REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1929
1929 CROYDON JANUARY CAT SHOW
[ CROYDON CAT SHOW ] West Sussex Gazette, 3rd January 1929
An attraction at this week’s Croydon Cat Show was gramophone records of the talking performances of the German cat, Peter Alupka.
PRIZE CATS Hendon & Finchley Times, 4th January 1929
Mrs Campbell Fraser, Mrs Arthur Prince, and Miss J. Langron – three Hendon ladies – were in the prize list at Croydon Cat Show on Wednesday.
[CROYDON CAT SHOW] Norwood News, 4th January 1929
"At a recent cat show in London most of the winners were women," says a weekly paper. This information, perhaps, could have been expressed a little more tactfully.
CAT SHOW AWARDS Croydon Times, 12th January 1929
In the Croydon Cat show last week Mrs. Leila Batt, of 4, West-street, Croydon, obtained a second prize in the foreign male class with "Champion Imperial Blue Prince," and third in the foreign female class with "Champion Danasia."
1929 SOUTHERN COUNTIES (KENTISH TOWN) CAT SHOW
[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT SHOW] Hendon & Finchley Times. 11th January 1929
Grand Championship Cat Show (open to all) under the rules of the S.C.C.F. to be held in the Kentish Town Baths, Prince of Wales Road, N.W.1 (Entrance in Grafton Street), Thursday, January 24th, 1929, under the auspices of the Southern Counties Cat Club. Hon. Secretary: Mrs Campbell Fraser, The Approach, Hendon, N.W.4. Show Secretary: Mrs Sharman, Coryton, Ormond-road, Hampton-on-Thames.
A CHAMPION CAT. Hendon & Finchley Times, 1st February 1929
Hendon Exhibitor’s Success in Southern Counties Show. A championship was won by Mrs. Campbell Fraser, of The Approach, Hendon, exhibiting a black Persian in the annual show of the Southern Counties Cat Club, held at the Kentish Town Baths, on Thursday last. The entry was considerable and the quality of the leading exhibits was excellent, many of the best cats in the country being seen at this show. Mrs. Campbell Fraser gained her championship with Ch. Lorina of Hadley, in the long-haired varieties, and her cats also took one first and two second prizes. Among the successful long-haired kittens were Donovan of Allington and Dionetta of Allington, both exhibited Miss Langton, of Tenterden-grove, Hendon, who gained a first prize for a kitten under 6 months, and a reserve award. Another local prize-winner was Mrs. Arthur Prince. The show was a credit to Mrs. Campbell Fraser (the hon. secretary) and Mrs. Sharman (show manager) both of whom are well-known locally.
[KENTISH TOWN SHOW] Belfast News-Letter, 8th February 1929
At the championship show of cats held in Kentish Town a week ago any one of the thousands on view could have passed for domestic cat in ancient Egypt, so little changed in appearance and manner were they from the honoured creatures that purred to the royal stroking of a Rameses or Tutankhamen. The only outstanding feature of the show, indeed, was an exhibit which was claimed to be the largest cat yet known. It turned the scale at 21 and three-quarter lbs, measured a yard from the nose to the tip of the tail, has a face seven inches wide, and boasted a waist line of 26 inches. Even so, it did not differ so greatly from the other exhibits. [Devotion in dogs] The cat, on the other hand, has made but little response to our hospitality. It is true that cats display their love of master or mistress in quite unmistakable ways, but it is on their own terms and in their own ways. The general attitude is one of tolerance, indifference, and often contempt.
1929 P.D.S.A. DOG AND CAT SHOW
P.D.S.A. DOG AND CAT SHOW. Herne Bay Press, 20th July 1929
At the dog and cat show organised by the Herne Bay branch of the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, and held at the Grand Pier Pavilion on Tuesday, there was much to interest the animal lover . . . the corner of the Pavilion occupied by our feline friends was always a centre of interest to the visitor of the Show. Here were to be seen many cats of exalted mien and dignified bearing, cats with pedigrees in direct descent from some king or queen among cats in the good old days of yore; cats that were the last word in cats; cats that gazed with scarcely veiled contempt and with lazy tolerance as canine rival passed; cats that purred delightedly as some visitor paused in perambulation round the Pavilion to pay homage to them. [Cat Judge – Mrs Peek]
Cat Class – 1, Mr, B. Smith, Comfy Cottage, The Broadway, Herne Bay; 2, Mrs. M. A. Wallis, Heathland, The Broadway, Herne Bay; 3, Mrs. Bolton-Smith, Malvern, Baddlesmere Road, Tankerton; v.h.c., Mrs. F. Gleeson, Ivy House, Herne; h.c., Mrs. R. Field, 4 King Street, Herne Bay; c., Mrs. S. E. Gent, Goldhawk, Beacon Avenue, Herne Bay.
Kitten Class – 1, Master G.L. Gent, Goldhawk, Beacon Avenue, Herne Bay; v.h.c., Miss V. Stone, Divers Arms, Herne Bay; h.c., Mrs L. Tingey, 3 Station Road, Herne Bay; c., Mrs E. Hallam, Silverdale. Victoria Park, Herne Bay.
Kitten Litters - Mrs. Gleeson, Ivy House, Herne; v.h.c., Mrs E. G. Tyler-Sabine, War Tyler, Broad oak, Sturry.
1929 SANDY SHOW
SANDY SHOW Biggleswade Chronicle, 30th August 1929
The 56th Annual Exhibition of the Sandy and District Floral and Horticultural Society was held yesterday (Thursday) afternoon in glorious weather, in the beautiful park of Sandye Place. Kittens – 1927 – 99; 1928 – 123; 1929 – 112 . . . [Judge - Miss Langston]
There was a fair show of kittens, considering that this is only the second year that this section has been revived. Blues and Varieties were easily the largest classes, and there was very close competition here . . . Miss W. Western, of Biggleswade, with her five tabby kittens, took two 1sts, four 2nds, four 3rds and two res. [Full results not available]
1929 KENSINGTON KITTEN SHOW
1929 CHESHIRE SHOW
CHESTER AGRICULTURAL SHOW Staffordshire Advertiser, 31st August 1929
The annual Cheshire Agricultural Show was held on the Roodee, Chester, at the weekend, instead of as usual, in mid-week, and this year two days were allotted . . . exhibits in cats showed a decrease.
