MASTERTON COLLIE CLUB.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7501, 2 July 1903, Page 3

MASTERTON COLLIE CLUB.

First Annual Trials.

The first annual trials of the recentlyformed Masterton Collie Club commenced this morning, on grounds near Messrs Williams and Beetharn's homestead at Lansdowne. Although not very many were present this morning, a good attendance of the public is expected this afternoon. The entries in the five"classes are large,, and constitute a record for this district. Some particularly high-class sheep-dogs have been entered, and it is most interesting to watch them at work. The course selected is a fairly stiff test, and it is only a small proportion of the competing dogs that succeed in working the sheep to the desired point. The officials have everything in excellent order, and tbe Committee, with the Secretary, are to be congratulated upon the very complete arrangements made, which contribute essentially towards successful trials resulting. No time is lost in getting the sheep out, and the competitions are proceeding with punctuality and promptitude. The general committee consists of: Messrs Hill, Snodgrass, W. Livingstone, McDairmid, Mcßae, W. Beside, C. H. Smith, H. Welch, Meikle, Barclay, Allsworth, Jones, Donald, Wylie, W. McKenzie, J. Scott, D. Livingstone, Sinclair, and T. W. McKenzie. Mr John McLeay is judge ; Mr Geo. Day, timekeeper; Messrs Barclay, Meikle, McDairmid and McPhee, flag stewards; Messrs A. Turner and F. Hill, judge's stewards ; Messrs W. Beside, B. Mcßae, and W. Livingstone, top-yard stewards; Messrs A. Snodgrass, J. Scott and J. B. Sinclair, bottom-yard stewards; Messrs H. H. Welch and J. Reside, clearing stewards; and Mr John B. Einmett, secretary. The first event on tho programme wae the Huntaway, in which the competing dog has to drive tbe sheup between two sets of flags, placed two chains apart, and then to top flag, about 300 yards from starting point; the time allowed is fifteen minutes; the points given are: Huntaway 8, style 6, noise 6, command 10. Besult— J. G. Sutherland's Crib (6, 5, 6, 9), 26 points,' 1; J. G. Sutherland's Bob (5, 4, 6, 8), 23 points, 2; T. W. Muir's Help (4, 4, 4, 8), 21 points, 3; J. P. McKay's Bouse (5, 4, 4, 6), 19 points, 4. These were the only dogs out of twenty-two that managed to finish their work. Several good dogs did not get a chance, on account of the sheep working " stiffly."