DOG TRIALS

Southland Times, Issue 22042, 15 June 1933, Page 8

DOG TRIALS

EVENTS AT MOSSBURN SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS CLASS I NOT COMPLETED The second championship trials of the South Island Sheep Dog Association were commenced at Mossburn yesterday. The trials are being conducted by the Mossburn Collie Dog Trial Club, whose own fixture was held early in March. Owing to the large number of entries Class I (heading, bringing back and holding in ring) was not completed yesterday, and it is expected that it will be finished to-day. The liberal prize money on offer and the ever increasing popularity of the sport attracted exceptionally large entries, competitors coming from as far north as Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, as well as strong representation from Otago and the various outlying districts of Southland. Competition was keen and an excellent day’s sport was provided. The Mossburn Club possesses one of the finest sites in Southland for the holding of trials, this being a magnificent hillside which provides a good course to test the sagacity of the dogs. It also gives the spectators a “grandstand” view of the work. Keen interest in the meeting is being taken by the residents of tbe district, who are invariably present in large numbers, while the added attraction of a championship meeting increased the volume of spectators by an influx of visiting enthusiasts. The gathering is being ably controlled by the local committee and a band of honorary officials who had the arrangements for the fixture well in hand. While commenting on the management in general a word of commendation is due to the local secretary, Mr L. Dawson, who proved a very capable official. The judges for the occasion were Messrs J. S. Kennedy (Canterbury), John Scott (Southland) and H. Waldron (Otago). The day was devoted to Class I, an event which carries with it a 16 guinea shield donated by the Southern Collie Dog Club Association, and a miniature silver cup, the gift of the president, Mr R. W. Trotter, as well as substantial prizes. The sheep for yesterday’s trials were halfbreds supplied by Mr W. E. Hazlett, of .Burwood Station, and much favourable comment was expressed by the competitors on the condition of these animals, one remarking that it was a delight to all lovers of trials to have sturdy material to test the ability of the dogs. Though there were a few defections from the original list of entries, which totalled 48, the day was fully occupied with the testing of the large number of dogs which were paraded before the judges, who had no light task in placing the competitors in order of merit. The day was ideal for the occasion and some high class work was witnessed. Most of the competitors completed the course within the prescribed time. Despite the difficulty in sighting the sheep some remarkably good outruns and pulls were witnessed, proving that the majority of the contestants were well up to championship class. Refreshments are provided on the grounds by the local Girl Guides’ Committee, and intending visitors to the remaining days of the championships are assured of worthy competition in ideal surroundings.