TWO-DAY CHESHIRE SHOW Crewe Chronicle, 31st August 1929
Cats. Judges: Messrs T. Beresford, Blackpool, and H. Tarbot, Rugby.
SPECIALS
Silver Cup for best household pets – R. Kunnell, Leeds.
Best cat or kitten – Mrs E.H. Elliott.
CLASSES
Short hair, male or female, any age or colour: 1, T.E. Burnett, Muirfield; 2, Miss Allanby, Southport; 3, Mrs Jarvis, Liverpool; 4, Mrs Curran, Ashton-under-Lyne.
Long hair, male, adult, blue: 1 and 3, Miss George, Malvern; 4, Mrs W. Tomlinson, Denton, Manchester.
Long hair, female, adult, blue: 1, Mrs Jarvis, Liverpool; 2 and 4, Miss George.
Long hair, any other colour, male adult: 2 and 4, Mrs T. Peters-Little; 3, Miss E. Mould, Liverpool.
Long hair, any other colour, female adult: 2, Miss M.B. Wrench; 3, Mrs S.E. Tomlinson; r, Miss George.
Long hair, any colour, female, under 9 months: 1, Mrs S.E. Tomlinson; 3 and 4, Miss George.
Long hair, any colour, either sex, under six months: 1, Mrs E.H. Elliott; 2, Mrs S.E. Tomlinson; 3 and 4, Miss George.
Long hair, any colour, either sex, under four months: 1, Mrs E. H. Elliott; 2 and 3, Miss Joan Bickley; 4 Miss M. Lees-Shaw.
Household pet, not pedigree, any age or sex: 1, R. Kunnell; 2, Mrs Curran; 3, Miss E. Moore; 4, C.C. Parker.
CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SHOW Cheshire Observer, 31st August 1929
The cats penned were praised by the judges [. . .] [Some of the prize-winner names are different from previous publication.]
Silver cup, given by Mr and Mrs Tomlinson, Hoole, Chester, for pet cat: Mrs R. Kannell, Leeds.
Cheshire County Fur Fanciers’ Association’s silver spoon for cat or kitten: Mrs E.H. Eilliot, Nantwich.
Short hair, male or female, any age or colour: 1, T.E. Burnett; 2, Miss Allanby, Southport; 3, Mrs Jarvis, Liverpool; 4, Mrs Curran; r, Mrs Clare Anyon.
Long hair, male, adult, blue: 1, Mrs Jarvis; 3, Miss George, Malvern; 4, Mrs W. Tomlinson, Hoole.
Long hair, female, adult, blue: 1, Mrs Jarvis, Liverpool; 2 and 3, Miss George; r, Miss Joan Bickley.
Long hair, any other colour, male adult: 2 and r, Mrs T. Peters-Little; 3, Miss E. Mould.
Long hair, any other colour, female adult: 2, Miss M.B. Wrench, Betley, Crewe; 3, Mrs S.E. Tomlinson; r, Miss George.
Long hair, any colour, female, under 9 months: 1, Mrs S.E. Tomlinson; 3, 4 and r, Miss George.
Long hair, any colour, either sex, under six months: 1, Mrs E.H. Elliott, Willaston, Nantwich; 2, Mrs S.E. Tomlinson; 3 and 4, Miss George; r, Mrs Beavan.
Long hair, any colour, either sex, under four months: 1, Mrs E. H. Elliott; 2 and 3, Miss Joan Bickley; 4 Miss E. Moore.
Household pet, non-pedigree, any age or sex: 1, R. Kannell; 2, Mrs Curran; 3, Miss E. Moore; 4, C.C. Parker; r, J.W. Pilling.
1929 SIAMESE CAT SHOW
MEN AS CAT FANCIERS. Lancashire Evening Post, 26th September 1929
Having become used to looking upon dog [cat!] shows as almost entirely confined to women exhibitors it was a surprising change to find men carrying off the chief awards at the Siamese cat show at Kensington yesterday.
SOME SIAMESE FORBEARS Daily Mirror, 28th September 1929
Talking of the Siamese Cat Show in South Kensington, a friend told me that when, some twenty-five years ago, she came home from Siam, bringing with her several striking specimens of the cats of the country, gifts from the Court, it seemed particularly difficult to get them past the various suspicious officials on the journey. Her experiences were amusing enough, though somewhat trying at the time. The party was hung up for half a day at a Sunday stop, where the only acting deity competent to say "Pass” was taking a holiday. When found and fetched at great length, he cast his eye on the cageful of elegant and unusual-looking cats, then glared: "No! madame, they cannot pass, they are dogs!" The owner, scenting quarantine, put her hand into the cage and firmly pinched one, producing a loud and convincing miaouw!
THE SIAMESE CAT SHOW West Bridgford Advertiser, 12th October 1929
Cat lovers are apt to resent the fact that while shows are frequent enough for the canine folk, few opportunities occur for the exhibition of their pets. Owners of Siamese felines, however, rejoiced last week in a show in London entirely to themselves, considerable interest being evinced in this fascinating breed which combines all the best characteristics of dog and cat. The Siamese, with its brilliant blue eyes, cream coloured body, seal brown face, legs and tail, and marvellously sinuous grace of movement, is very much a one-person’s cat; it will give its owner deep and lasting affection and rather than be parted, will accompany the object of its adoration for long walks in the country. The origin of the breed is lost in antiquity; all that we can be sure of is that the Siamese is a very old domestic race, with many centuries of selection behind it.
1929 READING (NEWBURY) CAT SHOW
PRIZE CATS Hendon & Finchley Times, 1st November 1929
At Newbury Cat Show, this week, Mrs Campbell Fraser, of The Approach, Hendon, won a first prize and championship for the best black in the show, a second for a black female, and two thirds for tortoiseshell.
