Royal Melbourne Show 1948-48
In 1948, my introduction to exhibiting and breeding dogs began. After the purchase of a puppy, my father took me to watch what turned out to be the first Child Handling Competition ever held in Australia. At that time, Melbourne epitomized the prosperity of the post-World War Two economic boom. With unemployment at an all-time low, Melbourne had won a bid to host the 1956 Olympic Games. It was the first time this event was held in the Southern Hemisphere. To attract world-wide notoriety, a special Royal Melbourne Show was held where famous judges adjudicated in all categories.
The pedigreed dog section's panel was headed by a famous Englishman Mr J.W. Marples F.Z.S (Fellow of the Zoological Society) of England. Because travel to and from the UK meant weeks by sea, rarely did Australia enjoy the attendance of such a celebrity.
Consequently, the idea of junior handling classes was born! Those in charge of the dog section of the Royal Melbourne Show created an entirely new event for children. Called the Australian 'Canine Turnout', there were separate classes for boys and girls under 12 years and under 17 years. Based on the Garryowen, a successful an Australian horse dressage event, the child and dog would be awarded points based on the following criteria:
- The conformation, condition, and bloom of the dog,
- The skill of the handler in exhibiting the dog,
- The appropriateness in design, cut and harmony of the handler's costume with the breed of dog being exhibited.
Assembling 41 excited children, together with their dogs was utter chaos! I watched as the entire proceedings had to be delayed because, to quote the child, "my Fox Terrier has got 'stuck' to an Airedale!" Consequently, the event was held up until the pair separated about 15 minutes later!
After that experience, the reality of my personal life with dogs began. When my father had arrived home from World War Two and bought me a puppy for my 10th birthday, it was a female pedigreed Fox Terrier (Wire). As this was to be my dog, my father transferred her into my name with the Kennel Control Council (KCC of Vic). Consequently, I now have 75 years' worth of memories to share!
In the post world-war years of the late 1940s dog shows were very different to what they are today. Buses transported many of us together with our dogs, to and from the Shows. There were no gazebos, tents, or grooming tables. We and our dogs just stood or sat around the rings in the open air watching the judging.
How we all looked forward to the Royal Melbourne Show where dogs were displayed for two days on open benches! The few exhibitors who owned cars, could transport their dogs to shows. However, many exhibitors travelled by public transport.
To facilitate this, the train line was extended from Flemington Racecourse to a new station erected within the Showgrounds, close to the dog area. Bizarre as it might seem, many dogs travelled to the Royal Show by train unaccompanied. Because the dogs had to remain on the bench for two days, the stewards would collect them from the train, feed and exercise them and handle them in the ring. At the end of their second day, these dogs would be put onto a train that delivered them back home.
For exhibitors like me who were not comfortable about leaving their dogs alone overnight, we slept overnight with them in the Cockbill pavilion. In 1949 I remember sleeping on an old canvas stretcher next to my dog. Facilities for dog exhibitors within the pavilion included not only benching for the dogs, but also showering facilities! Judging took place on sloping lawns outside the pavilion where there was also a small cottage for administration and a stand for spectators.
The highlight of the early Royal Melbourne Shows was the Grand Parade which included not only prize-winning dogs, but also sheep, cattle and all sorts of horses and ponies. The highlight of the horse events was the 'Garryowen Turnout', a dressage competition for female riders. This formed the basis for the first 'Australian Canine Turnout (Juvenile Handlers' Classes) described above.
However, for most of the children, free samples of produce were the highlight! We had great fun racing around various stalls collecting free biscuits, cheese, and Peters Ice Cream.
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Submitted to Dog New Australia November 2024