54 
HAMLYN'S MENAGERIE MAGAZINE. 
who is attempting to oust the Germans from the 
commercial world; but my appreciation ceases 
when those efforts are contrary to the direct 
and pressing needs of the country. 
"Mr. Hamlyn's second contention is that 
the animals do not occupy tonnage that would 
be available for the transport of food, as they 
are quartered on deck!" 
Seeing that Col. Lockwood, M.P., persists in 
his statement that some part of the consignment 
occupies food space, I asked the various Ship- 
ping Companies interested to state the actual facts. 
Here are the letters : — 
" Sir, 
28 Boxes Wild Animals. 
With reference to the above animals coming 
from Calcutta, via the Cape, by the s.s. "City 
of Bombay," due here about the 15th instant, 
we beg to state these consignments are carried 
on deck at Shippers' risk and do not therefore 
encroach upon any cargo space in the hold of 
the steamer. The food for the above animals is 
shipped in Calcutta, and also carried on deck 
at Shipper's risk. 
(Signed) Montgomerie and Workman, 
Agents for City Line of Steamers, 
36, Gracechurch Street, E.G." 
The Union Castle Steamship Company write 
as follows : — 
" Sir, 
4 zebras, 7 monkeys, 1 antelope, etc., on 
"Comre iCastle." 
With reference to the above animals com- 
ing forward from Durban, South Africa, by the 
s.s. "Comrie Castle," we beg to state these 
consignments are always carried on deck at 
Shipper's risk, and do not therefore occupy any 
cargo space in the hold of the steamer. The 
food is also carried on board on deck at Ship- 
per's risk. 
(Signed) The Union Castle Steamship Co., 
3/4, Fenchurch Street, City." 
"Dear Sir, 
2'8> boxes Animals, Snakes and Birds, 
per s.s. "Media," from Calcutta. 
Referring to the above shipment, we have 
to inform you these animals are always carried 
on deck at Shipper's risk, and consequently do 
not take up any cargo space in the holds of 
the steamer. 
At present we have no advice as to where 
the fodder has been carried on this occasion, 
but would probably be placed in one of the deck 
houses. 
Yours faithfully, 
(Signed) Alex. Howden and Co. 
50, Lime Street, City. 
16th March, 1917." 
Reading the above, I think my readers will 
agree with me that it is a pity that Col. Lockwood, 
M.P., after being assured by a business man of 
forty years standing, that food space has never 
been occupied, and never is occupied, should ven- 
ture opinions on the Importations of Wild nimals 
of which he knows nothing whatever. I thank 
him for saying "that he did not wish to injure 
Hamlyn"; still I am very anxious to know who 
asked him to put the question. I shall, however, 
know sooner or later. 
THE FACTS OF THE CASE 
are very simple and straightforward. They deserve 
the assistance and sympathy of every honest man 
My only object in giving these particular sis to 
put myself right with the general public and ur> 
hold the only business of its kind in Great Britain. 
At the commencement of the war the Contin- 
ental Wild Beast Trade was entirely closed,. The 
American buyers were entirely at a loss for their 
usual supplies, which were considerable. I was 
approached by one of the largest Dealers in New 
York to supply him with every description of Wild 
Animals, Birds, Reptiles, alsoi Norwich and York- 
shire Canaries. One Agent was appointed in Cal- 
cutta. Two Collectors were sent out, one to 
South Africa, the other to Sumutra, Dutch Indies. 
The South African Collector is now on his way 
home o nthe "Comrie Castle," the one in Sumutra 
remains there still collecting. 
I state here most emphatically that all the 
goods I have received from distant parts since 
1914 have been transhipped to New York, None 
— with the exception of a few monkeys — have been 
sold in Great Britain. 
During my interview with the Secretary of the 
Import Restrictions, this particular question was 
asked me : — 
"Why did I advertise the elephants and 
other stock for sale, if they were not for Great 
Britain ? 
The answer was : — • 
" Only to show the general public and my 
competitors that business was carried on as 
usual; that there was valuable business to be 
done, if you only had the courage and energy 
to carry it out." 
The consignments usually arrive in the Til- 
bury Docks, they are taken round to the Atlantic 
Transport steamers for New York. Herewith let- 
ter from the Atlantic Transport Company, Ltd., 
dated 66th March, 1917 :— 
" Dear Sir, — We have much pleasure in 
stating that we have carried many of your ship- 
ments of Animals, Birds, etc. (in transhipment 
from Calcutta) to New York by our steamers 
from London, and they always occupy space in 