PRIZE-WINNING CATS. Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 2nd November 1929
"Greenway Cecelia," owned by Mrs. Megroz, of the Garden Home for Dogs and Cats, Bath, on Tuesday, at the Newbury Cat Club's Championship Cat Show at Reading, was awarded second prize in the open class for Siamese female cats, and a third prize and v.h.c. in the two other classes in which she was entered. Mr. and Mrs. Pinchin, of Combe Park, Bath, were awarded one second, one fourth, and v.h.c. with their Siamese kittens, "Powder" and "Shuri," at the same show.
CAT SHOW IN READING. RECORD ENTRIES AT NEWBURY CLUB'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION. Reading Standard, 2nd November 1929
Of all the many beautiful cats which were exhibited in the Corn Exchange, Reading, on Tuesday, the most interesting was Chow-Chow, whom Mrs. Malaprop would bare termed the very “pineapple" [pinnacle!] of local feline aristocracy. The airs that Chow-Chow gave unto himself were largely due to the fact that he so far as he knew, the veteran of the show, and during eight proud years his long silky hair and wild tawny eyes had won for him fifteen prizes at the Newbury Cat Club show. Chow- Chow, who is owned by Miss de la Fontaine, of 205, King's Road, Reading, is a cat with character, and he watched with patrician calm, bred of long experience, the easy purrings and frightened skittishness of kittens out on their first show day. The exhibition was the most successful of the fourteen championship cat shows which have been organised by the Newbury Cat Club, and one of the finest ever held outside London. There were 950 cross-entries, fifty more than last year, and some wonderful specimens were to be seen.
There no fewer than 38 blue males - the strongest class in the show. The reds - cats, kittens and long-haired tabbies were probably the best class in the show. The champion was Mrs. Fosbery’s Eastbury Trigo, the best kitten in the show, who won six first prizes, one second and one v.h.c. Mrs. Fosbery carried off practically all the prizes in the red classes and exhibited some lovely animals. Trigo has been acclaimed the best kitten of three shows in which he has been exhibited recently. Another very successful exhibit was Mr. l. Atkinson’s Mischief of Bredon, a blue male, the champion cat, who carried off three of the open special awards, including those for the best exhibit and for the long-haired cat. The Siamese classes were very good, and the creams, usually a weak section, were represented by ten beautiful animals.
The following were the officials of the show:- Hon. Treasurer, miss Ross, Speen Lodge, Newbury; hon. Secretary and show manager, Mrs Fosbery, Blacknest, Brimpton, Berks.; show committee; Mrs Ronald Bailey, Major and Mrs Forsyth Forrest, Dr. Leslie Powell, Mrs Tomlinson and Mr and Mrs Yeates; hon. Veterinary surgeon, Mr G.P. Male, M.R.C.V.S. Judges: Miss Lea, Mr Benest, Mr House, Mr Ambrose and Mr Western. Referee: Mrs Forsyth Forrest.
Among winners of special awards were the following:
NEWBURY CAT CLUB:
Silver challenge cup for best cat.- Zaroni, owned by Mrs. Budgeon, Farnham, Srrey.
Silver special for best exhibit in local class (five miles radius) – Perky, owned by Mrs Carpmael, Redlands Road, Reading.
Silver challenge cup for best kitten – Eastbury Trigo, owned by Mrs Fosbery, Brimpton, Berks.
The Moya cup for most typical Siamese female – Koti, owned by Mrs Baker, King’s Road, Windsor.
The Fosbery challenge cup for short-haired cat or kitten – Won by Mrs Budgeon’s Zaroni.
Silver challenge cup for best exhibit – Langherne Treasure, owned by Mrs Aubrey, Malvern Road, Worcester.
Silver challenge cop for best neuter – Langherne Ivan, owned by Mrs Aubrey.
Silver challenge cup for best silver tabby, long hair – Metu of Invergloy, owned by Mrs Ronald Bailey, Farnborough.
The Ch. Simzette cup for best Siamese female kitten – Gilian, owned by Mrs Coleridge, Wadebridge.
Club spoon for best red kitten – Mrs Fosbery, Eastbury Trigo.
THE SOUTHERN CCC silver coffee spoon for best long-haired cat, won by Mischief of Bredon, owned by Mr l. Atkinson, Manningham, Bradford.
OPEN SPECIALS:
For best exhibit, won by Mr L. Atkinson’s Mischief of Bredon.
For best long-haired cat, won by Mr L. Atkinson’s Mischief of Bredon.
For best short-haired cat, won by Mrs Budgeon’s Zaroni.
For best cat in the show, won by Mr L. Atkinson’s Mischief of Bredon.
For best kitten in the show, won by Mrs Fosbery’s Eastbury Trigo.
For best long-haired kitten in the show, Mrs Fosbery’s Eastbury Trigo.
For best short-haired kitten in the show, won by Mrs Coleridge’s Gilian.
LOCAL PRIZEWINNERS. In other classes were the following local successes:-
LONG-HAIRED SECTION
White kitten – 1, White Venus, Mrs Spencer-Smith, Winnersh, Berks; 2, White Hero, Mrs. Spencer-Smith.
Black male kitten.- 1, King Crow, Mrs Yeates, Pembroke Gardens, London; 3, Teufel, Mrs. Dwerryhouse, Darell Road, Caversham.
Chinchilla male.- 2, Dante of Allington, Miss Langston, Crawford Rise, Maidenhead; r., Boofa Boy, Mrs. Shaylor, The Mount, Caversham.
Chinchilla female.- 1 and champion, Min-Min, Mrs. Bell, Maidenhead; h.c., Mignonette, Miss Hardy, Newbury.
Chinchilla male kitten.- 1, Tristan of Allington, Miss Langston.
Chinchilla female kitten.- 1, Silva of Allington, Miss Langston; h.c., Jacintha, Miss Hardy.
Silver tabby.- 1 and champion, Metu of Invergloy, Mrs Ronald Bailey; 3, Melissa of Frampton, Mrs. Ronald Bailey; r., Viscount Grey of Marston Trussell, Mrs. Ronald Bailey.
Silver tabby or smoke kitten.- 1. Miss Mittens of Frimley, Mrs. Ronald Bailey; 2, Hamish of lnvergloy, Mrs. Ronald Bailey; 3, Angus of Invergloy, Mrs. Ronald Bailey.
