DOG TRIALS START

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 80, 5 April 1939, Page 2

DOG TRIALS START

Kumeroa Club’s Rally HISTORY OF THE CLUB RECALLED In fine but cloudy weather yesterday the twenty-fifth annual rally of the Kumeroa Sheep Dog Trials Club opened on the property of Mr. C. 11. Cranfield, Jackson’s Road, near Kumeroa. Excellent entries have again come forward for this three-day series of trials, entrants coming from East Coast districts between Takapau and Featherston, as well as some from Oroua and Manawatu. Taking post entries 41 dogs were nominated for the short head and yard,- the running of which began yesterday and is expected to finish this morning. Once again tho trials proved a popular rally for the farming community of the district and many spectators watched the runs. The Kumeroa club was formed in 1912 but suspended operations for two years during the Great War. The first meeting which was convened by the late Mr. H. F. Cobb (who was killed in action in France) and Mr. Claude Mackie, was held in tho Kumeroa School. It was attended by 14 enthusiasts who unanimously decidod to form a club and the Kumeroa settlers worked whole-heartedly for their club. Before this tho Bush district club’s trials were held at Matahiwi (now Maharahara) and later at Dannevirke, the Kumeroa settlers subscribing £6O per annum. The Kumeroa Club’s first trials were held at Campiield,” the property of the late Mr. J. I. N. Mackie, who was always an ardent supporter of the club and its patron at the time of his passing, after vhich his son, Mr. C. Mackie, succeeded to the office. The first secretary of the club was the late Mr. Cobb and its first president was tho late Mr. J. D. Ramsden who continued his connection with tho club until his death. The club had its vicissitudes. On the occasion of its second trials there were two inches of snow on the ground and tho old Kumeroa mail coach was dragged to the top of the hill, and used as a judge’s box. In those days, too, the journey to the trials was made on horseback or in gig or buggy, while today competitors and visitors transport themselves, dogs and luggage by car. Difficulty was also experienced by the committee in finding a more suitable ground. A move was made to Otawhao station and some years later, across the river to Mr. Cranfield’s property, where tho trials are still held. This site is regarded as almost perfect by both judges and competitors. Yesterday’s short run began on the top of the line of hills overlooking the Manawatu River and finished over tho old river flat. A full view of the runs can be seen by onlookers on the road, on the other side of which flows the river. Manuka on the roadside forms convenient shelter on the riverside. The club acknowledges its indebtedness to the sheep-owners whose property it has used.

While similar bodies have failed tho Kumeroa club, thanks to the loyalty and public-spiritedness of past and present officers, has carried on until to-day when it is in a strong position and fulfils an important part in the lne of the Woodville district. Its present president, Mr. W. J. Smyth, is regarded as a tower of strength. He is energetic in his duties and has been a frequent competitor. Mr. I. R. Mackay is a keen and popular secretary. These officers are supported by a strong committee. The first judge was Mr. Donald McDonald, of Waitahora (Dannevirke), who used to travel to the trials by buggy. The judge at the current series of trials is Mr. C. Thom, of Weber.

Other social activities are not overlooked by the club, which holds a smoke concert and a dance during each winter. In the past these gatherings took place on the evenings of the trials. Tho list of past presidents includes Messrs. W. H. Toogood, G. W. Mitchell, A. Ramsden and the late Messrs. W. Burnett, J. I. N. Mackie and B. H Norman..

For, the trials which began yesterday the officials are: Field marshals, Messrs. J. Little and B. Fountaine; time-keep-ers and flag stewards, Messrs. A. Ramsden and E. W. Norman; sheep stewards, Mr. W. D. Toogood, A. Arrow and P. Jeffares; blackboard stewards, Messrs. G. D’Ath and W. H. Toogood; competition stewards, Messrs. W. J. Miller, C. Mackie, J. Martin, D. Cranfield, D. Dunford and A. East.

A sheep guessing competition was won by Mr. W. J. Miller, who guessed 9841b5. (actual weight 991b5.). The next best guess was 9921b5. by Mr. B. Sinclair, of Pahiatua.