The Show: The Show was undoubtedly the best, both in point of entries and general excellence, ever held in the town. The poultry made a grand display, and almost every day was well filled. Dorkings, especially, were fully represented, some of the most noted local breeders as well as exhibitors from a distance, sending specimens. In the first class, there were 10 entries. The bird placed first well deserved the honour, as admitted by other exhibitors of in the class. It was, to use the words of a well-known breeder of Dorkings, “The best bird ever seen the West, and points beyond the other prize-takers the same class.” The second bird was of wonderful colour, with a good comb; it was, indeed, no other than the Palace cup cockerel, belonging Mr. J. Hebditch, jun., of Stratton, near Ilminster, and will grow into magnificent bird. The third bird was a very good specimen, but much older than the other two. Hens came out strongly. The prize-takers belonged Mr. Pinsent, of Newton Abbott; Mr. Hebditch, Messrs. Newick, of Crewkerne. There was keen competition in the class for any other variety of Dorkings. The first prize-taker, silver grey, was not considered by some judges to be the best bird in the class: the second was a good upstanding bird, which well deserved his place; but the third was rather old bird. In Class 4, a very fine bird, of good colour, and splendid condition, but having sooty feet, was placed first; the second — a cuckoo Dorking, with beautiful white feet — was properly placed; the third, a very large hen, was not good condition. … (also) … Poultry: Class 1. Dorkings, coloured (cock): £ 10s and cup, W. S. Pinsent, Highwick, Newton Abbot; 10s, J Hebditch, jun., Stratton, Ilminster; 5s, Edward Burton, Truro; … … Class 2. Dorkings coloured (hen): £1 10s, W. S. Pinsent; 10s J. Hebdith, jun; 5s, S & J. Newick …
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0911 Devonport: William Swain Pinsent: 1843 – 1920