Red tabby male.- 1 and champion, Eastbury Barron's Son, Mrs. Fosbery; 2, Eastbury Rosemo, Mrs. Fosbery; r., Eastbury Sunbeam, Mrs. Foabery.
Red tabby female.- 1 and champion, Eastbury Rosalind, Mrs. Fosbery; 2, Eastbury Rosah, Mrs. Fosbery; 3, Eastbury Rosegay, Mrs. Fosbery; r., Eastbury Warna, Mrs. Fosbery.
Red tabby male kitten.- 1, Eastbury Trigo, Mrs. Fosbery; 2, Eastbury Sunny Trace, Mrs. Fosbery.
Red tabby female kitten. 1. Eastbury Triona, Mrs Fosbery; 2, Eastbury Tuffan, Mrs Fosbery.
Red self kitten.- 1, Eastbury Tiffin, Mrs Fosbery.
Red kittens under four months.- 1, Eastbury Sunny Trace, Mrs Fosbery; 2, Eastbury Sun Star, Mrs Fosbery; 3, Eastbury Sungay, Mrs Fosbery.
Tortie or tortie and white kitten – 3, Turfield Sunstgreak, Mrs Caspersz, Henley.
Cream male kitten – 3, Turfield Sunburn, Mrs Caspersz.
Long-haired neuter (not blue) – 2, Monty of Bredon, Miss Groome, Hampstead Norris; r., Eastbury Roger, Mrs Fosbery; v.h.c., Crystal, Miss Groome; h.c., Partrick, Mrs Carpmael.
Kitten pairs (not blue) – 1, Eastbury Tuffan and Eastbury Triona, Mrs Fosbery; 2, White Hero and White Venus, Mrs Spencer-Smith.
Blue male – 1 and champion, Mischief of Bredon, Mr L. Atkinson; 2, October Glory, Lady Eardley Wilmot.
Blue female – 2, Dionetta of Allington, Miss Langston.
Blue male kitten under five months.–v.h.c., Prince Zeir, Mrs. Franklin, Brookhampton.
Blue female kitten under five months.–C., Goosegirl, Mrs. Franklin.
Blue neuter.- 2, Bugle, Mrs. Symons Jeune, Old Windsor; 3, Drummer, Mrs Symons Jeune.
SHORT-HAIRED SECTION
Siamese male.- 1 and champ., Valentino of Petaling, Mrs Harvey, Hermitage.
Siamese female- 3, Koti, Mrs. Baker.
Siamese male kitten over five months.- 1, Soni Boi, Mrs Baker; 3, Triggi of Petaling, Mrs Harvey.
Tortoiseshell male or female.- 1 and champ., Alice Hawthorn, Miss Meller, Cowley.
Red tabby male or female. - 2, Rosy Morn, Miss Meller.
Blue English female.- 1 and champ., N=Bilateens, Mrs. Jackson, Badgemore, Henley.
Any variety short-haired kitten (not Siamese). – 1, Gin of Loddon, Mrs, Aubertin, Twyford.
Short-haired neuter cat or kitten. - 3, Perky, Mrs. Carpmael.
MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES
Litter – 3, three silver tabbies, Mrs Roland Bailey.
Local – 1 and special, Perky, Mrs Carpmael; r., Reddy Tail, Miss Doris Woodcock, Waylen Street, Reading; v.h.c. Pushkin, Mrs Helps, Northcourt Avenue, Reading.
1929 EXETER AND DEVON POULTRY [ETC] SHOW
EXETER AND DEVON POULTRY SHOW Western Morning News, 7th November 1929
Exeter and Devon Poultry Society's annual show at Exeter yesterday was considered one of the finest ever held since the society's inception years ago.
Cats. Long-haired classes, open.
Blue, male – 1, Mrs S. W. Savery, Wellington; 2, Rev. R. L. Collins.
Blue, female – 1, H. Mc Keating, Yeovil; 2, Mrs Newton, Budleigh, Salterton; 3, Miss E.M. Bulgin.
Blue, Kitten, male – 1, Mrs V. Waterfield; 2, Rev. R. L. Collins; 3, Mrs D. Sampson, Sidbury.
Chinchilla, silver tabby or smoke – 1 and 2, Mrs Newton; 3, Misses Cotterill and Trefusis, Exeter.
Chinchilla etc Kitten - 1, 2 and 3 – Misses Cotterill and Trefusis.
Any other colour kitten, female – 1, Miss J. F. Cathcart.
Limit class, for cats and kittens, never won more than three first prizes – 1, Mrs Newton; 2, Rev R. L. Collins; 3, Misses Cotterill and Trefusis.
Novice, any colour – 1, Miss E. M. Bulgin; 2, Mrs Sherlock.
Neuter, any colour – 1, Mrs J. W. Killey; 2, Mrs Sherlock.
Litter, two or more kittens, under nine months – 1, Misses Cotterill and Trefusis; 2 nd 3, Rev. R. L. Collins.
Short-haired classes, open. Siamese, female – 1, Mrs J. Mudge; 2, H. McKeating; 3, Miss S. Bate.
Household Pets, adults – 1 and 3, Mrs E. I. Luxton; 2, Miss E. M. Bulgin.
Open to Devon.
Long-haired, blue, male – 1, Mrs V. Waterfield; 2 and 3, Rev. R. L. Collins.
Long-haired, blue, female – 1, Mrs Newton; 2, Mrs V. Waterfield; 3, Miss E. M. Bulgin.
Any other colour than blue, female – 1 and 3, Mrs Newton; 2, Miss J. F. Cathcart.
Neuter, any colour – 1, Mrs J. W. Killey; 2, Mrs Sherlock.
Blue kitten – 1, Rev. R. L. Collins; 2, Mrs D. Sampson; 3, Mrs J. W. Killey.
Any other colour – 1, Misses Cotterill and Trefusis; 2, Miss J. F. Cathcart.
Litter, kittens – 1, Mrs V. Waterfield; 2 and 3, Rev R. L. Collins.
