AWAKINO COLLIE CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 April 1918, Page 3

AWAKINO COLLIE CLUB.

ANNUAL TRIAL? (From Our Own Correspondent.) Tlie Awakino Collie Ciul> held its 12th annual trials on Tuesday and Wednesday last- During tlie past three years the club has contributed from its trials llic sum of .-£220 to various patriotic funds, and this year it was decided to devote 75 per eent- of the proceeds to the Y.M.C.A. funds- The trials were, as In previous years, held on the property of Mr. W. D. Thomson. The entries totalled 115, being slig'htly below those of last year. The sheep for the trials were provided by Messrs Bignell Bros. Good weather prevailed over both days of tlie trials and there were good attendances. Following were the officials: Patron, Mr. W.Q}. Thomson; president, Mr. A- H. Calvert: judge, Mr. W. B. Grant.; ground marshal, Mr. A. Cone; (lag steward, Mr. M. Elliott; dog steward, Mr. E. Paynter; sheep steward, Mr. P. Rogers: timekeeper, Mr. C. \V. Cross; Don. secretaries and treasurers, Messrs S. H. Lett and J- E- C Harrison; committee, Messrs G. Lake, £. Paynter, I'. Wolfe, K. Black, A. F. Bignell, G. McMillan. P. Rogers, J. Jnnis, G. Mack, A. Sole, G. Bradbirrv, W. Blundell. The weather being perfect there was a goolly sprinkling of the fair sex to be ceen on the greep slopes of the club's trial ground- Amongst the ladies present were Mrs- W. D. Thomson, with her two daughters, Mesdames McNeice, Terril, Howard, Dixon, Black, Avery, Sole, Cuminings, L. Jones, Calvert, Whitehead, Sampson, and Condon • Misses Black, Drader, Wolfe, MoDonnel, Carrington, Shell, Jones, Condon, and several others. Mr. F. Wolfe, the popular host of The Awakino House, again had the refreshment booth, v.here afternoon tea, soft drinks, cakes, scones, fruit, etc., were enjoyed by the majority of the crowd. Amongst the gentlemen I also noticed Mr. J. Bennett and that good old sport "Teddie" Whittle, Messrs King, llealv, Street, Robertson, Scott, Goldsworthy, and numbers of other gents whom Awakino always glad to welcome. Tlie financial results, we are sure, must be very satisfactory, and tiie Y.M.C.A., to whose funds the proceeds are to be donated, should benefit largely by the gathering- Results: Class 1. —Heading (about 440 yards), bring back and yard; time allowed 12 minutes; total points SS. I —J. U. Corrigan's (Hawera) Tam, 29 points, 1; J. R. Corrigan's Gyp, 28, 2: Miss Wolfe s lip, 24, 3; l'\ Wa'.ideU's Connie. 28, 4- Judge's notes': Tam started to left, started free, and went up the hill on a good l'.ne; lie eased off before making a good heat, in R l7scc., and started the shc-ep nicely, but went slightly oIT the course coming down the hill, failed to keep in behind when pulling, and was inclined to noad; passed yard and let sheep away from mouth oi "pen; varded in Sinin. 51 sec. The dog was very firm and was only under fair command- Gyp east to left, started free and went up the hill in fa'r line; in on cast; belded in lniin. IKcc.;. fair head, started nicely, and brought sheep to flat on a good line; steady, fair line to yard, but went slightly past- yard find let sheep out of position from pen and vent round pen; dog a little start,v; yarded in lOmin. CiS-ec Tip east to right and started free;'slightly in cast, right in on cast; stopped and lefast: stopped just, at head,.headed and barked, lniin. Tsec • very rash, brought to fl.it in fair linn, out 'of line to yard, and slow to get ohcep into position: passed yard, yarded at first attempt in fair style: dog a little siack, command only fair. There were twenty-eight competitors.

Class 2, driving and yarding competition. with two dogs, about .wO ards; total points 3'J.—K. Black's Rim; and Glen, 31 points, 1; J. R. Corrigan's Marvel and Tam, 28, 2: (.1. Sampsons Wallie and Rock, IS,:!; J. R. Cornwall's Gyp and Bob, 17, 4. There were 10 competitors. -Judge's notes: Ring and Glen let sheep riifht awaj' off conrse: through first luirdles after a let of work: dogs and man in good position; good line to second hurdles, but passed hurdles and split sheep: rigut back en course- and through at second attempt; dogs and man in L'ood position; good line to peg, into position at first attempt; into position at vard at first attempt, and yarded at first attempt; .dogs in good position, good style at yard, command fair, both dogs worked well together: timcf llmin-

33sec. Marvel and Tam let sheep right back on course; brought back ar.d through hurdles at first attempt, both dogs out of position; off line to second hurdles and through at second attempt; f lightly out of line going to pen. turned tail to sheep at pen; yarded first attempt; time, llmin. lOsec- Wallie and Rock passed first hurdles; sheep right back on course, through first hurdles after a lot of hard work; off line to second hurdles and right back oil course; through at first attempt; into position at first attempt; dogs noisy; passed pen and failed .to complete.

