THE BRITISH BULLDOG CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

1909

A meeting of those interested in the formation of a Bulldog Club was held at Bricknell’s Café on Monday evening, when a large number of enthusiastic bulldog breeders attended. Mr B. S. Penney presided. Mr W. Perry who convened the meeting, dealt with the colours of the bulldog club, which he thought should be Oxford blue. The object of the organisation was to advance the breeding of British bulldogs. Nearly 40 men had promised to become members, and several prominent Adelaide citizens had signified their intention to join. It was decided to call the club the British Bulldog Club of South Australia, the motto of which would be “justice and fairplay to all and for the advancement of the British Bulldog”. The club intends to hold an annual show, and already a trophy has been promised. The new organisation promises to be a flourishing one and the rules were drafted and carried.

Officers elected were: Secretary Mr H. N. Henwood, Treasurer Mr W. W. Hosking, Committee Messrs B. S. Penney (Chairman), Smith, Ritchie, Williams, Cooney, Perry, Law, Osborne, King, Henwood and Hosking. Auditors Messrs Quale and Anders. Veterinary Surgeon Mr Wakeham. (The Register Tue 7 December 1909)

1910

The third meeting of the British Bulldog Club of SA was held at the offices of Mr. B. S. Penny, Waymouth Street, on Monday evening. A large number of members attended. The club claims 30 members, including prominent men of Adelaide and suburbs. Much interest is bring centred in this movement, and in order to bring it into greater prominence it has been decided to seek affiliation with the Poultry and Kennel Club of Adelaide, and with various bulldog clubs of Great Britain and the United States. Three trophies have been promised: the latest is from Mr. Philip O’Hoare, of England, who is residing in Adelaide, and who for several years was Secretary of the English Kennel Club. The Mayor of Adelaide (Mr. L. Cohen) was unanimously elected President, and Dr. Waters was chosen Vice-President. Mr. W. Perry gave a lecture on the most important parts of the bulldog. He illustrated his discourse by exhibiting one of his most favourite and best bulldogs (Lord Excellent). The different points of the animal were freely discussed, and criticised, and an instructive evening was spent. The thanks of the members were accorded to Mr. Perry for his lecture, and he agreed to show at the next meeting how the points of the dog were arrived at in competition. (The Register Thu 13 1910)

The third meeting of this club was held at the offices of Mr. B. S. Penny, Waymouth street, on Monday evening. A large number of members attended. The club claims 30 members, including prominent men of Adelaide and suburbs. Much interest is bring centred in this movement, and in order to bring it into greater prominence it has been decided to seek affiliation with the Poultry and Kennel Club of Adelaide, and with various bulldog clubs of Great Britain and the United States. Three trophies have been promised: the latest is from Mr. Philip O’Hoare, of England, who is residing in Adelaide, and who for several years was Secretary of the English Kennel Club. The Mayor of Adelaide (Mr. L. Cohen) was unanimously elected President, and Dr. Waters was chosen Vice-President. Mr. W. Perry gave a lecture on the most important parts of the bulldog. He illustrated his discourse by exhibiting one of his most favourite and best bulldogs (Lord Excellent). The different points of the animal were freely discussed, and criticised, and an instructive evening was spent. The thanks of the members were accorded to Mr. Perry for his lecture, and he agreed to show at the next meeting how the points of the dog were arrived at in competition. (The Register Thu 13 January 1910)