1929 CROYDON NOVEMBER CAT SHOW
MYSTERY OF A TAUNTON CAT. Western Morning News, 9th November 1929
The Championship Show of the Croydon Cat Club, which will open on November 13, will reveal the mystery of the red, short-haired cat owned Mr. H. C. Brooke, of Taunton, who himself is one the greatest authorities on foreign cats as well as a naturalist. No-one knows anything about this mysterious cat except that it is the first one seen in Great Britain. Miss Sydney Fairbrother, the actress, who is herself very interested in cats, will be one of the stewardesses. Mrs. Marion Cran is judging Siamese, and Mrs. Wade, the secretary the Siamese Cat Club, is judging the Blue Persians, of which there is a record entry. There will be prizes for domestic pets, even common tabbies.
ALL RED CAT Lancashire Evening Post, 14th November 1929 [and many other papers]
“The only self-red, short-haired cat known to be in existence” was exhibited at the Croydon Cat Club Show yesterday. It was shown by. Mr. H. C Brooke. It is an adult male weighing seven pounds, and from whiskers to tail-tip is of a dark red colour without any lighter shade, and with no sign of tabby stripe.
ALL-RED CAT Daily Mirror, 14th November 1929
Only One of Its Kind on Show in London –A Blue Persian, Too. Have you ever, seen a blood-red cat? The only one in the world was at the Croydon Cat Club championship show, Croydon, yesterday. He belongs to Mr. H. C. Brooke, of Taunton, who acted as a judge. The cat is a freak, his owner told the Daily Mirror, and there has never been one like it before. It is short-haired and all red from the tip of its tail to its whiskers–and it does not come from Russia. There were 1,100 entries, including Abyssinian, British, Russian, Persian and Siamese cats. One beautiful blue Persian looked very depressed. He was between two first prize-winners, without a prize himself, and his number was thirteen!
KNIGHT'S SUDDEN DEATH [CAT BREEDER’S HUSBAND] Aberdeen Press and Journal, 14th November 1929
Sir Sainthill Eardley Wilmot, K.C.I.E., died suddenly yesterday after returning to his home, Tolegate Cottage, Henley-on-Thames, after a drive. Lady Wilmot, who is a well known breeder of cats, was in London at the [Croydon] Cats' Show when her husband died.
FELINE ARISTOCRATS AND HOUSEHOLD CATS, TOO, AT CROYDON SHOW. A RED-HAIRED MYSTERY. Croydon Times, 16th November 1929
Croydon became the Mecca of cat and cat-lovers on Wednesday, when the Croydon Cat Club held its championship show in the Central Baths Hall. Nearly four hundred cats of many breeds and sizes - blue Persian aristocrat and tailless Manx; the veteran with endless triumphs to his. honour, and the youngster experiencing his first show - from as far afield as Kilcreggan in Scotland and Newton Abbot in South Devonshire, were gathered there to be judged and admired. It was the general opinion that they were the finest specimens of their breeds that had ever distinguished the Croydon Gat Show, and they knew it! In fact admiration was so much a matter of course to most of these feline favourites that they took not the slightest notice of the crowds of visitors; they just reclined luxuriously on silk cushions, some asleep, others wearing looks of contemptuous boredom that made a mere human being feel quite insignificant.
The most honoured of them all was Desmond of Allington, Miss Langston's magnificent chinchilla male, to whom the judge; awarded the challenge cup for the best cat in the show. He refused to be interviewed, however, writes one of our representatives, and took his honour quite indifferently. Mrs. Dodgson’s Paulinus, a beautiful male who had won four first prizes and a challenge Certificate, was also indifferent to any attempts to draw him into conversation. Earlier in the day someone had deeply offended his dignity by nicknaming him ''Marmalade!" Mrs Croucher’s British blue male kitten, the only British one in the show, was judged first in his class, thereby beating the Russian kittens. After this triumph he was found peacefully sleeping.
One of the “big draws” of the show was the “mystery cat,” the only self-red short-haired cat in the world. A descriptive extract in front of the cage said that nature seemed to have accomplished what breeding had been unable to do. The cat is the property of Mr. H.C. Brooke. The aristocrats did not have it all to themselves, for there was a class for ordinary domestic cats, among which many fine animals were seen. The object of this section was to encourage greater care for and interest in the household cat.
Great credit is due to the hon. secretary of the club, Miss H. Hill Shaw, for her efficient work in the organising of the show. The judging was carried out by Mrs. Cran, Mrs. Wade, Miss Adam, Messrs. H. C. Brooke, Western, W N. Powell and Norris, Mrs. O. Hill being referee judge. Among the principal prizewinners were:-
Best long-haired cat - Mschief of Bretton (blue male), Mr. Lawson Atkinson, Bradford.
Best Short-haired cat - Woodrooffe Rastus (Abyssinian male), Major E. S Woodwiss, Danbury, Essex.
Best long-haired kitten - Buff of Hanley (cream male), Mrs. Stevenson, Rudgwick, Sussex.
Best short-haired kitten - Gloria Veen (Manx female), Miss Groome, Kenley.
Best novice long-haired neuter -Blauwberg Beauty (blue), Mrs Papeufus, The Waldrons, Croydon.
Best novice short-haired neuter – King Aby, Miss Norrie, Upper Colwall, Malvern
Croydon Cat Club’s Challenge Cup for the best cat in the show – Desmond of Allington (chinchilla male). Miss Langston, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
[CROYDON SHOW] The Sketch, 27th November 1929
We Take our Hat Off to …. Former Fuchs-Major Brooke for his ruddy cat, and for judging cats in duelling kit. Mr. H. C. Brooke, the well-known judge of short-haired cats, is the owner of a unique red-coated short-haired cat, which was exhibited at the recent Croydon Cat Show, and earned the name of the Ruddy cat. Mr. Brooke, who is a famous cat fancier and judge at shows, was formerly a Fuchs-Major of a German Duelling Corps, and wore his parade uniform when judging at Croydon.
[CROYDON SHOW] The Sketch, 4th December 1929
We much regret that last week we stated that Mr. H. C. Brooke, the well-known judge of short-haired cats, wore his "duelling kit" when judging cats and appeared in parade uniform as a Fuchs-Major at Croydon.. This is incorrect, as Mr. H. C. Brooke has never appeared in uniform at a cat show.
