EARLY NEW ZEALAND CAT SHOWS

[CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, CAT SHOW] Lyttelton Times, 18th June 1884
A decided novelty will be added to the Christchurch Poultry Society's Exhibition. There is to be a cat show, the Committee of the Society having decided on this as they know that a number of fancy cats, in addition to several line specimens of the ordinary domestic cat, are in households of Canterbury; and, as great interest is taken in similar shows in England, a like success may be looked for here. In England the entries and attendance of the public is always very large, and for good specimens high prices have been realised. As ladies may be fairly assumed to take a special interest in these household pets, the subcommittee of the Society have resolved to seek their aid in arranging for the cat show.

[CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, CAT SHOW] Lyttelton Times, 16th July 1884
The first Cat Show ever held in Christchurch was opened on July 3, in the Oddfellows' Hall. It was a decided success, and the exhibits numbered 72.

OTAGO. NZ. CAT SHOW Lyttelton Times, 10th September 1884 A Cat Show was held on August 11, in connection with the Industrial Exhibition. There were 43 entries. The prize cat weighed 16 lbs.

[CAT SHOWS, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ] Lyttelton Times, 22nd May 1885
The third annual meeting of the subscribers to the Canterbury Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held in the Provincial Council Chambers last evening . . . It is with much pleasure the Committee has noticed the inauguration in Christchurch, during the past year, of Cat shows; such shows will doubtless lead to .an increased care of these often despised animals.

CHRISTCHURCH POULTRY. PIGEON, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW. Lyttelton Times, 17th June 1885
Entries will be received between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday next, at Mr Charles Clark's Auction Room, Hereford street (kindly lent for the occasion). Entries will positively close on Saturday. R. E. H. Evans, Hon Sec. [Note: Held under the auspices of the Christchurch Poultry Association.]

THE CAT SHOW. Lyttelton Times, 25th June 1885
The following are the entries received for the Cat Show, to be held in the Tuam street Hall on Wednesday and Thursday next week, in connection with the annual Show of Poultry, Pigeons, and Canaries:
Tortoiseshell cat, either sex - 2 entries
Tortoiseshell and white, either sex - 5
Brown tabby cat, either sex - 7
Blue or silver tabby, either sex - 7
Red or sandy tabby, either sex - 1
Black cat, either sex - 6
White cat, either sex - 3
Any other colour cat, he - 3
Manx cat, either sex - 5
Largest cat, either sex, any colour, to be judged by weight - 2
French [i.e. Angora], any colour, either sex - 4
Persian, either sex - 2
Selling class for kittens (any variety) wider six months. Price not to exceed 20s. First prize, silver bracelet, value 30s. – 3 entries
Total – 51 entries.

TIMARU POULTRY, CANARY, PIGEON, AND CAT SHOW Lyttelton Times, 30th June 1885
Timaru Poultry, Canary, Pigeon, And Cat Show, Friday & Saturday, 10th & 11th July. Entries for the above will close on Saturday, July 4. For further particulars, prize schedules, &c., apply to William Collins, Hon Sec.

TIMARU POULTRY, CANARY, PIGEON, AND CAT SHOW Lyttelton Times, 13th July 1885
The Poultry, Pigeon, Canary, and Cat Show, at Timaru, has proved a grand success. Over 1500 persons visited it up to six o'clock on Saturday evening.

CAT SHOW. Lyttelton Times, 3rd July 1885
Cats are not generally regarded as the natural friends and allies of poultry, but nevertheless a show of cats has come to be looked upon as a customary adjunct of the exhibition of the Christchurch Poultry Society, which has of late taken to encouraging the breeding of tabbies, tortoiseshells, and the other varieties of puss, with as much zeal as is displayed in fostering the rearing of gamecocks and pigeons. The efforts put forth in this direction have hitherto been successful, not only in getting together a fairly good show of cats, but also, it may be presumed, in increasing the receipts from the Society's annual exhibition, for there are many persons to whom a well-bred and handsome cat is at least as attractive as an aristocratic gamecock or Langshan.

