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Hamlyn's Menagerie Magazine

Discussion in 'TV, Movies, Books about Zoos & Wildlife' started by Chlidonias, 7 Sep 2014.

  1. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    Is anyone familiar with “Hamlyn's Menagerie Magazine”? I just discovered its existence today. It was printed between 1915 and 1920. There are various online archives of it.

    There's a short explanation of the origins of the magazine here: Hamlyn's Zoological Trading
    In volume one there was the following story. (It is long but quite enjoyable).


    BROOKE'S GREAT MONKEY SHOW,
    ALEXANDRA PALACE, 1889.

    To have provided the greatest collection of Apes and Monkeys that the world has ever known, or ever will know, is certainly something to be proud of, and to be remembered during the whole of one's life.

    It was with something akin to consternation that I received the following letter some day in May, 1889:—

    "Alexandra Palace, N.

    May, 1889.
    Dear Sir,

    If you can supply 1,000 Monkeys in about fourteen days time, come up and see me on Thursday next at eleven o'clock.

    Yours truly,
    (Signed) S. LEE BAPTY,
    General Manager."

    One thousand monkeys in fourteen days ! Why, the idea to my mind for the moment was preposterous and absurd. Only a thousand monkeys ! There was no dealer in Europe capable of supplying such a number so I reasoned, but my curiosity being aroused I determined to accept the invitation to interview Mr. Lee Bapty on the following day.

    Alighting at the Wood Green entrance I enquired of the gate-keeper where I could find the General Manager. He asked if I had an appointment; if so Mr. Lee Bapty is coming down the slope now with Mr. Walter Hill, the advertising contractor.

    On approaching the genial manager, I was greeted with the following remark, "Are you the Monkey Man ? If so I must ask you to come along to my general office in Queen Victoria Street."

    During the journey down it was explained to me that Messrs. Brookes, the proprietors of "Brooke's Monkey Soap," had entered into arrangement with the Alexandra Palace for an advertising show, to consist of at least 1,000 monkeys, and Mr. Le Bapty pleasantly remarked, "That's where you come in; you and I must see this thing through, and the unfortunate apes have to be found."

    I should like to mention here that after an hour's conversation with this gentleman I came to the conclusion that I had known him for years instead of an hour.

    My first question naturally was, "What have you done in the matter? Why come to me at the last moment?" "Simply this," replied Lee Bapty, "that I have been in negotiation with a country dealer; this is the contract he has sent me, and which I have no intention of signing-, [I might say I hold this precious document to this day], and am obliged to make arrangements elsewhere, with you even, or with anyone else; now what do you say?" "Simply this : that at the moment I could not enter into an agreement to supply a 1,000 mixed monkeys; such an order has never been known before, but I undertake with three days notice to supply 100 monkeys." One hundred was ridiculous, but what would I charge for that number? Ninety pounds delivered at the Alexandra Palace; I plainly told Lee Bapty I could not undertake to finance the Monkey Show, it was a large undertaking; Chimpanzees and Ourang-Outangs were expensive animals, and even a thousand pounds would not go far, so if you require 100 monkeys I will deliver them to you three days after receiving the ninety pounds. "Well," he remarked, "tomorrow Friday I am engaged with the Directors, but I will give you an answer on Saturday."

    On my return home I consulted the "Shipping Gazette" and discovered that a famous steamer which always carried a quantity of animals and birds was due either Sunday night or Monday morning, and I felt sure I should find quite one hundred there.

    Saturday passed and no commission from Lee Bapty, so I came to the conclusion that the monkey business was off.

    However, much to my astonishment on Sunday morning, Lee Bapty drove up in great haste. Entering the shop, he exclaimed, "I have finally decided to leave the collection of monkeys to you, and I am quite willing to finance the undertaking; unfortunately I was too late at the Bank yesterday (Saturday), but have managed by visiting the various hotels in my district in obtaining ninety pounds; I suppose you don't mind what it consists of?" It certainly was a miscellaneous collection — threepenny and fourpenny pieces, other silver, gold and postal orders — ninety pounds in all. Whilst counting the money, a telegram arrived from Deal stating that Messrs. Rathbone's steamer, "Mira," was passing, and would arrive at Gravesend some time Sunday night. I there and then remarked to Lee Bapty that his first 100 monkeys had arrived, and asked him to give instructions at the Palace to receive same in the morning, and also that I would call at his office in Queen Victoria Street on Monday about five o'clock for another ninety pounds.