1929 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW
£1,000 CAT. [CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Lancashire Evening Post, 3rd December 1929
A pink and cream Persian, a new colour exhibited for the first time the National Cat Club’s Championship Show at the Crystal Palace, is expected by its owner to realise round about £1,000. [It was actually a blue-cream]
CHAMPION CAT SHOW. Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 3rd December 1929
Fashionable Breeds. (From Our London Correspondent.) The National Cat Club [Show], which is to open at the Crystal Palace to-morrow, will give Londoners a good opportunity of admiring the cream of feline aristocracy. Cats from all over the British Isles are coming to London to display their beauties in a dignified manner unknown to the noisier dog show. There are fashions in cats as in everything, and this year the Blue Persian, which has held the public fancy for so long, is again very prominent. There are 300 entries this beautiful breed, and one of the chief interests of the show will be a fine Blue Persian from Bradford, Mischief of Bredon, the property of Mr. Atkinson. At Reading some time ago this was judged the best cat in the show, and there is much speculation as to whether it will uphold its title at the Crystal Palace.
The old-fashioned breed which used be known as the "Chintz" cat is well to the fore this year, though it has changed its title to "Tortoise-[and-]White," and two or three very fine Manx cats are coming from Douglas, to reassure lovers of this breed who have heard gloomy tales of its extinction. The rather uncanny Siamese is still a firm favourite, but the Abyssinian is running it rather close. This breed, which is not very well known to the general public, has close plush-like fur, either silver or brown, which should be flecked with black at the tip like the fur of the silver fox. The head is more like that of a wild cat than the domestic puss, being wedge-shaped instead of round. The Abyssinians make good pets and have an advantage over the Siamese in their robust health, for all who have kept Siamese know how delicate and susceptible they are.
There seems to be a return to favour of the smooth-coated breeds, which have been ousted so long by the long-haired Persians and others, though many people always thought that the close fur shows off the cat's grace and suppleness of movement better than the heaviest coat. That handsome breed, the red tabby, is not so popular as it should be owing to rumoured shortness and uncertainty of temper which is said to accompany the red coat, but lovers of the "foxy” cat would resent such a slur on their pets. December is the month when the feline world looks its best, and there should be plenty of admirers beside the regular exhibitor to flatter the vanity of the conscious beauties at the Crystal Palace.
SECRETS OF THE CAT SHOW Daily Mirror, 3rd December 1929
I hear that the cat show to be opened at the Crystal Palace tomorrow will break all records both from the point of view of the value and the number of the exhibits. Among the principal exhibitors are Lady Alexander of Faygate, the Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison and the Hon. Mrs Clive Behrens. I had a chat with one of the officials yesterday, and she told me that there are more than 1,000 entries this year, including 300 Blue Persians. The show lasts till Thursday.
A new colour has appeared among the Persian cats – a sort of blue and cream of exceptional beauty. The price on this pet’s head is anything up to £1,000. Other cats range in value from £5 for the Manx cat up to £500 for a Persian or Chinchilla. Alongside the more modern Persian breeds will be th old-fashioned chintz, which is now known as tortoise-white.
MANX CAT FOLLOWS HIS TAIL. BREED MAY BECOME THING OF THE PAST. Liverpool Echo, 4th December 1929 [and many other papers]
London. Wednesday. Manx cats are becoming alarmingly scarce - so much so that the breed will soon be a thing of the past, unless steps are taken. Whereas fifteen or twenty years ago the streets of the Isle of Man were overrun with these tailless animals, nowadays comparatively few are seen. Collectors, according to an expert at the National Cat Club's Championship Show, which was held at the Crystal Palace. London, to-day, are largely responsible for the growing scarcity, and Americans are declared to be the worst offenders.
"American visitors to the island always make a point of taking one of two Manx cats away with them,” he said, "and they are willing to pay substantial sums for good specimens. English visitors are nearly as bad. It has even been considered whether it would not be advisable to prohibit the export of Manx cats from the Isle of Man for the time being. But as yet the authorities have taken no steps in the matter."
Several interesting specimens of the Manx variety were brought over from the island to be exhibited at the Crystal Palace to-day. One or two of them still showed some of that languid feeling that even cats experience after a rough crossing.
[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Daily Herald, 5th December 1929
[This repeated the account of Manx cats become scarce] Cats in the “blue cream” class were a quaint feature of the sow. They are a curious combination of blue, cream, and red, commonly known as blue tortoiseshell.
1,000 CAT ENTRIES. WESTCOUNTRY WINNERS AT CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW Western Morning News, 5th December 1929
There were nearly a thousand entries in the National Cat Club's championship show at Crystal Palace yesterday. Several specimens of the Manx variety, which is becoming alarmingly scarce owing to the depredations of collectors and visitors in the Isle of Man, were exhibited. Local prize-winners included:
Any colour novice, except blue, male or female.–2, Mrs. K. M. Newton, Budleigh Salterton.
Any colour, brood queen.–2, Mrs. M. Newton.
Red self, male or female. – 3, Miss K. M. Stuck, Saltash.
Cream, 3 to 6 months – 2, A.J.E. Blandford, of Blandford.
Any colour breeders, except blue, male or female. - 2, Mrs. K. M. Newton.
Red tabby, male or female.–3, Mrs. F. B. Dodgson, Mortehoe.
Any other colour long hair kitten.–2, Mrs. K. M. Newton.
[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] The Graphic, 7th December 1929
That crimson cat shown at the Cat Show was an uncanny beast, and I couldn’t help wondering if he used a hair-dye. I once saw a bird-shop full of birds of every conceivable - and inconceivable – hue on one of the quays of Paris. On closer inspection they proved to be dyed sparrows. Who would desire to possess a dyed sparrow? Or a crimson cat for that matter?
[CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Liverpool Echo, 9th December 1929
When the roll was called at the end of the Cat Show at Crystal Palace, two of the exhibits were missing.
