"BILLY TRENTHAM."

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2880, 19 September 1916, Page 7

"BILLY TRENTHAM."

HIS LIFI3 STOKI. The sheep mascot known, as "Billy Trentham," whoso pelt was sold for patriotic purposes recently, entered Trentham with- tho Third Itoinforccments. Bis owner soon found a sheep ail awkward item to look after in a camp. So Billy was given to Captain Petty, Supply Officer, who is now in chargo of the A.S:C. at Featherston.. From being tho mascot of the Thirds, Billy became . the camp mascot. He always attcudcd massed parades, marching solemnly. besido the band. When troops went out of camp on Heave, the mascot accompanied them to the gates and then returned. Ho nover went outside the camp bounds. Favourite haunts of his were the cookhouses, where food and warmth were to be had. At night ho lay on warm ashes and cinders that had been raked out of tho fires, and in the morning his fleece ■ was as black as soot. All the time his fleece was'growing. It was decided that at a forthcoming race meeting the fleece would be auctioned. A handsome rug, with an appeal lettered upon it, was prepared. On tho morning of the races, Billy/Trentham could not bo found. At last ho was discovered on his back, between two rifle cases—cast. From this lie never recovered: His successor was a goat, but his fancy for eating-all things that camo his way, especially young 6hrubs that had been planted to beautify the camp, led to his being sont to Captain Petty at Featherston Camp. There he continued to indulge his appetite for a mixed diet, and was banished.