The fourth meeting of the British Bulldog Club of South Australia was held on Monday evening in Montefiore Chambers. Waymouth Street. Mr. R. O. Law presided over a good attendance. The secretary (Mr. H. N. Henwood) reported that Dr. Waters and Mr. A. W. Styles (Mayor of Thebarton) had accepted the positions of vice-president, also that the matter of affiliation with the Poultry and Kennel Club was still under consideration. Mr. W. W. Hosking tendered his resignation as treasurer owing to business engagements in the country, and it was accepted with regret. Mr. T. C. Pierce was elected to fill the vacancy. Dr. R. S. Rogers, Professor Highan, and Mr. A. Baird were elected, and Messrs. F. H. Holmesby and T. G. Williams were proposed as members. Mr. Bert Sayers, of Broken Hill, was elected an honorary member for 12 months. Mr. W. Perry continued his lecture on the Bulldog and enumerated the various points. He illustrated his remarks by exhibiting’ Mr. Williams’ dog Sandow, and spoke on every point in the head, the body, the legs, and the tail. Mr. Ritchie’s dog Buller was then displayed, and an interesting time was spent comparing the different parts of each dog. and showing where one dog gamed points over the other. This method of comparing dogs was considered the best way to instruct the members and to show where dogs lacked their good points. Mr. Perry has lost one of his best dogs Lord Excellent. This dog was a splendid type of the Bulldog, and was exhibited for tuitional purposes at the January meeting, and it was with regret that the members learned of the loss of so fine a specimen of the British Bulldog. Messrs. Law and King promised to bring their Bull pups to the next meeting. Mr. Ritchie promised the club a special prize, to be presented at the club’s first show. (The Advertiser Wed 9 February 1910)

The fifth meeting of the British Bulldog Club of South Australia was held in Mr. B. S. Penny’s offices, Waymouth Street on Monday evening. Mr. Penny presided over a good attendance. A letter was received from Dr. Waters, accepting the position of Vice-President. The Secretary (Mr. H. N. Henwood) reported that no communication had been received from the Poultry and Kennel Club concerning affiliation, excepting that the matter was pending the decision of the full committee of that club. The evening was to have taken the form of a lecture, but on account of the boisterous weather, neither Messrs. Ridley and Law were unable to bring their Bulldogs. The club has entered a puppy dog and bitch, and a bulldog and bitch at the Mount Barker Show. The club books, which comprise the rules of management, certificate of membership, names of foundation members, description of the British Bulldog, and its various points enumerated, are now ready for distribution. The book is bound in an Oxford blue linen cover, the colours of the club. The next meeting will be held in April, and it has been decided to continue the lectures on the dog. (Evening Journal Thu 10 March 1910)

Mr A. Williams, a member of the newly formed British Bulldog Club, entered two fine specimens of that breed, a dog and a bitch, which were awarded two first prizes at the Mount Barker Show.

Results:

Judge: T. S. Haines
Bulldog: A. Williams; Bulldog Slut: A. Williams (The Advertiser Fri 11 March 1910)

A meeting of the British Bulldog Club of South Australia was held in the offices of Mr. B. S. Penny, Waymouth street, on Monday evening. Mr. Penny presided over a large attendance. The chairman took the opportunity of congratulating Messes. A. W. Styles and E. Klauer upon their recent election to the Legislative Council, and to Mr. H. N. Henwood upon his election as director of the Australian Natives’ Association. Messrs. F. H. Holmesby and T. G. Williams were elected as members, and Messrs. James H. Bryce, W. B. Viney, M. McMahon and H. W. Shillabeer were nominated as members. The secretary (Mr. H. N. Henwood) reported that no word had yet been received from the Poultry and Kennel Club concerning affiliation with that body, excepting that the matter would be finally dealt, with at their next meeting. A discussion on the proposed first show was then held, and it was decided to hold the matter over until the May meeting. A requisition having been lodged for a special meeting, it was decided to call one for Thursday, April 14, and the following motions were to be brought forward:—The election of Mr. James H. Bryce as a member, that the club register all litters of bulldogs free of charge, and that a charge of 1/ be made for every certificate of the pedigree of a puppy; that in line 1, rule 8, the word “first” be struck out and the word “second” be inserted in lieu thereof, to read, “ordinary meetings shall be held on the second Monday in every month.” A lecture on the bulldog was then delivered by Mr. W. Perry, and Mr. R. O. Law’s Dingo and Mr. D. Ridley’s dog Tiger were exhibited. (Daily Herald Thu 14 April 1910)

