WAITAKI SHEEP DOG TRIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1456, 11 October 1879, Page 5

WAITAKI SHEEP DOG TRIAL.

Judges : Messrs H. Little. T. McDonald, and A. McDonald. Committee : Hon. Jt. Campbell (President), Mr John Boiton (Vice-president), Messrs J. Nichols, L. E. Macphergon, fl. Sfcaddarfc, R. R. Orr, Wm. Sutherland, A. M'Phail, R Odbert, A. H. Chapman, J. M'P. Millar, T. Middleton. J. Macpherson, — Jameson, M. M'Kellar, Wm. Gardiner, D-Suther-land, A. McMaster, - Biddell, — Hecla.

(From the North Otago Times.)

These trials are growing in popular favor, and the gentlemen who originated them are certainly deserving of the thanks of both flockmasters and shepherds. The encouragement given to shepherds to endeavour to train their doga in a manner best suited to the work to be performed is their maia object, but the sheepowner will reap the advantage of having his flocks handled in a manner less detrimental to their safety, than where dogs are deficient in training, and proficient in worrying. There is therefore every reason to be pleased that these exhibitions are increasing in the favor of those more particularly interested, and it is hoped the committee will receive that encouragement which is certainly due to them for the beneficial object of their undertaking. The trial took place on the plateau on which the race course is situated, and a sufficient number of stroug and not over tame sheep were provided by the Hon. Robert Campbell for the occasion. The shetp were in a great many instances perhap3 too much for the dogs, but yet they afforded an opportunity of testing tTieh? capabilities to a considerable extent. Points were awarded for the following : Nine points for the best heading ; seven for best bringing back ; three for best yarding ; five for best under command. We give a short description of the work performed by each competing dog. The arrangements in respect to carrying out the programme were excellent, and no time was lost in pushing forward the work of the day.

Mv Mathieson's (Hakateramea) Lassie, which won last year's stakes in the all-aged class, was the first in the list of competing dogs. The training of this dog had evidently been earef ally looked after. The sheep were worked in a very quiet and effectual manner, and in 15 mitmtes (five minutes less than the time allowed) they were penned, the spectators according a round of applause. This competitor received tbe maximum number of points allowed. Olyde, the property of Mr Wm. Smith, of Station Peak, had a lot of strong sheep to work, and his task was no very easy one. Although he kept them well together during the first portion of the trial, they proved too much for his wutchfulness, and separated. There was come difficulty experienced in getting them together again, but the result was the same as before, and they were not persevered with ; 18 points were allowed. Mr George MTherson's (of Omarama) Help took the wroDg direction in search of his lot, and, despite the efforts of his owner, could not be made to hear on account of the high wind. The trial waa abandoned, Mr

Cameron's (Blaok Point) representative, Speed, brought his shee p in close proximity to the pen iv less than seven minutes, but did not perform bis work with sufficient caution, and iheretore lost what seemed a good chance of being near the winner; 19 points were accorded. Mr R. R. Orr's (of Station Peak) Darkie behaved with unbecoming levity, and evidently looked upon his trial as a piece of pleasurable excitement, and did not persevere with his sheep to any great extent. He received 9 points. Rock, the property of Mr M'Leay, of Omarama, did not sight his sheep till eight minutes had elapsed. On bringing them along one of tho sheep lay down, and after a piece of careful work three were yarded very cleverly ; 23 points were allowed. Toss, a Totara. dog, belonging to Mr T. M'Auly, scattered his sheep considerably, and was not persevered with. Mr Reid's (of Kurow) Lindy could not manage his sheep at all, and was called in. Fly (Mr M'Pherson's, of, Omarama) brought three sheep from off the hill, one succumbing, but did not display a greatamountof capacity on nearing the pen. The sheep were not yarded, and 12 points were awarded. Mr George Turnbull's (Bountrig) Tyne was slightly out of it at first, but afterwards brought his sheep along in fine stylo, but being unable to yard them before time was called, had to desift, after performing some good work ; he received 18 points. Mr Sleigh's Ned went well to his sheep, but immediately on reaching them managed to separate them and was called off with two points. Mr M'Millan's (.Benmore) Laddie rounded his lot in capital [style, and working them remarkable well and cautiously, yarded them in 14 minutes. He showed himself a splendid worker, and received 24 points. Mr Sutton's Sharp would not go to his sheep, and was consequently withdrawn. Mr Jas. Gray's (Benmore) Don failed to discover the whereabouts of his particular lot, and was not persevered with. Mr Murray's Carey was scratched. Star, an Otekaike dog, belonging to Mr James O'Connor, brought | three sheep down-, but was unable to keep them under sufficient control, and lost all chance. He scored 11 points. Mr Odbert's Mick was scratched. Mr Middleton's Rover worked his lot in fine style, but time was called before he had much opportunity near the pen of displaying his capacity ; 14 points were allowed, Mr James Hall's Cox brought his sheep along cautiously and well, but was unable to yard them, and only secured 15 points. Mr Wm, Reid's Chance scored no points on account of his inability to work his sheep. This concluded the competition in the Allaged Class, and a start was immediately made with the trial of young dogs. In this class there were only four competitors, although six were entered, and the work performed was of a very indifferent nature. Mr Angus M'Lennan's Maid handled her sheep in a capital manner, aud although she was well under control, failed to yard them, and only scored 15 points. Mr M'Kenzie's Spring, and Mr Hall's Roy would not work, and as a matter of course received no points. Mr T. M'Auly's Toss worked much better in this olasa than she had done iv the preoeding one, aud being pretty well under control, secured 16 points, which placed her first on the list. No third prize waa awarded, the judges considering that the work performed by the other dogs did not entitle them to any consideration. The following is the result of the trial : — ALL- AGED DOGS.

First prize, £12— Divided between Mr Matheaon's Lassie and Mr M'Millan's Laddie. Second prize, £1 — Divided between Mr Matheson's Lassie, and Mr M'Millan's Laddie. Third prize, £3— Mr M 'Leary'g Eock. YOUNG DOGS.

First prize, £6— Mr T. M'Auley'a Tosa. Second prize, £4 — M'Leniaan's Maii

It was announced that the prizes would be immediately paid over by the Hon. Secretary, (Mr E. O. Smith.)