CATS THAT COST FORTUNES. Retford and Worksop Herald and North Notts Advertiser, 10th December 1929
Although the Crystal Palace is rather far from my usual haunts. I was well rewarded for motoring down there this week to the Cat Show, a most interesting exhibition. I had been assured beforehand that this year's Show would break all records for the number of exhibits, and for their value, which certainly proved to be the case. There were over a thousand entries, some of them wearing what I can only describe as a "Thousand Pound Look!' They were aristocratic Persians of quite a new shade, between blue and cream, and worth £1,000 or more. All told, more than 300 Persians were on view, few of them worth less than £500. Chintz cats, or tortoise white, as they are now called, were ranged near the Persians, and I noticed quite a number of Manx cats. They were valued at about £5 each. Among the well-known people exhibiting their pets I observed Lady Alexander of Faygate and the Hon. Mrs. Clive Behrens.
FELINE FINANCE Hull Daily Mail, 10th December 1929
Some of the London newspapers have been a little naïve over the Crystal Palace Cat Show, which this year surpassed all records with over a thousand entries. What has intrigued the imagination of Fleet-street is the fancy figure at which individual exhibits have been valued. One blue-cream Persian, for example, was a £1,000 exhibit, while a mere Chinchilla was valued at £500. Cat-breeders are emulating the horticulturists in the production of new breeds and there is now a Persian strain that achieves a colourful symphony in blue, cream and red, while another engaging innovation is tortoise-white. It is expert knowledge, however, that the valuation of even the most novel and perfect specimens should be taken with considerable reserve. Often enough a ludicrously prohibitive price is named by a fair owner who would not consent to sell puss at any price.
CATS FROM THE WEST. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 11th December 1929
Generally speaking, exhibits from the West-country did none too well at the Croydon Cat Club's Championship Show to-day. Mrs. Dobeson, of Mortehoe, however, secured a first with her black kitten, Twilight of Garley Hill, and a third for red cats with Prinsep. Another prize-winner from the West was Miss Langhorn, of Chard, who secured third for cream males. I also noticed among the exhibitors Miss Bowden-Smith, of Chard, and Mrs. McKeating, of Yeovil, but, unfortunately, the entries gent by these representatives of the West failed to catch the eye of the judges.
LOCAL WINNERS [CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW] Acton Gazette, 13th December 1929
Local prize-winning animals in the National Cat Club's fortieth championship show, at the Crystal Palace last week were "Aluna," an Abyssinian, belonging to Capt. C. G. Price, of 97, Gordon-road West Ealing, and "Patches of Velvet," a tortoiseshell, belonging to the Misses K. F. and E H. Buck, of 116, Avenue-road, Acton. "Woodbury Red Rival," a hand some dark ginger cat, belonging to Mrs O. W. Woodbury, of Hatfield House, 16. Avenue-crescent, Acton, was placed reserve in its class.
A CHAMPION CAT. Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette, 13th December 1929
Lean cats, fat cats, tall cats, short cats all competed against each other at the National Cat Club's 40th Championship Show, held at the Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Thursday, and out of a total of 1,OOO entries Mrs. Bazeley, of Weir Cottage, West Drayton, was adjudged to be the owner of the "best cat" with her wonderful Champion Colnside Cream Bunne. Master Cream Bunne is a son of the world-famed Champion Colneside Billy Bumpet who won nearly 100 prizes and was once Champion of Champions and three times "Best in Show." Cream Bunne has won many prizes and challenge cups, eight championships, Champion of Champions, and last week at the Crystal Palace was awarded a challenge certificate, five first prizes, one second prize, 11 specials and best exhibit in the show, long hair, short hair, cat or kitten. He is a very massive pale cream cat with large copper eyes.
SURREY CATS. THE CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW. Surrey Mirror, 13th December 1929
A large number of cats from Surrey were exhibited at the 40th championship show of the National Cat Club, held at the Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, and the following were prize-winners from East Surrey:
Mrs. Neale, Bunts Farm, Leigh.–3rd for any colour veteran, over 6 years, with “Ch. Red Leader”; 1st for red self, male or female, with “King’s Motella”; 2nd for brown tabby, male or female, with "Kemasheh”; 3rd for any colour novice, except blue, male or female, with “King’s Motella.”
Miss D. Bretherton, Effingham.–2nd for tortoiseshell, male or female, with “Baroness Tiddleywink”; 2nd for novice any colour except blue, black, or white, male or female, with “Baroness Tiddleywink.”
Mrs. Ellaby, Ruthven, Horley.–3rdfor female Siamese adult, with ”Princess Cleo”; 2nd for male Siamese kittens, 3 to 9 months, with “Bhango”: 2nd for female Siamese kittens, with “Anne Churza” and "Bhango” respectively: 2nd for Siamese cat or kitten, with “Anne Churza”; 1st and 2nd for Siamese novice. to months, with “Anne and “Bhango” respectively; 2nd for Siamese breeder, 3 to 9 months, with “Bhango”; 1st and 2nd for any variety short hair kitten, including Siamese, with “Anne Churza” and “Bhango” respectively; 2nd for Siamese cat or kitten, with "Anne Churza.”
1929 REGIONAL SHOWS
[WONDERS OF CAT SHOW] Rugby Advertiser, 29th January 1929
Included in the pictures which are being displayed in the Albert Street window of the “Rugby Advertiser” this week are photographs of and relating to . . . Wonders of Cat Show . . .
[RAMSGATE POULTRY, PIGEON, CANARY, RABBIT, AND CAT SHOW] Thanet Advertiser, 15th March 1929
The first Ramsgate Poultry, Pigeon, Canary, Rabbit, and Cat Show came off on Wednesday and Thursday last, in the Drill Hall, High-street, kindly lent by Capt. A. Sparkes, of the 3rd C.P.A.V. There was a large influx of visitors and a good collection of exhibits. Had the competition been thrown open to all England there would, doubtless, have been a much finer and grander exhibition. Yet, on the whole, the affair was something of which the Isle of Thanet could be proud. There were twenty-seven classes in all, the classes for pigeons attracting most entries. (A fur and feather show is now an annual event at Ramsgate. The last show held the Drill Hall attracted approximately 900 exhibits from all parts of England for 112 classes. But there were no cats show.)
