaffirming that no aspersion on the Cat Club, its management, or, indeed, upon anybody concerned, was either made or intended, we regret that the incorrect statement was published by us, and offer our apologies to the club and anyone who may consider that it reflected in any way upon them.

CATS "GO SICK." Dundee Evening Telegraph, 7th December 1922
Many Absentees From Big Show. Influenza to Blame. The 53d annual show of the National Cat Club opened at the Crystal Palace under rather depressing circumstances, for although there were entries totalling between 500 and 600, there were far fewer cats on view and there were a large number of empty cages. The reason for this is the prevalence at present of a feline epidemic, which is something in the nature of influenza, and there has been a disposition among owners from the point of view of "safety first " to keep their animals at home. Some others who took the risk have paid a heavy penalty in the loss of their cats. More than one was found on arrival at the Palace to have given up the last of its nine lives.

Among the most interesting of the cats on show are some Royal Siamese, imported direct from that small Eastern kingdom where cats generally have a quieter time than most of the fraternity in this country. There is said to be some mystic sacredness surrounding them that makes their export a matter of difficulty, and therefore adds interest to those now on show. One of these exhibits has won three championships in the last six months. The white cats made a fine class of exhibits, there being also a number of Chinchillas which attracted a good deal of attention. Including championships and specials there was a total of 150 prizes.

One beautiful long-haired Tom cat kept the judges effectually at bay, and was last disqualified as being unfit for competition. Among the successful exhibitors was Mrs Graham Coltart of Oaklea, Kilcreggan, who secured third prize for "red self or shaded male or female."

ARISTOCRATIC CATS, LEADING AWARDS AT NATIONAL SHOW. Westminster Gazette, 7th December 1922
Entries for the National Cat Club's 33rd Championship Show. which opened at the Crystal Palace yesterday, are well up to the average. The best cat in this year's show is a tortoiseshell, "Barry Pompadour," owned by Mrs. Esdaile. The best "long-haired" cat is Mrs. Singleton's "Cherry Cat," and the best kitten, a blue. Miss M. M. Knowle’s "Captain Cuttle."

DISTRICT WINNERS AT NATIONAL CAT SHOW. Western Daily Press, 7th December 1922
Among the successful exhibitors the National Cat Club's Show at the Crystal Palace yesterday were Miss L'Estrange, Walsh. Pemberton, St. Luke's Road, Cheltenham, 2nd for white male, 2nd for white female; Mrs F. H. Stevens, Lyncomb Hill, Sandford, near Bristol, 2nd for blue male, 2nd blue breeders (male or female), and 3rd for blue female: Mrs W. E. Bellamy, Forthampton, near Tewkesbury, Gloucester, 2nd for novice exhibitors, 3rd for blue male, and Mr J. A. Bellamy. Maisiemore, Gloucester, 1st for novice exhibitors.

NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 7th December 1922
The following awards were made to North-country exhibitors:- Mr J. Dent, 40, Long Row, Beechburn, Crook, 1st and championship for white, male or female; Master H. Noel Pass, Park Parade, Roker, Sunderland, 2nd for blue female, and 2nd for blue novice; Mrs M.W. Dodds, 38, Edwards Road, Whitley Bay, 3rd for blue novice; Mr Richard Kuhnel, 24, Moris Grove, Kirkstall, leeds, 1st in any variety tabby kitten, 3rd for tortoiseshell; Mr C. Catton, Ashford, Meltham, Huddersfield, 1st for red tabby; Mr Robert Naylor, York View Farm, Burley-in-Wharfedale, 2nd for red tabby; 1st and championship for cream, male or female; 1st and championship and 2nd for tortoiseshell, and 1st and championship red tabby.

NATIONAL CAT SHOW. ENTRIES "CARRIED OFF" BY AN EPIDEMIC Nottingham Journal, 7th December 1922
There were many empty cages at the National Cat Club show at the Crystal Palace yesterday owing to the prevalence of an epidemic something in the nature of influenza. Many owners, from the point of view of "Safety first,'' have kept their cats at home; and some who took the risk paid the penalty losing their cats, for more than one gave up the last of its nine lives on arrival at the show. One beautiful long-haired male cat, which by the free use of both hands kept judges at bay, was disqualified as "unfit for exhibition."

NATIONAL CAT SHOW. DEVON LADY'S SUCCESS. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 7th December 1922
Among the exhibitors at the National Cat Club Show at the Crystal Palace, was Mrs. H. W. Basnett, of Hagginton Cottage, Berrynarbor, North Devon, who was awarded 1st prize for female adult, 1st for veteran over four years, 2nd for limit adult, and 2nd for novice adult. All these awards were secured by the same cat entered in the different classes.