The display of cats opened at the Tuam street Hall yesterday morning, though not so large as that of last year, ought notwithstanding to prove a powerful "extra attraction." Some fifty pussies were comfortably lodged in a couple of rows of cages in the gallery, remote from the noise and bustle of the large collection of poultry gathered downstairs. They were a nice lot, most of them in fine "show" condition, and all giving evidence of careful attention on the part of their owners. Some few were decorated with gay ribbons or rosettes, while the owners of others expressed their sense of the value of their pets by placing most enormous prices opposite their names in the catalogue. The judges, Mrs C. L. lnnes and Mr E. Strange, were, it is needless to say, guided by other considerations than these in coming to their decisions. They had not much trouble with the tortoiseshell class, as only one of the two animals entered was a true tortoiseshell. The other should have been entered in the next class, that for tortoiseshell and white cats. In this the first prize was given to a cat exhibited by Master N. Strange, a beautifully-marked animal. The brown tabbies were a handsome lot, the first prize winner being especially noticeable for the regularity of its markings and the beauty of its coat. In the class for blue or silver tabbies, which was not judged by Mrs Innes, that lady's two exhibits carried off second and third prizes, the first going to a prettily-marked animal belonging to Miss Mather. The black cats were exceptionally fine, being, for the most part, big, well-formed animals, with splendid coats. The first prize white cat was rather out of condition, but was, nevertheless, a very pretty animal. Some half-dozen specimens of the Manx breed were shown, the first prize being awarded to a particularly handsome animal belonging to Mrs T. Wood. There were four representatives of the beautiful French variety, all so good as to give the judges a deal of trouble. Of the two Persian cats, that shown by Mrs G. Packe, which carried off first honours, was incomparably the better in the coat. Master B. Henning took the prize in the selling class for kittens, with a cage of three beautiful little "Frenchies.” The heaviest cat in the show, a big black animal weighing 14 lb, belonged to Mr J. Dinnell. It is to be regretted that in several instances animals lost their chances of a prize by being entered in wrong classes, their owners evidently having but hazy notions as to what kind of cats they possessed. The following is the Prize List.
Tortoiseshell (either sex).–Mrs Hamer, Toby, 1.
Tortoiseshell and White (either sex). – Master Norman Strange, Spot, 1; Mrs Bruce, Tibby, 2.
Brown Tabby (either sex).–E. M. Whitton, Billy, 1; A Webster, Captain, 2; J. Hepworth, Dick, 3.
Blue or Silver Tabby (either sex). – Miss J. Mather, Lucy, 1; Mrs C. L. Innes, Tomiti (aged 6 months), 2; Mrs C. L. Innes, Possum, 3.
Sandy Tabby (either sex).–Miss Iles, Sandy, 1.
Black Cat (either sex).–Mrs J. A. Watts, Sambo,1; Miss Madeline Strange, Wilken, 2; Mrs J. Jamieson, Nick, 3.
White cat (either sex) . –Mrs . E. S. Leversedge, Dick, 1; Miss Alice M. Palairet, 2; Master Arthur Kelly, Snowy, 3.
Any Other Colour Cat (he).–Mrs G. Carroll, Joey, 1; Mrs J. Swinnerton, Sam, 2; James Rowe, Tom, 3.
Manx Cat (either sex).–Mrs T. Wood, Venus, 1; Miss S. Bridge, Mona, 2; J. W. Woodham, Tim, 3.
Largest Cat, Any Colour (either sex). – John Dinnell, Dick, 1; Miss A. Rowley, Sam, 2.
French, Any Colour (either sex).–Mrs C. Dearing, Bob, 1; Master Basil Henning, Victoria, 2; Miss Ida Mather, Blueboy, 3.
Persian (either sex).–Mrs George Packe, Bismillah, 1; Mrs J. H. Swainson, Tweedledum, 2.
Selling Class for Kittens (any variety) under six months.–Master B. Henning (French), 1.

SPECIAL PRIZES.
Mr Alfred White, "Dr Gordon Stables' Book on Cats,” for the best Tortoiseshell Cat.–Mrs Hamer.
Mr W. H. Porter, £1 1s, best Brown Tabby.–E. M. Whitton.
Mr R. E. M. Evans, £1 1s, best Blue or Silver Tabby.–Miss Mather.
Mrs C. L. Tunes' Trophy, value 10s. best Red or Sandy Tabby.– Master J. Kelly.
Mr T. Shand, £1 1s, best Black or White Cat.–Mrs Watts.
Messrs Wood, Shand and Co., £1 1s, best Manx Cat.–Mrs T. Wood.
Mr J. Mather, £1 1s, Heaviest Cat in Class 192. – J. Dinnell.

NZ: SYDENHAM POULTRY SHOW Lyttelton Times, 6th August 1885
The annual Exhibition of the Sydenham Poultry Societt was opened in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Colombo road yesterday . . . It will be open again to-day, with the additional attraction of a Cat Show.

