SHEEP DOG TRIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 67, 14 March 1912, Page 5

SHEEP DOG TRIALS.

THE EG MONT CLUB’S TWELFTH ANNUAL MEET. FIRST DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. For the twelfth annual meeting, which began on Tuesday, the Egmont Sheep Dog Trial Club management decided to make a change of course, and after consideration fixed on a spot at Op eke Downs, part of Mr. D. J. Willis’ farm. For any sports meeting a more suitable spot could hardly be imagined. The course proper lies in a basin flanked on the north and part of the west side Jay a grassy slope that forms a natural amphitheatre. In contour it reminds one of the recreation sports ground at New Plymouth, save that the view is much more extensive and the place not so locked in. General arrangements were excellently carried out under the direction of the hon. secretary, Mr. J. Blair, and Ids committee. Mr. R. Hicks, timekeeper, Mr. J. R. Corrigan, flag steward, and all officials vied with one another in their efforts to send things along. Following are details of the day’s work:— Class I.—Heading and bringing back; about half a mile; time, IQmin. Maximum Points: Heading 11, bringing back 11,. under command 11, holding 6, style 5; total 47. Jas. Hunter’s Wobbler, 12, 8,9, 0, 3—32 ' ... 1 P. Tocker’s Chum,,ll, 7,6, 4, 3—31 2 0. Dunlop’s Mac, 5,8, 7,2, 3—25 3 A. Morton’s Cheviot Chief, 5,8, 8, 0. 32 4 4 T. Winks’ Nigger, 11, 2,5, 1, 2—22 5 Also started: P. Tocker’s May, 11, 2,5, 1, 2—21; J. R. Robertson’s Reel, 8,3, (i, 0, 3—20; A. T. Hunter’s Rag, 11, IJH, 0, 1—17; O. Dunlop’s Wet, 9,3, 3,0, 1—16; P. Tockers’ Jos, 11, 0,3, 0, 6—14; P. Coates’ Don, 11, 0, 2; 0, 0—13; J. Blair’s Flip, 7,3, 3,0, 0—13; M. M. Scott’s Smcoge, 10, 0, 2,0, 0—12; H. Scott’s Boss, 8,0, 2,-0. o—lo. Several others did not manage to head their sheep. By courtesy of the judge a few remarks are enabled to be given of the leading dogs in this class. Mr. Whyte took a deal of care in supplying this, which should be of interest to competitors. Wobbler.—Cast to left, went off freely, over-ran his head in 3.55, brought in sheep steadily, under good command, kept good line, showed good style, careful with sheep, but slack at times; time up just before ringing. Chum.—Cast to right, started slack, did not answer well, very good head in 3.55, cleanest head made, came hack rash for a bit, then steadied up, over-ran sheep at times, kept good line, good style, very silent in all work; at ring let the sheep through and kept them somewhat unsettled, but otherwise held well. Mac.—Cast to left, barked badly, went free and in good line, poor command, headed close and rash in 2.35, rushed down to gully but then settled down, and under. good command, brought to ring in 8.25, slow in work at ring and let out twice; barking again spoiled work. Cheviot Chief.—Cast to left, ran across his line, got away badly, but answered well, crossed his head', came back badly to half way, zig-zagged to gully, steadied down; good eye, command very direct, time up on entering ring'. “j ■' 1 * ' ; ' ■ Nigger.—Cast to left, went mit free, headed in quick time of 1.40, came on sheep rash, bad command, split sheep tw ce, rushed them down, knocked one up, put two sheep back and joined up, at ring let one through; steadied up anil ringed in 9.45. May:—Cast to left,' false start, crossed in front of master, went free, headed close and rash in 2.35, pulled rash under bad command, let sheep off course, split sheep, but joined up again, ringed in 10.15, slack, and got into centre of ling. Reel.—Cast to left, slack, wanted a lot of driving, headed rash in 3.35, came home barking badly, poor command and style, improved line, work patchy; no ring. J he trials continued to-day in somewhat threatening weather. The attendance on Tuesday was good for an opening day. In fine weather a large number of townspeople usually go out. The most interesting events are decided to-day. Better work should be shown, as the course is shorter Kawera “Star.”