    Arriving at Gravesend I was informed that the SS "Mira" would not cast anchor before six o'clock in the morning. To my unbounded pleasure there were 100 Rhesus monkeys, with a leopard, and some mynahs for sale, the property of the cook. The price in those days ranged from 8/- to 10/- each, and no amount of argument would move him to take less; if I did not give 10/- someone else would. I paid him there and then, and within two hours the animals were at Fenchurch Street Station where a pair horse van was waiting to take them straight away to the Palace. They were delivered and counted in by two o'clock, and at four, according to appointment, I was at Queen Victoria Street.

    "I think," remarked Mr. Lee Bapty, "that I had better give you £180, for it seems to me, with ordinary luck, you will obtain the animals."

    The same night I again consulted the "Shipping Gazette," and found there was another steamer due on Wednesday. I also cabled various steamers at Port Said, Malta and Gibraltar. Every steamer calling at Portland for the pilot from East Indies was advised as to my buying monkeys. Every dealer in Triste, Marseilles, Bordeaux, Havre, Antwerp and Hamburg, were also solicited to submit numbers with prices, but in those days the monkey market was centred in London. I am pleased to say that the London dealers supplied the world then. On the Wednesday morning I received a visit from the late Mr. W. Pring, who carried on business in the Brompton Road. He advised me that he had 70 Rhesus monkeys on the steamer arriving; he believed there were also some others; would I go down with him from Fenchurch Street and see what business
    could be done?

    It was arranged that the price on the steamer should be 8/- each; he would be satisfied with 10/-. The baker had 75 for Mr. Pring, I purchased 120 from the cook and steward, and returned to town with 195, which were delivered at the Palace same day. The total delivered in three days from the above two steamers and other sources were 380, which naturally delighted the Management. Other dealers now discovering I was the contractor for the Show offered me large quantities of African monkeys, including Chimpanzees, and other rare specimens, of which 200 were brought from them. The SS "Limpopo" arrived in the London Docks from Durban, Natal, with eight splendid Black-armed Chacma Baboons.

    These, in one large cage, formed the principal attraction at the Palace. Mr. Lee Bapty and myself then decided to visit the various continental seaports in search of any of the rarer varieties. Extensive purchases were made from the Zoological Gardens at Antwerp, such as Mandrills, Negro monkeys, Tamerines, and rare Marmozets. Various specimens were also brought from the Jardin d 'Acclimation, Paris, Zoological Gardens, Rotterdam, and the Zoological Gardens, Amsterdam. The number was now approaching 800 in all, collected within about 12 days. Another Rathbone steamer was now due which I hoped would enable me to complete my contract. This steamer, if I remember rightly, was the SS "Pleiades," the two traders were the butcher and the cook. On its arrival at Gravesend I found 150 Rhesus and 20 Bonnet monkeys. My contract price was £40 hundred with these two men. Whilst negotiating telegrams were handed them; the cook read his with a smile. He consulted with his partner. Would I give what they had been offered by wire? "By whom?" I enquired. They handed me the telegram to read. To my surprise it was as follows : —

    "Chief Cook, SS 'Pleiades,' c/o Agents, Gravesend.
    Would you accept hundred pounds for 100 monkeys, to be in fair condition, if so telegraph particulars to General Manager, Alexandra Palace. Reply paid."

    Considering I was the general manager for Brooke's Show, I considered that telegram extremely funny. However, I did not inform them of that particular fact. I was not surprised at the contents of this telegram, I understood that it emanated from a jealous rival who desired to spoil my market.

    I suggested to the cook he should wire back accepting the offer providing clearance of the animals was made before ten o'clock the following morning, and that a deposit of £10 was made by post. Failing a satisfactory answer I was to procure the stock at our original price; to ensure good faith on my part I would deposit £5 with the cook, to clear same the following day in the Albert Docks. That was agreed upon. I hastened back to the Palace straight away. On entering the offices I was handed the cook's, telegram which had somewhat puzzled the officials there. I immediately wired stating that no monkeys were required, and that no telegram had been sent by the Palace Authorities to the SS "Pleiades." Returning home I received a wire from the steamer asking immediate clearance of the monkeys, which was accordingly done. The cook and myself were well aware from which dealer this precious document emanated; still it failed in its purpose. By private arrivals with the above, the 1,000 had been reached. I was relieved: of all anxiety for on the Opening Day there was a certified number of 1,020.

