IMPROVED SHEEP DOG WORK

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1931, Page 8

IMPROVED SHEEP DOG WORK

SMOKE CONCERT AT TUTUTAW A. I GRROWTH OF CLUB REVIEWED. “It is on occasions such as this that one realises how important a place;these clever animals, dogs, . occupy in the general economic position of a great primary industry; it is almost impossible to pluce a value upon a really useful sheep dog.” In these words, Mr. N. B. Flptcher, a Stratford business man, proposed the toast to tHe North. Island Sheep Dog Trial Association at the annual smoke concert of the Mangaehu Dog Trial Club on Wednesday. The function, was held at .Tututawa in the evening of the first day’s trials, and besides members a large number of competitors and visitdrs attended.The president of the club, Mr. Levi Bunn, presided. As a .departure from the custom, the evening was held in the club’s own marquee, while refreshments were served in the clubs own. crockciy. The toast to the parent body was handled by ,Mr. Fletcher. .Himself a dogowner .and. worker for many years, he was able to draw upon a fund of anecdote to enliven the address... He dealt with the sagacity of sheep dogs. Man, be said, could learn many lessons from a dog, and he had heard it said that when a dog took exception to a person that person was not .to be fully, trustcd. •• ■ ,_■ ■ ■ - At the present time,, said Mr. Fletcher, dog trial clubs were springing up -all over New Zealand and these organisations deserved the fullest encouragement. Not only did they stimulate a real interest in the work of dogs, but they tended to create a close investigation into problems of breed. There was ho question that the N° Island association was a powerful body and Wielded a direct and indirect, influence upon the wool industry. The training of sheep dogs had become a fine art and it wag a-pleasure to observe the, high, state of efficiency to which it Had risen. Trials, at Mangaehu were splendidly managed and in this connection the speaker-paid tribute to the energy of the president and his committee. # Speaking in reply, Mr. F. King, Awakinp, a member of the North Island executive, briefly reviewed the work , of the parent body, stating that its aim was to lend every possible assistence to clubs.

DISTRICT’S ENTHUSIASM. Mr. P. T. Aitken, Stratford, proposed the toast to the Mangaehu club. He traced the growth of-- the organisation since its inception four years ago. The trials conducted that day, the course and tfle appointments were tributes to the work of members and especially of the president, hut there was no doubt that the district as a whole was enthusiastically, behind the event. “One thing I can honestly say about our trials is that the whole district is determined to make them a success,” said the chairman in reply, That their efforts were appreciated was shown by the fact that Mangaehu. had not lost a competitor in the four years of its operations. The support, in fact, was increasing each year and the event (class I.) just concluded had had record entries. Mr. Bunn recalled the early efforts to form the club and gave an interesting account of the first unofficial trial held at Tututawa. There had not been one dog working as well as the worst dog seen at the 1931 trials. The improvement had been wonderful both in the shepherd and the dog, and in watching the event that afternoon, he had been impressed that boys to-day were .working dogs better than the men 'were five years That testified, to the practical value of trials to a sheep district. “I eannot close without paying tribute to the assistance given this club by the people of Stratford,” Mr. Bunn continued. “Last year 52 cars were parked near the course on the second day, most of them having come from Stratford.” A judge could make or break any trial, said the chairman in proposing the health of the judge (Mr. F. King). Mr. King had. presided in the judge’s stand for two successive ypars, during which time not one complaint had been voiced or one decision disputed. Other toasts were: The competitors and visitors, proposed- by Mr, W. Green and acknowledged by Mr. F. Smith, Awakino; the contributors to the prize [list, proposed by Mr. D. Corkill and responded to i>y Mr. N. B. Fletcher; the ladies, Mr. T. Godkin—Messrs. M. Ford and J. Walter; the Press (Mr. W. Norris) the artists (Mr. L. Bunn) and ' the chairman. A musical and elocutionary programme added to the enjoyment of the evening. Those contributing were Messrs. P. T. Aitken (song),-D. Bain (song), J. Morrison (song), J. Christie (elocution), C. Femmell (song) and T. Brough, (humour). Mr. Seott was accompanist. TANGARAKAU NEWS. £299 FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF. No less a sum than £299 has now been donated by Tangarakua people for earthquake relief. Of this £263 was given by Public Works employees. Private donation accounted for £l9 and a dance yielded £l7. The whole of this amount has been paid through by Mr. Jory, of Tangarakau, - to the Bank ot New Zealand.