DOG AND CAT SHOW IN SCHOOL. HUNGERFORD ROAD SCHOLARS AND CARE OF ANIMALS. Holloway Press, 11th May 1929
One o'clock is usually the time when school children are usually at home enjoying dinner, but this was not the case at Hungerford Road L.C.C. School on Wednesday, and yesterday (Thursday). Had anyone cared to walk along Hungerford Road, Holloway, they would have seen a long queue of girls accompanied by their mothers outside the school gates just before one o'clock. On Wednesday they led dogs by their leads and yesterday they bore cats and kittens in their arms, paniers and shopping bags. At one o'clock the gates were thrown open and mothers, girls, cats and dogs trooped in. The occasion was in celebration of the Animal Welfare Week. Mr. J. R. M. Day, veterinary surgeon of the Poor People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, of Camden Mews, N.W., assisted by Mr. F.G. Jones, judged the entries and awarded the prizes for the animals, showing they had received the best possible treatment in matters of feeding, cleanliness, etc.
Betty Rowlands won a special prize for rearing a cat and a family of four kittens.
Cats: 1st, Beatrice Rawson; 2nd, Lily Eldridge; 3rd, Joan Wright; 4th, Marjorie Boreham.
Kittens: 1st, Lucy Weisberg; 2nd, Mary Clegg; 3rd, Florence Trotman; 4th, Mary Warwilk.
GREAT HARWOOD SHOW Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 22nd May 1929
Great Harwood Show, one of the most attractive Lancashire agricultural shows, drew a big crowd yesterday . . . Dogs were the heaviest class with 1,080, rabbits and cats second with 480 . . . [ cat prize-winners not printed.]
[BATLEY SHOW] Leeds Mercury, 24th June 1929
There was a record of 2,312 entries at the Batley Agricultural Show today. As a small stock display the Show was a great success . . . 31 cats. . . . cats valued upwards of £25 each. [. . .] The cats, a new section for the Batley Show, attracted much attention and admiration. There were English cats in half-a-dozen varieties, Persians of many colours, and Russians and Siamese. Casual visitors, whose knowledge of cats was confined to the domestic pet, learnt that points of pedigree in a Siamese cat are a squint in the eye, a kink in the tail, and face markings which resemble a mask. [Cat results not printed]
MADRESFIELD SHOW Gloucester Journal, 29th June 1929
Madresfield. The Great One Day Show of the Midlands. 30th Exhibition in Madresfield Park, Malvern, Thursday, August 8th, 1929. . . . Open Dog and Cat Show . . . Entries close: Ring, Fog and Cat Sections, July 22nd.
WESTBURY-SUB-MENDIP NURING ASSOCIATION FETE] Western Daily Press, 13th July 1929
A garden fete in connection with the District Nursing Association was held in a field at Furlong Farm, Westbury-sub-Mendip, on Wednesday. The programme included . . . a rabbit and cat show . . .
[ P.D.S.A. DOG AND CAT SHOW.] Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 20th July 1929
This show, held at Herne Bay on Tuesday, was opened by Mrs G. Cursons, M.B.E. . . . The cat classes attracted attention and the judge had a hard task. The first in the cat class was a tabby with a silver undercoat. The kitten classes were well up to standard and a sandy was successful and was a nice type of cat.
Cat Class.–1. Mrs. B. Smith. Comfy Cottage, The Broadway, Herne Bay; 2, Mrs M. A. Wallis, Heathland, The Broadway, Herne Bay; 3, Mrs. Bolton-Smith, Malvern, Baddlesmere Road, Tankerton; v.h.c., Mrs. F . Gleeson, Ivy House, Herne; h.c., Mrs. R. Field, 4, King Street, Herne Bay; c., Mrs. S. E. Gent, Goldhawk, Beacon Avenue, Herne Bay.
Kitten Litters. –Mrs. Gleeson, Ivy House. Herne; v.h.c., Mrs. E. G. Tyler-Sabine, Wat Tyler, Broad Oak, Sturry.
[BRADWORTHY POULTRY AND HORTICULTURAL SHOW] Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 26th July 1929
Bradworthy Poultry and Horticultural Show attracted keen competition.
Cats – Long coats: 2, Mrs C. Wickett; 3, Iris Balsdon.
Short coats: 2 and special, T. Jennings; 3, Fred Balsdon.
FORFARSHIRE FUR AND FEATHER Hull Daily Mail, 6th August 1929 – A sanatorium for cats and dogs is to be started in Ealing.
At the Forfarshire Fur and Feather show held in the Reid Hall on Saturday local fanciers, against strong competition, were prominent in the prize-list . . . in the cat section P.G. Gray with his lovely silver stripe won the silver spoon.
AIREDALE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. BINGLEY SHOW Shipley Times and Express, 17th August 1929
The lovers of the domestic cat could not fail to be interested in the cat section when some very fair cats were on show. The Blue Long-hairs were the outstanding class in the section in which T. Atkinson’s blue male was a meritorious winner. Short-hairs were also good and R Kuhnel’s male took winning honours. Cats – 1926 – 29; 1927 – 40; 1928 – 41; 1929 – 52. [Cat results no printed]
EVERSCREECH VILLAGE SHOW Central Somerset Gazette, 23rd August 1929
To find a more comprehensive programme of entertainment and amusement that that presented at the annual village Show and Fete at Evercreech one would have o travel very far. . . . an exhibition of fur and feather for which exhibits had come from far and wide, and in which the neighbourhood very well held its own. [cats seem to be a local class]
CATS.–1, Mrs. E. Hepworth Thwaites; 2, Mrs. M. Renell; 3, H. M. Keating.
THAME SHOW Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, 21st September 1929
Thame Show Society held its 69th exhibition on Thursday . . . this is one of the few agricultural shows giving classification for dogs and cats. [No cat results given]
A CAT SHOW. Western Daily Press, 1st November 1929
There will no doubt be many in Bristol who will be interested to know that immediate future engagements include a cat show. This has nothing to do with Wireless week, although a short programme of genuine cat calls and a mewing competition open to all nations–Persians, Russians, Chinchillas, Siamese–and others on view, would be a distinct novelty. The event takes place on November 6, and is under the management of the Bristol Fanciers' Association. It seems a long while since we had a really good cat show in Bristol and one gathers from Mrs Stevens of Hanham Court, hon. secretary, that this will be a really representative exhibition of high-born cats. The entries to date exceed 150.