SYDENHAM CAT SHOW. Lyttelton Times, 7th August 1885
Despite the nature of the relations usually existing between cats and poultry, a cat show appears to have become a regular adjunct to an exhibition of poultry. Accordingly, the attractions of the Sydenham Poultry Show were yesterday enhanced by the presence of some 27 specimens of the feline race, who peacefully slumbered in their cages, despite the din made by the throats of a hundred defiant roosters. All the usual colours were represented, and many of the pussies were really fine animals. The largest cat turned the scale at no less than 15-and-a-quarter lb, and another animal weighed but a quarter of a pound less. The first prise-winner in the brown tabby class was noticeable from the regularity of its markings, and several others were very handsome cats. The attendance during the day was good, and at night the hall was crowded. The Sydenham Brass Band played at intervals during the evening. The following is the prize-list:
Tortoiseshell and White: Miss Nellie Bruce, Tabby, 1; Mrs J. Hurford, Trixey (ten months), 2; T. H. Brown, Tweedles, hc.
Brown Tabby: A. Webster, 1; Mrs Hepworth, h c.
Tabby and White: Miss A. Rowley, 1; Mrs Thomas, h.c.
Blue or Silver Tabby: Miss Jane Mather, Lucy, 2.
Any other variety Tabby: J. Brown, 1; Master J. Kelly, Topsy, 2; Mrs S. Barrett, Jack, h c.
Black: J. A. Watts, 1; Miss Hurtzell, Sammy, 2.
Black and White: Mrs Swinnerton, Sam, 1.
White: E. S. Leversedge, 1.
Any other Colour Cat: Mrs Lilley, Smut, 1; James Rowe, Tom, h.c.
Manx: Miss N. Wood, Venus, 1; Mrs C. A. Oakes, 2.
Largest Cat: Miss A. Rowley, 1; J. A. Watts, 2.
French: Master W. Mather, Judy, 2.
Persian: Mrs G. Freeman, Sherwood, 1.

[SYDENHAM SHOW] Lyttelton Times, 17th August 1885
The prizes, and the money for the sale of exhibits at the Sydenham Poultry Show, will be distributed at Stening’s Hotel, Sydenham, between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m. to-day.

OAMARU POULTRY. PIGEON, CANARY, RABBIT AND CAT SHOW. Lyttelton Times, 17th August 1885
As entries for the above Show close on Saturday, August 22nd, Intending Exhibitors are requested to make their entries with the Secretary as early as possible. Prize Schedules on Application. E. W Best, Hon. Sec.

TIMARU POULTRY, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW Lyttelton Times, 30th June 1886
Timaru Poultry, Canary, and Cat Show 9 and 10 July. Entries for the above will close on Saturday next, July 3rd. Exhibits from Christchurch will be in time for judging if they arrive by Express on Friday, 9 July. For Further Particulars, Prize Schedules, &c., apply to W. Collins, Hon. Sec.

TIMARU POULTRY, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW Lyttelton Times, 8th July 1886
The Timaru Society have received 246 entries for the forthcoming show, to be held on Friday and Saturday, from all parts of the North Island. Cats – 51; Canaries – 70; Poultry – 110; Special exhibits – 15; showing an increase of 48 on last year’s list. Members were of the opinion that the forthcoming show would be the best ever held in Timaru.

CAT SHOW[CHRISTCHURCH]. Lyttelton Times, 9th July 1886
Whatever may be the nature of the "relations” between poultry and cats, there seems to be no reason why a Society formed to encourage the breeding of the one should not devote a certain amount of attention to the other. This has been done by the Christchurch Poultry Society, with no small success: indeed, a show of cats has come to be regarded as an essential adjunct of its annual exhibition. The cats exhibited at this year's show were not so numerous as those catalogued in 1885. They numbered forty-five all told, and were shown at the southern end of the gallery, where, in comfortable cages, they dozed away the time contentedly, quite oblivious of the honours they had gained. In one cage a little monkey nestled by the side of the cat–an enormous tabby "Tom"– in the most friendly companionship. The cats were, on the whole, a good lot, though some fine animals which were conspicuous at former shows were absent. The most numerous class were the brown tabbies, most of them finely marked animals. The beautiful French breed was represented by only two animals, both very pretty creatures, and there were only two Angoras in the show. Of Persian cats there were none. The prize for the largest cat was gained by a magnificent black "Tom," the property of Miss Hibbard, which turned the scale at the respectable weight of 15-and-a-half pounds. Mrs Lilly acted as judge in all classes. The following is the PRIZE LIST –
Tortolseshell: Mrs F.C. Hill, 1; W. Smelton, 2.
Tortoiseshell and white; J. Day, 1; Master N. Strange, 2; Mrs C. L. Dines, 3.
Brown Tabby: Mrs Struthers, 1; J. Connal, 2; J. Manning, 3.
Blue or Silver Tabby: Mrs Gates, 1; Miss Jane Mather, 2; Mrs C. L. Tunes, 3.
Sandy Tabby: T. Harker, 1; Master J. Kelly, 2.
Black: Mrs Watts, 1; Mrs Walker, 2; Miss Hibbard, 3.
White: Mrs E. S. Leversedge, 1; Master A. Kelly, 2.
Any other colour: Miss Withnall, 1; T. Shave, 2; Mrs Swinnerton, 2.
Manx: Miss Nellie Wood, 1; Mrs P.C. Threlkeld, 2; Miss S. Watters, 3.
French: Master W. Mather, 1; Mrs Bennington, 2.
Angora: Mrs Slater, 1; Mrs Wendelkin, 2.
Largest cat, either sex, any colour (to be judged by weight): Miss Hibbard, 1.

