Sheep Dog Trial at Kauroa.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 381, 16 October 1908, Page 2

Sheep Dog Trial at Kauroa.

In the report of the above event,, the Raglan Chronicle says:—The working of an intelligent sheep dug h always interesting to flock owners,and usually forms a keen subject of discus sion where two or three are met together. So that the trials on Friday have been awaited with considerable interest, and in spite of threatening weather, counter attractions in adjoining districts, and a modest diffidence amongst certain settlers to display ehsirdogsin public, a good day’s sport re suited the effort of Mr M‘Alister’sdogin the first event (Short Head and Yard) was certainly an eye-opener to many present in the mattar of a working collie. Under absolute control, this “Beardie” combined most of the qualities which go to make up a perfect sheep dog, and his exhibition was frequently applauded by the spectators. Although a little close running io his “cast off” (which caused him to make two cross-heads) and a trifle slow in wearing his little mob (attributable probably to being foot-sore), this dog handled his sheep in a masterly style throughout. Mr M’Alistec’s other d ?g was scarcely *so proficient in the "Hunt Away” class. MrWm. Thompson, as judge, adopted a commendable method, giving his award on a scale of points formulated in accordance with bis estimation of the value of the separate qualities, which combined make a perfect dog. His are as follows :

The titles of the columns are, res-pectively—Cast-off (a). Heading (_»), Working (c), Obedience (i>), Time («), Total (f) ; the figures in parentheses indicate the possible points to be ob tained in each brunch of work; time allowance is fixed on the basis of deducing one point for every minute in excess of ten minutes *( which is con side red a fair thing) ;

MHOBT HEAD AND VAWD (10) (45) D W (10) 100 M'AIi-ter ... 8 10 40 20 M'D >u»fd ...5 « 30 .15 4 65 HL’NT-J LWAY. Cornille ... 5 12 35 12 10 74 M'A lister ... 8 12 3" 15 5 61 LONG HEAD AND HOLD M‘A lister .. 8 10 40 20 10 88 M'Dunald ... 5 MMttiiew ...0 11 35 15 10 76 13 30 12 10 56