    I had the extreme pleasure of showing round the late Mr. A. D. Bartleet from the Zoological Gardens on the opening day. He gave me his personal assurance that it was the finest collection of Apes that he had ever seen, and that many years would pass before a similar collection would ever be shown. That statement coming from the finest naturalist of the day was the greatest compliment I ever received.

    The caretaking and feeding and management of such a vast number entailed great anxiety. The food consumed was enormous. Five keepers were continually kept busy looking after their charges. The mortality was ordinary, and occurred principally with the common varieties. Unfortunately, we also lost several of the Anthropoid Apes, Chimpanzees, etc. Towards the close of the season, I received an enquiry from Sir E. H. Currie, Secretary at the "People's Palace," asking for terms for, I believe, eight weeks. I am under the impression that the terms fixed were £100' weekly. We formed a separate Exhibition, the entrance fee was one penny only. The East End flocked in their thousands to see this novel show. Sir E. H. Currie was delighted at the result of the Exhibition.

    The only escape in connection with the Show during its period of existence occurred here. On our arrival, the Secretary (I believe his name was Mr. Shaw) expressed a decided wish that no accident should occur. He gave instructions to the night watchman that he should give particular attention to the Monkey Show. The watchman then got an attack of nerves. What should he do in case of an escape of any of the Apes? He was a cheerful man. I tried in vain to explain that all my specimens were a self-satisfied, self-respecting, and quite agreeable to their unfortunate captivity. For four weeks no accident happened; still he wished to know what steps to take. My instructions were if any animals were found roaming about during the night vigil, close all doors, windows, etc., and take a cab straight away to call me up at any time — I advised him to keep ringing the bell until I answered as I slept soundly. Judge of my surprise that at 2 a.m. there was a tremendous din at the door. I came to the conclusion that the whole of my menagerie at the back had escaped to the front ! No; it was a common four-wheeler containing the watchman who informed me with an awful shout that the baboons were loose.

    The only baboons that I certainly was nervous about was a family of Dogface, or Anubis, baboons (Cynocephalus anubis). These were adult specimens, and I fervently hoped that they were not at liberty. I find in the original catalogue that these were described as follows : — "Family of Anubis Baboons, father, mother and child, from West Africa, supplied by J. D. Hamlyn," and were kept in Cage No. 121. I instructed the cabman to drive to Betts Street, St. George's, where one of the keepers lived. We hastened on our way to the Palace. It was as I feared — the "Family" had escaped ! We entered the Show building. The "Family," it seemed, were challenging the whole specimens to mortal combat. The din was terrible ! The cabman, a specimen of the Antediluvian period, actually came running up to know if he could assist. I replied, "Yes; by keeping quiet and outside." The "Family" had escaped by their door being left unfastened by the keeper. We decided to leave the door open trusting they would voluntarily return to the seclusion of Cage No. 12. The male portion of the "Family" shewed fight, or threatened to make things unpleasant. By cautious movements we drove them towards No. 12, and to our unbounded pleasure the male and the youngster entered the cage. The female, with the usual female perverseness, jumped through the window and escaped into the Portuguese Cemetery, where she was caught later in the day. Such was the first and last escapade in connection with Brooke's Great Monkey Show. After leaving the People's Palace, the collection of monkeys was sold piecemeal, and the largest collection of monkeys remains a thing of the past.

    During the last ten years the trade in monkeys has been enormous. It is nothing for three Continental dealers to receive during a season of three months 5,000 monkeys each. These are, of course, of the ordinary Indian variety, all coming from Calcutta.
     
  2. vogelcommando

    vogelcommando Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Great story and also the magazine sounds quite intresting ! Have to Google it soon and see it myself, thanks for the tip Chlidonias !
     
  3. stubeanz

    stubeanz Well-Known Member

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    Wow, what an interesting story!!
    Where did you find the magazine to begin with?
     
  4. Tim May

    Tim May Well-Known Member 15+ year member Premium Member

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    I’ve only just noticed this thread; I was on holiday with no internet access when it was created.

    Yes, John Daniel Hamlyn, to give him his full name, was an interesting character and his magazine is well worth reading.

    Further to the comment:-

    It is perhaps worth adding that Hamlyn deposited the type specimen of this monkey at London Zoo on 5th November 1907.

    In 1917 Hamlyn sold a gorilla to the departmental store Derry and Toms; this once famous gorilla was named ‘John Daniel’ after Hamlyn and was kept a pet in Chelsea, London, between 1918 and 1921.