High Standard At Sheep Dog Trials

Northern Advocate, 1 June 1946, Page 6

High Standard At Sheep Dog Trials

When the annual trials of the Whangarei Sheepdog Trials Club concluded at Maungakaramea yesterday many congratulations were extended to officials and helpers on the wonderful success of the three days’’ activities.

Those congratulations were thoroughly deserved and they echoed the feelings of all who had had the pleasure to be present. There was never a hitch in the conduct of the events in spite of the fact that the entries in both the heading competitions exceeded the 50 mark. The general standard of work displayed by man and dog was of a high order, and last but not least, the Maungakaramea women rallied to the cause in such splendid manner as to earn the thanks and appreciation of all.

The weather, too, played a noble part in the success of the trfials. Except for a few showers and a rather cold wind on the second afternoon, conditions were ideal.

The Whangarei Club was founded by two well-known dog men, the late Mr H. B. Sloane and Mr Charles Wilson. Mr Sloane was a very successful competitor all over Northland for many years.. His deep interest in the sport is manifest in the fact that although he bred high-class clogs, he never sold a pup; on the contrary, he gave many away.

FOUNDATION MEMBERS Much of the credit for the success of the 1946 trials, the 34th since the inception of the club, must be given to three true stalwarts in Messrs Garnet Child, aged 68. Tom O'Carroll. 77 and Jim Walker, 75. Mr Child played a conspicuous part as ground superintendent during the three days of the trials. Whenever a dog lost his sheep on the hill. Mr Child was quickly astride his horse, and with his dog at his side, would gallop across the flat and up the hill to clear the course of the wanderers, thus avoiding any delay in the programme.

Mr O'Carroll was judge's secretary, a position he has filled since the birth of the club. Mr Walker, as timekeeper. has also handled his responsibility since the club's first year.

The experience and practical interest of these three men is a guarantee to competitors and spectators that till will be well with Whangarei dog. trials. The secretary, Mr Ray Hudson, who has been associated with the club in this role for the past two years, also had affairs at his finger-tips. Others who contributed in a large measure to the success achieved were Mr Theo Snell, who loaned 420 sheep for the trials. Mr Leo Child, who brought the sheep from Waiotira and took them back, and also looked after them during the three days; Mr Cyril Child, whose excellent dog stewardship kept the queue to the starting point intact; and Messrs D. McLennan, T. Hannam and E. Porter, who were responsible for the liberation of the sheep at the top of the hill during the running Qf the heading events.

WOMEN STILL LOYAL The Maungakaramea women, who did such a fine job of work on the catering side, were engaged in patriotic work during the war years, and on the cessation of hostilities, became the nucleus of the Maungakaramea Progressive Society, which is doing so much good for the district today, and has thoroughly justified its existence. Visitors to the trials unanimously lauded their efforts in the big marquee.

Mr Allan Crawford made his property available for the trials. The course provided was the subject of favourable comment from all competitors. The steep nature of the hill and its irregular contour made it a fine testing ground for the dogs and the sheep had no difficulty in negotiating the climb during the huntaway event, which concluded the programme.

JUDGE PRAISES HUNTAWAY In commenting on the huntaway, the judge, Mr George White, of Dargaville, praised the class of work done. The fact that only three dogs foiled to complete the course, which he said was a stiff one. spoke for itself. Often, he said, sheep knock-up during the climb, but those at Maungakaramea were obviously very strong.

Mr White summed up the performances of the placed dogs thus: — The winner, Mr Stanaway's Top, from Pipiwai, went out on a good line, passed between the first set of flags on a good line, but then turned tail on the sheep and faced its master. It kept a nice line to the second flags and was through in 6.16. Second place-getter, C. Child’s Baldy. Maungakaramea, let the sheep slightly off line but quickly recovered and went through the first flags a little on one side. The dog then turned tail on the sheep but kept a good line on the second hunt. He split the sheep with a rough turn, and was still to one side through the last set of flags to complete in 5.34. The third dog, A. Boose's Bounce, from Maromaku, started off quietly and was through the first flags on a good line. He was a bit to one side passing through second markers. On the third drive, the dog headed the sheep, split them with a rough turn, but got them back on to a good line before going through the final flags. The dog was well up on his work and finished tlje course in 9.10. CONSIDERED UNLUCKY

Miss W. McKenzie's Bill, from Kaikohe, was considered by many to be unlucky in getting only fourth place. The dog started off quietly and went through the first flags on good line. Bill then left his work and allowed the sheep to break away off the course. They were brought back and u'ent through the second flags on a nice line.. The dog left his work again on the third drive but got the sheep through the markers on a good line and completed in 6.34. ..Miss Wilson was the only woman competitor in the huntaway. Mrs John McLean took part in the two heading classes.

SUCCESSFUL DANCE The dance in connection with , the Whangarei trials was held in the Maungakaramea Hall on Wednesday evening. The function was well attended with many visitors from surrounding districts. Monte Carlo waltzes were won by Miss Cliff and Mr K. Hannarn and Miss Walker and Mr P. Marsh.

Speaking on behalf of the club, the president (Mr L. Smith) thanked the committee, judge and Mr A. Crawford for the use of his property. Mr Snell was also thanked for the loan of his Sheep, and the ladies and all helpers too received grateful mention.

The judge, Mr G. White, of Dargaville, complimented the committee on the efficiency of the management of the trials. He also gave competitors a few useful hints on the working of dogs.

N.I. CHAMPIONSHIPS Large entries are assured at the annual North Island Sheep Dog Trial championships to be held on the Te Aht Ahu-Remuera Estate, near Ohaeawai, from Monday till next Friday. Dogs from all parts of the island will be working and the majority of those seen at Maungakaramea will be in action.

The trials will commence at 8 o'clock each day, the programme getting under way on Monday morning with the huntaway.

The executive meeting of the association is to be held on Tuesday and the annual meeting of delegates on the following evening. On the Thursday night, a smoke concert will be held in the Ohaeawai Town Hall.