CANADA’S DOG DERBY.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1924, Page 4

CANADA’S DOG DERBY.

(Bv Keith Alorri* in Louden ’ “Daily Mail.”)

This is CnnailaV Dog Derby day. an event unique* in the annals of lacing. To tlie inhabitants of the v iblerncst the Great Lone Land of the trapper, hunter, prospector, trader, and wandering adventurer—a his i - tit(* starsporting event of the year. I 1 or many weeks teams of “huskies” and their drivers, or “musliors.” have been training for the gieat 200-miles rare along the mow trail from the Pa*. Alanitoha, and their doiiigs have been the outstanding theme of ((Oiveinati.oi and I.:*ls—ar.uttul the stoves which gives warmth to "humans” iu the wintry region.; of silence. The winning trophy is ilic* .Matte Cup. with first, money prize of l.2ltl) dollars. Huskies—nart wolf, part dog—are to the frozen north what camel; are to i!>e sandy desert—the lile-bluud oi communication. Their hardy and hardbitten drivers, iln* mushers. so named from their cry of “mush” unove on) to stimulate the harne.-seil huskies to greater effort, are as lirehvs as their canine frieitt!*' when on the long trail from post to past, bringing cheer and

comfort to the lonely dwellers (*l the far-ulf wilds. Tlie speed v.hmh these lint-kies nuiintain day after day, with hetsi.v loads is well-nigli ittcredihle. A tynienl husky of good breed, with a strong strain of tin* wolf in hi' vents, lias a handsome head, .-baggy grey coot, long vulpine muzzle shar;--poiiite*.! ear.-, nod sieel-hard flaming eyes, lie is ninety pounds ef muscle, bone, and ,*ino*'. ferocity, grim determination. and unwavering fidelity to his master. A real nor!hk-.ml carnival, with festivities extending for a week is now an accompanying foniure of Canada's Deg Derby. But tin* 'JO-mile rat * along the gleaming white snow trail i- the chief event of all. Long after the earnival lies been di-jiei-.cd tin* rese.lt of Canada's Dog Derby will lie discussed in Indian wigwam l * in Dappers’ cabins. in Hudson's Bay trading po-f;. in Mounted I’olice barracks, and in oilier community centre.*; which dot the far-flung Great Lone Land.