First day of shears circuit

Press, 9 March 1984, Page 19

First day of shears circuit

A big number of shearers is expected at tomorrow’s. Mayfield A. and P. Show, which is the first day for those intending to complete the Mid-Canterbury Shears circuit.

The circuit, introduced for the first time last year, comprises the Mayfield and Methven shows, the Chertsey Gymkhana on Easter Monday, the Ashburton A. and P. Show during October, and the Mid-Canterbury Shears competition in November, The circuit can earn shearers some of the $7OO worth of products sponsored by Dominion Breweries, and while shearing may be thirsty work, the prizes do not include any of the company’s amber fluid but items such as glasses, travel bags and shirts. Contestants have to shear in at least four of the five events and they must shear at the Mid-Canterbury Shears to qualify. An organiser of the event, Mr Alistair Mclntyre, of Hinds, says he expects a

bigger turn-out this year than for the inaugural year, which was hastily arranged. The idea for Mid-Canter-bury to have its own circuit was born last year at the Riversdale competition when Mr Mclntyre discussed the idea with the Wool Board’s chief shearing instructor, Mr Ray Dunick. The three Mid-Canterbury shows and the gynkhana existed, and so it was decided to introduce the final Mid-Canterbury Shears to make up the circuit.

Mr Mclntyre says it was a late decision which gave little time for organisation with the Golden Shears competition just upon them. It was well supported, however, and his only fear this year is that intending shearers have not registered beforehand and will turn up

tomorrow hoping to get a shear.

A cut-off had to be introduced last year because of the response on the day and Mr Mclntyre is hoping that shearers are better informed this year. The circuit is unique in the South Island in that it includes a junior section. Only one other circuit, in the North Island, does so, and Mr Mclntyre says it has been introduced to encourage younger shearers. Mr Mclntyre said he was heartened by the number of shearers from outside the district who entered last year and he is expecting more this year.

“I think this circuit will boost the smaller shows. It will get the people travelling, and it will help the Ashburton show too,” he said.