Weather Holds Up S.I. Dog Trials

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31380, 27 May 1967, Page 21

Weather Holds Up S.I. Dog Trials

Southland competitors took the major placings when the straight huntaway final was decided at the South Island sheep dog trial championships at Burke’s Pass yesterday.

With an aggregate of 182 points M. L. Kerr, of Walkaia, with Jim, took first place. R. J. Christie, of Gore, was only a point behind in second place with Ned. Another of Mr Christie’s dogs took third place with 190 J points. The straight huntaway final was the only event to be completed yesterday. Bad weather has held up the programme. While it was hoped that the championships could be completed today, it is possible that the zig-zag huntaway will not be decided until tomorrow morning. The weather was clear when the straight huntaway was decided first thing yesterday morning. But shortly after 9 a.m. a heavy fog descended and the programme did not resume until after 1 p.m. As the fog lifted light rain set in, and by the end of the day it had become quite heavy and conditions were difficult The judge of the long head (Mr D. Boyce, of Blenheim) said that the sheep were hard to handle because they were cold and wet Commenting on the standard of heading work, Mr Boyce said it had been only average. It was an excellent course and the Merino wethers had been a good test for the dogs. Three of the four events

have drawn more than 60 competitors, and nine of them have come from the North Island. The trials are being conducted by the Mackenzie Collie Club on Rollesby station. Three courses are being used—one for the two huntaway events and separate courses for the heading championships. Results at ths straight huntaway were:— M. L. Kerr (Walkala), Jim, 95, 97, 192 points, 1; R. J. Christie (Gore), Ned, 9S, 95 191; 2; R. J. Christie, Sharp, 95, 95i, 190}, 3; R. M Wilson (Klrwee), Wag, 95}, 93}, 189, 4; R. H. Bracken (Atlamurl), Glen, 94}, 94, 188}, 5; P. Boys (Cave), Fern, 95, 80, 175, 8; C. J. Crutchley (Naaeby), Syd, 94}. 40, 134}, 7. The Judge was Mr R. Robins, Lake Hayes. The tolowing are the leading dogs in the remaining events:— Long Head (58 dogs out of 70 having run).—R. Davis (Ngongotaha), Boss; R. M. Wilson (Kirwee), Patch; D. W. Lane (Blenheim), Dick; H. White (Springfield), Roy; R. M. Wilson (Kirwee), Glen; J. G. Loe (Darfleld), Muff; J. M. Anderson (Omarama), Ben. Zlg-sag Huntaway (22 dogs out of 00 having run).—R. J. Christis (Gore), Sam; R. M. Wilson (Klrwee), Matt: M. L. Kerr (Waikaia), Jim; D. K. Nelson (Fairlle), Darkle; D. W. Lane (Blenheim), Kelp; A. T. Jones (Fairlie), Wag; R. J. Christie (Gore). Ned. Short Head, Drive and Yard (02 dogs out of 07 having run). —R. Davis (Ngongotaha), Dick and Gav; B. M. Wilson (Kirwee), Glen; D. McPherson (Waiipate), Jet; R. J. McKee (Walkaia), Heather; G. P. Thomson (Geraldine), Tim; I. W. Anderson (Omarama), Clyde.