FIELD TRIAL.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20903, 10 July 1933, Page 12

FIELD TRIAL.

WORKING GUN DOG CLUB. i A SUCCESSFUL EVEN'I. i The Canterbury Working Gun Dogj Club held a successful field trial on Saturday on the Cashmere Hills, about two miles past the Sign of the Kiwi.' The weather wan ideal, bright and sunny after a hard frost. There was a slight but steady breeze from the south-west. There was a good attendance of the public and the trial commenced at 2 p.m. on property lent by Mr Scott. | Mr John Montgomery ably officiated as judge, assisted by Mr E. Jamieson, as judge's steward. Mr A. B. Dawson was captain for the day, with Messrs H. Avers and F. Truscott as official shooters. There were 13 entries, consisting of Labrador retrievers, a curly-coated retriever, springers, and cockers. The trial provided a very difficult test for the dogs, for they had to find the bird in trap, hidden in covert, nusn, and, when shot, retrieve. As most of the ground was covered in heavy tern the conditions were about as difficult as could be found, especially lor the shorter-legged breeds. The Ayers patent trap was particularly suited for this type of country and was moved with speed for every cornchance thereby giving all an equal Three trophies were provided. The lirst, for the best all-round -performance, was given jointly by Messrs Ayers and Boon. A handsome silver truit stand, it was awarded to Mr F iruscotfs curly-coated retriever Don, which put up a splendid performance, i he second prize, a trophy presented by Mr L. A. Shand. went to Mr A. A Boons well-known Labrador retriever ingestre Patsy; and Mr John Montgomery s trophy for the best novice competitor was won by Mr M. K. McDermotts black cocker spaniel Avon Ambassador. The judge at the conclusion of the trial said that the standard of work put up by the winners was of a vary meritorious order, only one point separating Messrs Truscott's and Boon's dogs. Ch. Avon Ambassador undoubtedly made a worthy show" but the remaining competitors were some distance behind. Mr Montgomery was called upon to present the prizes. He made reference to his system of judging that day, and he thanked the competitors and the public for their support. Comment on the Work. Mr F. Truscott's curly-coated retriever Don, under splendid control, made full use of the wind, found quickly, and retrieved alive the unshot bird. He was given a second opportunity and again he delivered the bird unharmed to his handler, a performance which caused much amusement. Finally he retrieved the shot bird speedily to hand, after marking well, and obviously has a tender mouth. Mr A. A. Boon's Labrador retriever Ingestre Patsy ran the winner very close, being under splendid control. He was somewhat slow to find, but flushed and was called in, the bird being missed. The second bird shot, she marked and found with precision, and retrieved stylishly to hand, finishing off a good performance. Mr C. V. Mcßeath's Labrador retriever Rome of Clifton was under good control; but was rather slow to find and did not seem too interested, although she retrieved well to hand. She needs more experience. The same owner's Labrador Pompey of Clifton was under excellent control, found trap quickly, and flushed well, but failed to find the shot bird. Mr D. Mcßae's springer Hope of Cornwall was under perfect control. He showed himself to be an energetic worker, using his nose all the time. He retrieved the unshot bird from the trap. Later he marked the shot bird well and made an excellent retrieve from difficult scrub, but unfortunately last marks by dropping. Mr H. Brake's blue-roan cocker Don revealed himself tc be a merry worker,

but slow to find. He broke to shot, | but ultimately retrieved to hand. j Mr K. Ower's Labrador Ingestre Chum was rather slew to find and flusn. relying too much on sight. He failed to sit to the shot, but retrieved, losing marks by dropping. Mr M. K. McDermott's black cocker Ch. Avon Ambassador found and flushed in excellent style, worked merrily by scent alone, quartered his ground well, was under good control, and finally retrieved to hand from very difficult country for a cocker. Mr J. M. Coffey's cocker Shot was a j willing worker, finding quickly and j flushing in good style. He ranged wide for the shot bird and could have madj better use of the wind. He finally retrieved to hand. It was a good performance, rather spoiled by excitement. The same owner's cocker Don. a keen and energetic worker, found and flushed rather slowly, making no use of the wind. His bird fell in most difficult country and he made the longest retrieve of the day. He was very willing, but showed that he needs less help from his handler. Mr N. S. Brosnans black cocker Renwick Nugget made the auickest find of the day, flushing speedily with true cocker action. His bird was missed. The second bird he found, and flushed well, quartered his ground, finding by nose alone an easy bird: but unfortunatelv he failed to retrieve. Mr W. R. M. Irwin's springer Paddy worked with energy and under good control, facing heavy cover, found nicelv. working his fround well, flushed, but the shot bird fell in high bushes out of scent. Given an opportunity to retrieve, he did so, but dropperl at th« handler's feet. Mr J. McCorniick's cocker Chum was an energetic worker, who found and rushed quicklv. ITsinrr his nose, he found the phot bird stylishlv. and reprieved well. It was a good performlance. only spoilt by dropping at the handler's feet.