"FLU" AMONG. CATS. NATIONAL SHOW VICTIMS: A FIGHTER DISQUALIFIED. Birmingham Daily Gazette, 7th December 1922
The National Cat Show was held at the Crystal Palace yesterday. Entries. totalled between 500 and 600, but there were a large number of empty cages. The reason is the prevalence of a feline epidemic, something in the nature of influenza, and many owners, from the point of view of "Safety first,'' have kept their cats at home. Some who took the risk have paid the penalty of losing their cats, more than one given up the last of its nine lives on arrival at the Palace.

Some exhibits, satisfied as to their own fine points and superiority, strenuously objected to being removed for judging purposes. One beautiful long-haired white male manfully defended his position, and with free use of both "hands" kept his judges at bay. He was eventually disqualified as unfit for exhibition.

Among the championship winners were the Hon. Mrs Clive Behrens, of Molton. Yorkshire (three), and Mrs. Aubrey, of Worcester (two). The Siamese champion, the property of Lieutenant Ferrand Paget, R.N.V.R., of Finborough-road S.W., London, won first prize in three different classes. Mrs. Stevenson, Hanley Hall, Henley Castle, Worcestershire, was awarded a first for cream male or female.

CHAMPION CATS. SHOW EXHIBITS DOWN OWING TO INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 7th December 1922
The thirty-third annual show of the National Cat Club was opened at the Crystal Palace, yesterday, under rather depressing circumstances, for, although there were entries totalling between 500 and 600, there were a far less number of cats on view, and there were a large number of empty cages. The reason'for this is the prevalence at present of a feline epidemic which is something in the nature of influenza. Some who took the risk of showing have paid with the loss of their cats.

The morning was devoted to judging. Some of the exhibits positively objected to being judged at all. One beautiful long-haired white male manfully defended his position, and with free use of both "hands" kept his judges at bay. He was eventually disqualified as unfit for exhibition. Among the successful exhibitors were Mr. Richard Kuhnel, Kirkstall, Leeds, 1st in any variety, tabby kitten, 3rd for tortoiseshell; Mr. C. Catton Ashford, Meltham, Huddersfield, 1st for red tabby; Mr. Robert Naylor, Burley-in-Wharfedale, 2nd for red tabby; the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens, Swinton Grange, Malton, Yorks., 1st and championship for cream male or female, 1st and championship and 2nd for tortoiseshell, and 1st and championship for red tabby.

INFLUENZA AMONG CATS. EPIDEMIC EFFECTS THE NATIONAL SHOW AT CRYSTAL PALACE Shields Daily News, 7th December 1922
An outbreak of influenza among cats was responsible for the small number of animals exhibited at the 33rd annual show of the National Cat Club at the Crystal Palace . . . It is not often that at a championship show one finds the words "all particulars unknown" attached to the catalogue entry of an animal, but in the case of the Siamese cats, whose parents were imported mysteriously from the East, it is impossible to give a long pedigree. In Siam the cat is sacred and to export it is not easy. The Siamese were the most interesting and among the most admired exhibits. The kittens were the prettiest in the show.

Red tabbies, chinchillas, luxurious Persians with coats shining like silver, were shown. The homely black cat, the companion of the fireside, was there too – to be seen at its best. The white cats made a particularly good exhibit.

[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Dundee Evening Telegraph, 7th December 1922; The Scotsman, 7th December 1922
Cats "Go Sick." Many Absentees From Big Show. Influenza to Blame. [. . .] Among the most interesting of the cats on show are some Royal Siamese, imported direct from that small Eastern kingdom where cats generally have a quieter time than most of the fraternity in this country. There is said to be some mystic sacredness surrounding them that makes their export a matter of difficulty, and therefore adds interest to those now on show. One of these exhibits has won three championships in the last six months.

Including championships and specials there was a total of 150 prizes. Among the championship winners were the Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison, of Berkhamsted; Mrs Singleton, of Bedford; Mrs Armstrong, of Bath Road, Hounslow; the Hon. Mrs Clive Behrens, of Milton, Yorks; Mrs Furness, Accrington; Miss E. Langston, of Priory Road, London, N.W.; Mrs Aubrey, or Worcester; Miss L. Stubbs, St. Philips Road, Surbiton; Miss T. Cochrane, Whiteheads Grove, Chelsea; Mrs Esdaile, George Lane, Lewisham; and Mr Taylot, Blackpool.

The Siamese champion previously mentioned, Mon Dek, the property of Lieutenant Ferrand Paget, R.N.V.R., Finborough Road, London, S.W., won first prizes in three different classes.

The white cats made fine class of exhibits, there being also a number of Chinchillas which attracted a good deal of attention.

