The Show Went On

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32301, 20 May 1970, Page 1

The Show Went On

Members of a troupe which; will perform for Newj Zealand Day at Expo '7Ol in Japan were a little re- ' luctant to appear on stage for a dress rehearsal at the Springfield Hall yesterday afternoon. But the compere of the show, Mr Godfrey Bowen, kept cool in his all-wool suit and persuaded the cast of eight to appear. Roman, a rather shy Border Leicester ram, Prince, a handsome horned Merino, Monarch, a Romney, Sterling, a Corriedale, Boy, a Cheviot, Massey, a Perendale, Sambo, a Suffolk, and Sultan, a Southdown, have been trained to come on stage when their names are called. Each wears a maroon cover lined in gold and monogrammed with its name, and stands patiently chewing from a conveniently placed bowl as its virtues are given by Mr Bowen, who trained the eight at Levin. I Before the performers mounted the Olympicstyle dais, Mr Bowen said that it was about time someone put on a show for sheep to acknowledge, the animal for what it] i was - “Sheep outnumber ail other; animals by 1000 million,” he said. “To train the sheep for this kind of show was a tremendous challenge, but we have had help from the Wool Board, wool-growers—-some of whom are present today—and agricultural companies.’’ Mr Bowen said that the team did not go lightly to Expo ’7O. “On stage in front of you. you will see your industry, something you do better than anyone else in the world." I (To a round of applause, he in- 1 ; I troduced his first artist I . . . which, stricken with : stage fright, turned tail and raced back for the wings.

“Roman is the least experienced of our cast,” Mr Bowen explained.

In “the show must go on” style, Prince, the Merino, saved the day with a regal entrance. The Merino, Mr Bowen said, produced the best and finest wool in the world, and could live in very dry conditions.

At this stage the reluctant Roman reappeared, faltered a little, but, with the aid of an encouraging push from behind, mounted the dais and bravely faced the audience.

His resolve seemed to harden when Mr Bowen pronounced him the best type for cross-breeding in the world, and he settled comfortably when his food bowl was placed before him.

Monarch, “a sweet little Romney,” had a beautiful fleece and was a great mover on stage, said Mr Bowen. New Zealand Romneys produced the best 48/50s wool in the world, he said.

In turn, the other sheep were introduced, given glowing references and left to chew their rewards.

After each wool-bearing sheep appeared, high fashions made from its fleece were shown by models. “They make me feel like kicking up my heels too," Mr Bowen said.

Before the show closed, he gave two warnings to those present The first was not to pat the sheep.

“They have never been patted, and if they got you off guard in the shed they would butt you.” he san.

The second was simply: Don't ; wear synthetics.

Mr Bowen is shown with the sheep in the photograph taken in the North Island.