SPECIAL PRIZES
Mr J. Mather, £1 1s, heaviest cat in show: Miss Hibbard.
Mr A. Dallas (tea caddy), best Manx: Miss Nellie Wood.
Messrs Manning and Co., £1 1s, best black: Mrs Watts.
Messrs Petersen and Co.'s trophy, value £1 1s, best brown tabby: Mrs Struthers.
Mr J. Ballantyne (goods value 10s 6d), best blue or silver: Mrs Gates.

TIMARU POULTRY, CANARY AND CAT SHOW. Lyttelton Times, 9th July 1886
The special prizes to be awarded are as follows:- [shown by donor and category]
Mr E. Smith, half ton of coal for ugliest cat in the show.
Messrs Bower and Ferguson, one silver bracelet, best tortoise-shell and white cat.
Messrs P. W. Hutton and Co., best furred cat
New Zealand Clothing Factory, per R. Foster, 10s 6d, blue or silver tabby cat.
Messrs G. and T. Young, trophy, value 10s 6d, best Manx cat.
Mr B. Bowie, trophy, value 10s 6d, best black cat.
Mr J. D. Slater, 10s 6d, best Persian cat.
Messrs Priest and Holdgate, trophy, value 10s 6d, for the handsomest cat in the show.
Mr B. E. Hibbard, trophy, value 103 Gd, for the largest cat in the show.

S.C. POULTRY, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW (TIMARU). Lyttelton Times, 10th July 1886
The show was opened in Dan Lea's bowling saloon, Timaru, yesterday, and the number of entries was considerably in excess of any previous year, and there was a marked improvement in the quality of the exhibits.

TIMARU CAT SHOW. Lyttelton Times, 12th July 1886
Cats were the especial feature of the second day of the P.P.C. and C. Show, and as the pussies had to be in the hall at 8.30 a.m., the judges were able to get through their work early. The public were admitted immediately after the judging, Saturday being the day for country people to come in, there was a good attendance of visitors. At night the place was crowded. The success of the show was in a great measure due to the energetic and courteous hon Secretary, Mr W. Collins. Some of the cats were very fine animals. Mrs Shears, of Timaru, showed one which took first prize in Class 73, for blue or silver tabby, and in Class 80, the largest cat. Mrs. W. Annets was the only exhibitor in the class for white cats, but she very justly received a first prize. The two Angora cats were handsome animals of the particular , breed. The following is the prize list: -
Judges: Messrs R. Warrington and P. Strathford, with power to call in a lady assistant.
Tortoiseshell Cat, either sex: J. W. Holdgate, 1.
Tortoiseshell and White, either sex: P. Bell, 1; J. W. Holdgate, 2.
Brown Tabby, either sex: Miss B. Botherway, 1; Miss C. Lovegrove, 2.
Blue or Silver Tabby, either sex: Mrs Shears, 1; Miss C. Lovegrove, 2.
Sandy Tabby, either sex: Mrs Rothwell, 1.
Black Cat, either sex: Mrs H. Edminston, 1; W. Brown, 2.
White Cat, either sex: Mrs W. Annets, 1.
Any Other Colour Cat: E. Lough, 2.
Largest Cat, any Colour, either sex: Mrs Shears, 1; Mrs O'Brien, 2.
Angora Cat, either sex: Miss D. Macdonald, 1; Miss L. Woollcombe, 2.

S.C. POULTRY, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW (TIMARU) Lyttelton Times, 13th July 1886
The show was visited by 3064 people during the two days it was opened. This was much more numerous than last year.