A meeting was held at Montefiore Chamber, Waymouth street, on Monday evening. Mr. B. S. Penny presided. Messrs. W. B. Viney, James H. Pryce. M. McMahon, and H. W. Shillabeer were elected members. It was resolved that the first show be held at a date to be fixed at the next meeting. A proposition was carried admitting lady members into the club at 5/3 per annum, that being half the amount now paid by male members. The members congratulated the secretary (Mr. H. N. Henwood) upon the work he had done to promote the interests of the club since its inception last December.  Up to the present Mr. Penny had granted the club the use of his rooms for the monthly meetings, but owing to the progress of the society it has been found necessary to secure larger rooms, and the thanks of the members were extended to Mr. Penny for his past generosity. It was decided that the monthly meetings be held on the second in lieu of the first Monday. Messrs. King and Viney exhibited their bull bitches, and Mr. W. Perry delivered an address on the various points of these dogs. (The Register Thu 12 May 1910)

Mr. R. R. Lee, of the Waratah bulldog kennels, writes: “The British Bulldog Club of South Australia has now 55 members (all men), and before the end of June it is thought that the membership will number over 75. This shows the strides being made by the club in Adelaide.” (The Sydney Morning Herald Wed 1 June 1910)

A meeting of the British Bulldog Club of South Australia was held on Monday evening in the Trades Hall. Mr. B. S. Penny presided. The Secretary (Mr. H. N. Henwood) reported that in connection with the Poultry and Kennel Club’s annual show, to be held in August, he had received 27 entries for Bulldogs, including 15 dogs to be benched. The dogs exhibited by this club in this show would also enter for competition amongst themselves for special trophies The following: were elected members: Mr. W. H. Moyle, Mr. Clifton B. Pew, Mr. Herbert, E. Hill and Mrs Williams. A lecture on “The Care of Dogs” was delivered by Mr. W. R. R. Wakeham. Afterwards a discussion took place. (The Advertiser Fri 15 July 1910)

Bulldogs formed a very strong section at the S.A. Poultry and Kennel Club’s annual show this week. Both the South Australian Bulldog Club, and the more recently formed British Bulldog Club of South Australia, were represented in the competition, and in consequence the display took on especial interest. The first prize and special in the class lor dogs, were gained by Mr. T. Arthur, of Hindmarsh, with a good type in Tommy Burns. This dog was bred by the exhibitor and is about 15 months old. His breeding is given as Kyneetcha Crib or Millswyn Tiger from Carmen. He is a compactly built animal, of prepossessing appearance, although Wroxham Raisuli (Hoyelmore Prince—Silent Duchess), who was placed second, can beat him in spread and front formation. The last-named dog was imported from England some months ago by Mr. it. E. P. Osborne. The best bitch in the show was exhibited by the Port Pirie breeder, Mr. C. E. Martin, who showed Rhuvan (Rhubarb—Vanity) in excellent trim. Considerable interest was manifested by members of the British Bulldog Club of South Australia, in a competition for trophies among themselves. The principal contest was for a silver cup presented by Messrs. Penny and Hill, of West Australia, for the best bulldog or bulldog bitch owned by a member of the club, and which has to be won three times. The first leg-in was gained by Mr. W. Perry, with Lady Majestic (Taraxacums-Countess of Warwick), who was awarded the Kennel Club’s reserve price in the open class for bitches, and gained the British bulldog trophy, presented by Messrs. W. Reynell and Sons, for open-class hitch. Mr. Perry also won the Ritchie special prize for best novice dog owned by a member, his exhibit being the young imported dog Stepping Stone (Greenstone—Dora). This promising bully wis placed first in the Kennel Club’s competition for novice dog, and was given the reserve prize in the open class. The club’s special prize for puppy dog was gained by Professor T. S. Higham, of Balaklava, with the nicely-developing puppy Realengo George (Master Donovan—Elebstinado), bred by Mrs. H. Thomson,, of Victoria. The Haussen trophy, for best puppy bitch, and the Chateau Tanunda trophy, for open class dog, were won by Mr. A. H. Williams. The winner of the last named was Lord Revenge (Lord Mick—Lady Majestic), the third dog in the open competition. (The Express and Telegraph Sat 6 August 1910)

The first annual smoke social of members of the British Bulldog Club of South Australia was held in the Exchange Hotel, Hindley street, on Thursday evening. The chairman (Mr. Bertram S. Penny) presided over a good attendance of members and friends.

