POVERTY BAY SHEEP DOG TRIAL CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 887, 11 May 1903, Page 3

POVERTY BAY SHEEP DOG TRIAL CLUB.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES,

A most successful social evening wa s arranged by tho officials of tho above club at the Hotel Coronution on Saturday evening last to celebrate the conclusion of the recent three-days’ meeting, and to enable the prizes gained thereat to be presented in the presence of the members. Upwards of 00 gentlemen attended. In the absence of the President, Mr C. Hellier Evans (hon. secretary) was voted to the chair. After the toast of “ Tho King ” had been loyally honored, Mr W. Allen proposed “ Success to the Poverty Bay Sheep Dog Trial Club,” and in tho course of his remarks said that the largo number of entries and the high-class work done at

the recent meeting proved that the success of the club was assured beyond all doubt. The club had able officials, who were well supported by tho members, while tho interest taken by outsiders showed that the objects for which tho club wus formed were appreciated b.y overyone. Ho wished the club every success. Mr O. Lynch sang “ I Never Enjoyed Myself so Much Before.”

The Chairman then presented the prizes gained at tho recent mectihg, bestowing a few words of congratulation and commendation to each of the competitors as

they came forward to reeeivo their awards, which in some cases amounted to over £B. Tho successful competitors were warmly received as they appeared in turn. In addition to those already published, tho following special prizes were presented : Foot Race, half miio uphill: K. McDonald, 8.85, 1; J. Weils, 2. JEI donated by F. Ken way. Mr W. Good’s trophy for dog scoring most points: Mr J. Mclntosh’s Dick, 83 points (possiblo 95). Mr Morgan’s prizo for dog undor best command : Mr J. Mclntosh’s Dick.

Trophy, bridle, presented by Mr Ed. Williams, for best team of three dogs: Mr E. Steggall’s team, Monk, Sharp, and Rough, 187 points. Mr Zaehariah’s special prizo for dog scoring most points at this meeting, which has not competed at any previous trials : E. Toms’s Boxer.

Messrs Primroso and Leslie’s prize for dog unplaeod at previous meeting scoring most points at this meeting : IL McKenzie’s Bess, 87 points. Messrs It. Johnston and Co.'s prizo for best looking dog : K. McDonald’s Darkle. Mossrs Shierlaw and Co.’s prize for noisiest huntaway: K. McKenzie’s Be3s. Mr W. Jobson’s special prizo of bridle for best looking man competing: Mr C.

Wright. Tho prize for tho best looking man competing, tho Chairman explained, was decided by ballot, and bad resulted in an overwhelming majority for Mr Wright. Tho blushing recipient convulsed tho company when he gravely complimented the mombers of tho Club on their judgment. Mr Stevenson sang “ Tho Song That Roached My Heart.” Mr F. W. Reid proposed tho toast of “Judge Bremner,” who, ho said, had had a most arduous task at the recent meeting in placing tho competitors in the different classes from the large field of entries. Tho manner in which tho judging had been done proved conclusively that they had the right man in tho right place in Mr Bremner. (Hear, hear, and hearty ap-

plause.) Mr H. DeCosta sang “ Sweet Marie.” Mr W. G. Bromner, in returning thanks, said that very good work had boen dono at tho recent meeting, hut ho considered tho ground had provented tho dogs doing as well as they would have done on moro suitablo country. Particularly was tho

ground against tho dogs in tho hunt-away class. It was most difficult to work a dog which was out of sight. Ho thought better results would bo obtained if the Club were to have tho hunt-away in ono class and tho head and bring back in another. He was awaro that tho Club had decided at a meeting tho previous evening to allow this class to remain as it was, but ho thought they had decided against their best interests in tho matter. For another thing, ho certainly thought they did not give enough points for the long head. You naturally sent your best dog for this work, as you wanted tho sheep stopped. The sheep wero out of sight when tho dog started, and the latter had to bo worked

entirely by direction and command. You would go and help this dog, but you would not think of giving assistance to your quarter-mile head dog. Tho sheep in the latter caso were in sight all the time. Ho thought moro points should be

given for tho long head, and not so many for the bring back and yard. His duties at tho recent meeting had boen a pleasure to him. He had received able assistance from Mr Stackwood. Ho thankod mem-

bars for tho complimentary manner in which they had spoken of his work as judge. Mr Bremner’s remarks vvero frequently interrupted by applause, and it was noticeable that his suggestions received warm approval from tho more experienced drovers and shepherds present. o Ladsipi Navy Bluo” was spiritedly rendered by the Chairman. Mr Gardiner proposed 11 The Timekeeper and Club Officials,” coupled with tho namc-s of Mr Stackwood (timekeeper) and Mr C. Hoilier Evans (lion. see.). He referred to the excellent arrangements at tho recent three-days’ trials, and said tho officials had worked hard and well. Mr Herbert sang a humorous parody on “ Love’s Serenade.” Mr Stackwell briefly thanked membors their recognition of his services. Mr Evans, in responding, said that since taking up tho secretaryship of the club he had done his best to make it a live institution, and be felt confident that he had succeeded. Ho had been well supported. He had had considerable experience with clubs of various kinds, but bo must say that tho officials of the Poverty Bay Sheep Trial Club were the fairest-minded men with whom he had ever been associated. The membors all came smilingly up with their subscriptions, while the tradespeople all took an active interest in the welfare of tho club, and gave it moral and tangible support. _ i\lr Lynch sang ** A Little Bit On the Top.” Tho Chairman proposed “ The Donors of Special Prizes.” As they were all doubtless aware, the entrance fees were not sufficient with which to run the club. Thoy disbursed £45 in prize-money, while the subscriptions and members' fees only amounted to JE32. They had, however,

met with tho heartiest support in many quarters, and those gentlemen who donated the special prizes were deserving of their very best thanks. Ho coupled Mr A. Zachariah’s name with the toast. Mr H. E. Hill was warmly received, and surpassed himself in the rendering of tho coon numbers “ The Warmest Baby in the Bunch,” and “ Coon, Coon, Coon. Mr Zachariah said it was a downright pleasure to bo in any way connected with such a live, flourishing club as that which they represented that evening. Ho would always bo pleased to do what ho could to assist tho club. Me Bromuor proposed “ Tho Prizewinners.” Mr Zachariah sang 11 Jeroosalum. The Chairman proposed 11 The Unplaced Competitors,” who, he said, were tho real supporters of tho Club, because they were in the majority. Far more credit was due to those competitors who ccme down year after year and competed unsuccessfully than to those vvbo il scooped the pool,” so to speak, at each trial. Mr B. Merritt’s name was coupled with the toast. .

Mr Wm. Gibson recited “ Banjo ” Paterson’s “ Geebuug Polo Club.” Mr Merritt appropriately acknowledged the toast. Mr A. E. Renouf, of Napier, who is a woll-lmown figure on the concert platform, sang two comic numbers, “ Accidents,” in which he introduced several topical allusions in an inimitable manner which convulsed tho company, and a clever parody on “ Brighton ’’ for which he substituted Wellington and Hastings. On tho motion of Mr Zachariah, a vote of thanks was passed to tho rotirmg onAffllin vv.

secretary* •-r ~ Air Solomon Kewi sang Maori Joe. Mr A. Edson James rnado a capital accompanist for the greater number of the soloists, while Messrs J. H. Gittos and Stevenson also acted as accompanists during the evening. Shortly beforo 11 o’clock, a most successful meeting terminated with the singlin'’' of the National Anthem, after votes ot thanks had been passed to the musician I (Mr James) and the Chairman,