WANAKA DOG TRIAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 378, 16 July 1869, Page 3

WANAKA DOG TRIAL.

The third annual dog trial came off at Mr. Campbell’s Station, Wauaku, on the 22nd arid 23rd ult.

The day was beautifully fine, and all that could be desired by the spectators, who came from far and near, to witness the contests of those truly useful and intelligent animals, —and the sprinkling of the fair sex present added beauty to the magnificent aejnery by which the convincing ground is sure iunded.

The Committee appointed were; —Messrs. H. CampbeT, H. F. Willmot, T. Allan, H. S. Thomson, I. Loughnan, W. Hames. Hon. Sec., H. F. Willmot. Judges for the Wanaka Cap;— Messrs. W. Hames, W. Scott, J. Robson.

Judges for the. Young Dog Stake;;— Messrs H. S. Thomson, J. Beattie, and J. Goldie.

The trial for dogs of any age this year was agreed upon the previous evening by the shepherds themselves, and consisted in three sheep being turned out and driven to a distance of half a mile from the circle where the competitor stood, immediately after three more were turned out and driven in an opposite direction, and left a quarter of a mi'e from the others. The dog was them started, at a signal from, the judges, and his 'work was then to fetch the first mob part of the way. At another signal of the judges, the dog had to be taken off, sent for the second, and join both mobs together, to steady them for two minutes, and to bring them up and yard them in a pen of five hurdles Time, thirty-five minutes.

The entries for this trial were:—John Goldie’s Yarrow, Wanaka; 0. M'Allum’s Spring, Wanaka; J. M‘Donald’s Wave, Wanaka; H. S. Thomson’s Spring, Wanaka West; E, Watson’s Tweed, Wanaka West; D. M‘Lennan’s Yarrow, Morvern Hills; N. Cameron’s Maori, Morvern Hills; A. Smith’s Maid, Morvern Hills. The first prize, of 1 (Isovs., was taken by O. M'Allum’s “ Spring.” This dog had more difficult work to do than the dog that took the second prize, as the sheep did net favor him so much. His work was done in a masterly style, and he succeededin joining the two mods and bringing them up to the circle, but had not time to yard them. The second prize-taker received 6 sovs. J. M'Donall’s “Wave” did her work in less time, but was more fortunate in the way the sheep ran. She worked admirably and was under very good command; indeed her hill - work was considered by most present to be as near perfection as possible. The third prize, of 4 sovs., was taken by N. Cameron’s “Maori.” This dog showed some very good work, hut in bringing the second mob lost a sheep, he however, joined the remainder, hut had not time to yard them.

The forth prize of 2 sovs., wag taken by A. Smith’s “Maid.” This bitch headed both mobs well, but in bringing the second got them among the rocks, which delayed her so long that she was only able to fetch the first mob to the yard within her time. John Goldie’s dog was highly commended, his work being very fair, although ho showed a want of speed. The trial for the young dogs under two years, was eight sheep being taken to a distance of half a mile from the place where the competitor stood, who started his dog at a signal from the judges. His work then was to mike him head and steady them for two minutes, then to bring and yard them in eight hurdles within the circle. Entries for the Young Dogs:—M'Allum’s

Tweed, Wanaka; J. Robson’s Cap, Wanaka; J. M‘Donald’s Sam, Wanaka; D. Grierson’s Fleet Wanaka; R. Watson’s Top, Wanaka West;D, M'Quilkan’s York, Mount Pisa; A. Currie’s Rob, Mount Pisa; N. Cameron’s Rover, Morvern Rills; N. M‘Kinnon’s Help, Morvern Hills. The first prize of 6 sovs., was taken by J. Robson’s “Cup," who worked in a very pretty style. He Was under excellent command and steadied them the specified time.

The second prize of 4 sovs., was awarded to K Cameron's Rover. This dog also showed some very good work, but lost time in yarding the sheep allowing them too much scope.

The third prize of 2 sovs., was taker, by A. Currie’s “Hob,” whose general work in bringing up the sheep was, perhaps, equal to that of either of the two placed before him. He failed, however, to steady the sheep and yard them.

Most of the company adjourned to the Wanaka Hotel, where about sixty sat down to an excellent dinner, Mr. H. Campbell in the chai”, and Mr. H. Thomson, vice chair, after which the prizes were awarded, and all seemed to enjoy themselves exceedingly well.

[The foregoing has been in type for the past fortnight, but in consequence of pressure upon our space, we have been compelled to let it stand over to the present issue. Ed, D.T.]