Including championships and specials there was a total of 150 prizes . . . Among the successful exhibitors was Mrs Graham Coltart of Oaklea, Kilcreggan, who secured third prize for "red self or shaded male or female."

VALUABLE CATS. Western Morning News, 7th December 1922
Lady Alexander, one the judges at the championship show of the National Cat Club, held at the Crystal Palace to-day, said, "For a decent cat ten guineas is a good price, but sometimes a real champion will fetch as much as 25 guineas, most of which are sold to America." Nearly 300 feline aristocrats presented themselves with all their pride and dignity. They are never restless like dogs show. The Royal Siamese cats were the popular novelty to-day. They are generally buried with their Royal masters, and few f them have been imported to other countries. All but one of them at the show were bred in England. They have blue eyes and biscuit-coloured coats, with ears tipped with chocolate.

There was a country-wide epidemic variously described as influenza or distemper (enteritis); in some areas it was attributed to mass poisoning of cats (accidental or deliberate) because of the diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms. It coincided with increased travel which allowed infection to spread from area to area. In the past it had been called "show fever."

1922 REGIONAL SHOWS

WELLS GREAT SHOW Western Gazette, 30th June 1922
Wells great Show, Wednesday and Thursday, August 9th and 10th . . . the most attractive show in the west . . . [classes for] cats, poultry, pigeons, and rabbits [. . . ]

WELLS COUNTY SHOW. WESTONZOYLAND. LOCAL PRIZE WINNER. Langport & Somerton Herald, 26th August 1922
At the Wells County Show Mrs. Lane was again successful with her Blue Persians, securing second and third in the Adult Class. These two beautiful males have secured prizes on every occasion shown. In the Junior Class they took second and honours, making a total of fourteen prizes in the course of 12 months, and showing at four different Cat Shows.

A PRIZE-WINNING PERSIAN CAT. Burnley News, 1st July 1922
A PRIZE-WINNING PERSIAN CAT. The Blue Persian "Snookey Ookums." Mrs. Fred Smith, Toy Cottage, Colne-road, has again won first and second prizes and the silver challenge cup at the Burnley Fur Fanciers' Show with two of her blue Persian cats. She also won first prize at Darwen Agricultural Show on June 3rd with her 7-months-old Siamese kitten (first time shown) in a very strong class of adults, also second and third prizes at Great Harwood Agricultural Show on June 6th. Though Mrs. Smith has kept blue Persians for a number years, she has only recently competed in the show pens, but has already a large number of prizes to her credit, having won either first or second prizes every time she has exhibited.

GREAT SHOW, WELLS Western Gazette, 4th August 1922
Great Show, Wells, August 9th and 10th. The most attractive show in the west . . . Thursday August 10th . . . Fanciers' Exhibition – Dogs, Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits and Cats . . .

GRAND SHOW ENDCLIFFE PARK Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 12th August 1922
Grand Show, Endcliffe Park, August 17th, 1922. The Hallam and Ecclesall Agricultural Society and Sheffield Horse Parade. Classes for . . . Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Cavies, Poultry and Pigeons. . . . Particulars and Prize Schedules From Secretary [. . .]

HANBOROUGH AND FREELAND HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Oxfordshire Weekly News, 13th September 1922
The annual show in connection with the above association, which had to be abandoned last year in consequence of the drought, was held on Sept. 2, in a field opposite the Infants' School. The show was open to residents in Hanborough and Freeland, and was very successful from an exhibitor's point of view, the entries being quite as numerous as two years ago, whilst the quality was of all-round excellence. . . . the prize cats included a blue and grey, a long haired white, and a black.
Cat, any variety – 1, Miss H. Mansell; 2, Professor Smith; 3, Mrs W.P. Mansell.

LINGFIELD POULTRY SHOW. Surrey Mirror, 24th November 1922
The annual (open) show of the and District Fur and Leather Society was held at the Lingfield Park Racecourse by the kind permission of the proprietors, Wednesday last week, the exhibits were of an exceptionally high standard and quality, each class being well filled . . .
CATS. Any variety, long hair.- 1, D. Mason; 2, Miss Morant; 3, Ernest Henry Guy; vhc, Miss Spray; hc F. J. Billings; c Ellington Owen; r, Mrs. Anderson, Morshead.
Any variety, short hair (amalgamated) – 1, W. H. Penfold; 2, Z. Green; 3, Ernest Henry Guy; vhc, W. A. Pearce; hc, Mrs. Gibbs; c, Ernest Henry Guy; r, Miss Everist.
LIKELIEST MOUSEK. Any variety. - 1 Joe Faulkner; 2, Miss Betty Collard; 3, Mrs. G. H. Gibbs; vhc, Miss Hodgson; vhc, Percy Fuller; hc, W. Piper; c, R. C. Adams; r, E. E. Peel.