In proposing the toast, The British Bulldog Club of South Australia, Mr. J. H. Potter said he was one of the first members of a bulldog club in South Australia, and thought there was ample room for two clubs in the city. He had been an owner and fancier of this breed of dog for 30 years and would always support the British bulldog breeders. His club (the South Australian Bulldog Club) had 70 members after being five years in existence, and he was pleased that the new club had over 50 members in the first year of its existence. He was pleased that the wealthy people of the state were bringing out good strains of the good old breed from England, and that the standard in the state was already high. His club was not jealous of the new club, but were prepared to assist them in any possible way.

Mr. B. S. Penney responded on behalf of the club. He was gratified at the results of the club, which had only been formed in December of last year. In eight months they had enrolled 50 members, and he believed they could all work together for the benefit of dogs of the bulldog breed in the State (Applause).

The prizes won by members of the club at the recent show in connection with the Poultry and Kennel Club of South Australia were then presented as follows:

Best bulldog owned by a member of the club, W. Perry (silver cup presented by Messrs Penny and Hill of Western Australia); open class dog, A. H. Williams; puppy dog, F. Higham; novice class bitch, A. H. Williams; open class bitch, W. Perry; puppy bitch, A. H. Williams.

“The Winners” was proposed by Mr. H. R. W. Osborne and responded to by Mr. Perry. Mr. J. Ward proposed “The Losers”, and Mr. H. O. Law responded. Kindred Clubs was proposed by Mr. H. N. Henwood and responded by Mr. J. Smith (Poultry and Kennel Club), Mr J. Ward (Adelaide Bulldog Club), Mr. K. R. McKenzie (Port Adelaide Dog and Poultry Society), and Mr. A. Milton (South Australian Terrier Club). Toasts of The Donors and The Visitors and The Press were also “honored”.

During the evening musical and elocutionary items were given by Messrs. S. Pickering, H. H. Worthley, R. H. Henwood, H. R. W. Osborne, and J. Ward. (Daily Herald Fri 26 Aug 1910)

The British Bulldog Club of South Australia, founded 12 months ago, held a successful smoke social at the Exchange Hotel on Thursday evening. Mr. B. S. Penny presided. Mr. J. H. Ward, secretary of the South Australian Bulldog Club, in proposing the toast of the “British Bulldog Club, referred to the progress made by the club during the first year of its existence. He urged owners to enter their dogs, freely for competitions in order that all good points and defects of the animals might be considered. The Chairman, in responding, said that if they pulled together in the work of advancing the breed of the British Bulldog, they were certain to be successful.

The secretary (Mr. H. N. Henwood), in his first annual report, stated that the work accomplished during the year had been extremely encouraging, and reflected great credit on the manner in which the officers had attended to their duties, and the keen interest shown by members. The club had been started with a membership of 14, and after a 12 months’ life it had grown to 48. The club was now as firmly established as any similar body could desire to be at the end of the first year.

The Mayor of Adelaide (Mr. L. Cohen) proposed “The land we live in.” He congratulated the secretary on his satisfactory report, which showed that in the 12 months the membership had grown from 14 to 48. He hoped the healthy rivalry between the two bulldog clubs in Adelaide would long continue to the advantage of both bodies. In Australia, the people enjoyed greater freedom than existed in many countries, and there were grand opportunities for all. Mr. H. R. W. Osborne proposed. “Kindred clubs,” and the toast was responded to by Mr. J. Toovey (South Australian Poultry and Kennel Club), Mr. J. H. Potter (South Australian Bulldog Club). Mr. Greenshields (Port Adelaide Poultry and Dog Society), and J. Toovey (South Australian Terrier Club). “The visitors” was submitted by Mr. T. C. Pierce. Musical items were rendered by Messrs. E. Cochrane, B. J. Knight, and J. Heath. (The Advertiser Fri 9 December 1910)