[CHRISTCHURCH POULTRY, PIGEON, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW] Lyttelton Times, 13th July 1886
The prizes gained at the late Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon, Canary, and Cat Society’s Show will be handed over at the Shades Hotel, Hereford street, on Thursday, July 15 at 7.30 p.m.

CHRISTCHURCH POULTRY, PIGEON, CANARY, AND CAT SHOW [NZ] Lyttelton Times, 15th June 1887
Exhibitors are reminded that Entries positively close at 6 p.m. on Saturday next, and must be made on the printed forms supplied by the Society. Entries will be received at the rooms of the N.Z. Poultry Club, Hobbs’ Buildings, Cathedral square, on Friday, 17th Inst., from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, 18th Inst., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Everard C. Farr, Hon. Sec.

[CAT SHOW IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHRISTCHURCH (NZ) POULTRY, PIGEON AND CANARY CLUB] Lyttelton Times (NZ), 20th April 1909
A meeting of the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Club was held on Saturday evening . . . The secretary reported that the schedule for the June show had been issued, and that Dr. C.J. Russell has kindly consented to judge the cat show, which was being held in connection with the poultry show.

POULTRY [ETC.] SHOW. Lyttelton Times (NZ), 14th August 1913
The annual show of the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Club will be opened at the King Edward Barracks this afternoon at 2 o'clock . . . The cat show will he held on Saturday.

[CHRISTCHURCH POULTRY, PIGEON AND CANARY CLUB] Lyttelton Times, 16th September 1913
The annual show had been a great summit and the quality of the exhibits was very high. . . . The cat show had been the finest held in the dominion end the executive recommended that a committee should be appointed to have full control and give the section every attention.

POULTRY SHOW. EXHIBITION OF CATS. INTERESTING DISPLAY. The Lyttelton Times, 19th August 1912
The Poultry Show in the King Edward Barracks was well patronised on Saturday, and in all departments of birds, as well as in the side exhibitions, the public found a great deal that was interesting and instructive. . . . One of the special attractions on Saturday was the cat show. There were no fewer than eighty-three cats in the cages, seventeen more than last year, and they were a very attractive lot. As was expected, there was a large entry of Persians. Dr C. J. Russell and Mr F. Biggs were the judges. The following is the prize list:-
Chinchillas, Male, over 12 months (4 entries) – Mrs B.O. Moore 1 and special; Mrs L. C. Bentley 2.
Chinchillas, Female, over 12 months, (3) – Mrs A.B. Menzies 1 and special; Mrs L. C. Menzies 2
Chinchillas, Male, under 12 months (3) - Mrs C. Brice 1 and 2 and special; Dr Louisson 3.
Chinchillas, Female, under 12 months (4) - Mrs Whittaker 1; Mrs C. Brice 2 and special.
[Longhair] Blue, Male, over 12 months (4) - Mrs A. B. Menzies 1; Mrs C. Brice 2.
[Longhair] Blue, Female, over 12 months (2) - Mrs A. B. Menzies 1.
[Longhair] Blue, Female, under 12 months (2) - Mrs J. 1; G. G. , Whittall 2,
[Longhair] Black, Male (3) - Mrs L. Kirk 1; Mrs C. Brice 2.
[Longhair] Black, Female (2) – Mrs R. Gudsell 1; Mrs C. Brice 2.
[Longhair] Tabby, Brown or grey, male (3) – Mrs D.E. George 1.
[Longhair] Tabby, Brown or grey, female (2) – Mrs L.C. Bentley 1.
[Longhair] Any other colour, female – Mrs R.M. Barr 1.
[Longhair] Neuter, any other colour than grey (10) – Miss Greaves 1; Mrs M. Barrow 2; Mrs B.O. Moore 3.
Persian Kitten, Under 8 months (10) – Mrs S. Butterfield 1 and special; R,M. Barr 2; Miss C. Reid 3.
Persian Kitten, Under 4 months (8) – Mrs A. Gooseman 1 and special; F.T. Rogers 2; Mrs L.C. Bentley 3.
Short-haired Cats, Dark tabby (2) Mrs J. Orr 1; R.W. Forsey 2.
[Shorthair] Black (1) – Mrs Eastwood 1.
[Shorthair] Any other variety (1) – Miss Derry 1.
Children’s Classes – pet cats, any colour, Persian, children under 16 (7) Miss N. Sey 1 and special; Miss D. Sandstein 2; Master Ernest Murdoch 3.
Children’s Classes – Short-haired pet cat, any colour (4) Master H.G. Searle 1 and special; Miss D. Wright 2; A.H. George 3.