Feathers flew but bird fanciers back

Oamaru-based poultry judge Olwyn Gibb. Photo by Glenn Conway.
Oamaru-based poultry judge Olwyn Gibb. Photo by Glenn Conway.
Organisers of Milton's biggest bird show were yesterday trying to forget the controversy which almost saw them kicked out of the venue last year.

The 62nd annual Milton Utility Poultry and Bird Fanciers Club show went off without a hitch as judges descended on the 247 entries from Christchurch south, but in the back of the of show office-bearers' minds was the fuss created around the 2007 event.

The Coronation Hall committee, which manages what is the biggest venue in the town, threatened to kick out the group after concerns about the mess left behind last year.

But the group defended any health and safety concerns and secured a two-year stay of execution, meaning it could host the show there this year and again in 2009.

Show secretary Isobel Robinson said it was not accepting its days at the hall were over.

A petition launched at this weekend's show had attracted strong support from competitors and there was solid backing from other bird lovers around the South Island.

"We have it in writing that we have just two years to go but we want to try and stay here.

"There is nowhere else for us to go."

This year's 247 entries was about 25 down on last year.

The event hosts 12 New Zealand championships and 15 South Island titles will also be decided.

The hall doors will open to the public from 10am today.

Doors close at 6pm at the prizegiving will start at 6.30pm.

 

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