Class 3, huntaway between three sets of ilae:s, each pair of flags placed one chain apart, zig-zag course; about 440 yards; time allowed 12 minutes, total points 39.—P. P. Tocker s (Hawera) Lad, 34 points, 1; K. Jilaek's Glen, 32, 2; A. F. Biguell's Tip, 31, 3; J. Toss' Bob, 2it, 4. Judge's notes: Lad started sheep nicely; through first flags at lirst attempt and in good tune; through second llags first attempt; fair line, good noise; dog too far from sheep going to top flags; through top flags in good line ; style and command good; time, smin. 47sec. Glen started sheep nicely; through first flags at first attempt and similarly the second flags; good line, dog too far away; through top llags at first attempt; fair style, fair noise, but lacking in push; time, 4min. 20sec. 'lip through first flags at first attempt; dog too far away from sheep going to second flags and looking back too much; through second flags on good line and in good time; slightly out of line to top flags, but through at first attempt; dog running back on course too much; good command, plenty of push, and fair sty le as huntaway; time, umin. 14secEighteen competitors Class 4, huntaway, head, bring back, and 'hold in ring; about 440 yards; total points 4ft—J. R- Corrigan's Bob, 40 Doints, 1; G. Macks Glen, 39, 2; K. Black's Glen, 38, 3; B. Lett's Guide, 30, 4. Judge's notes: Bob started sheep oft the flat nicely, and up to flag in good line and with good noise; good head in 3min2f)sec • hunted sheep away after heading, and split sheep; a little rash in pulling; ' off line coming to slip (on hill side), but brought back on to course; oil' line to ring, and into ring on side; dog slack at holding and taking no interest in won;, holding fair, command only fair; time, 12mih. Msec. Glen started sheep nicely, slig'htly off line to flag and dog out of position; let sheep too far up and right ' »w*y before beading; made j?ood head in

3min. SOsec; started sheep nicely, but brought down hill a little rash; passed ring and wont in at back; out of ring; dog left sheep in ring-; dog worked too wide to hold and was, a bit slack; fair command; time, 12min. lOisoe. Glen lost time in iretting oh" flat; oil' line to flag; let .-iheep too far from ilag; head .Imin. '.'usee; let sheep oif course befure heading; started sheep nicely, but then .split them slightly; brought to ring on fair line; passed ring at back, and out; held well, fair command. Nineteen competitors. . SPECIAL PRIZES> 1, Mohakatino Cup, to bo allotted to Class 1 to the dog scoring most points. Open to all comers; to be won twice in succession or three times at intervals by the same owner.—J. R. Corrigan's Tarn, 28' points, wbo won with Swift last year and wins the cup. f>. Mr. W. D. Thomson's special prize, valued three guineas; allotted to class 4 to the dog scoring most points, whose owner has not won a prize at any previous trials. Confined to competitors re-«:din-'/in Awakino county.—No competitor qualified. S, Ladies' Bracelet, presented.by Mr. r . Scott; to bo won outright by dog scoring most points in class 1 nominated by a lady, and open to competitors residing within twenty miles of the Awakino post office. —Miss Wolfe's Tip (worked by Mr. tf. Paynter), 24 points. Mr. AY. Avery's gold medal, allotted to class 3 for the best local'dog.—K. Black's Glen, 32 points. 4, Mokan Cup, presented by Mr. A. Bone, allotted to the best team of dogs consisting of a lnmtaway and heading dog. in classes 1 and 3; to be won twice in succession or three times at intervals by the same owner.— J. B. Corrigan's Tarn and Bob. %

3, the President's Cap, presented by Mr. A. H. Calvert, to be allotted in class 2 to the dogs scoring most points.— K. Black's Ring and Glen, 30 points. 7, Mr. K. Black's gold medal, to be allotted to class 1 to the maiden dog scoring most points-—S. H. Lott'3 Kitty Lovatt, 21 points. 2, Mr- Bennett's (New Plymouth) medal, allotted in class 2 to the dogs scoring most points whose owner lias not won a first, second, or third prize at any previous meeting.—G. "Sampson's Wallie and Kock, IS points.

WEIGHT GUESSING. Weight-guessing competitions were controlled each day by Mr. A. F. Bignell, ;',nd resulted:—Live weight of sheep (actual weight 1131b): M. Prenderga.st, 114V»1I>; J. McNeice, lll%lb. Dressed weight of sheep (actual weight OH-lb): M. Elliott, 3. Whitehead, and K. Black all guessed the exact weight.

THE SOCIAL SIDE. Gn Tuesday night one of the most successful concerts ever held in Awakino lock place in the hall tliore, and we felt very much honored by having such talent as Mrs. Marlow (Waitara). Mr. Boyd (Otago), Mr. H. Philpot (Wellington), and Mr. Goldsworthy (New Plymouth) on the programme. The lirst item was the overture by Mrs. Mariow, played in her usual effective manner. This was followed by a suiig by .Vr. Noel Eigne U, v.'iio gave us a line rendering of 'The Admiral's Broom.'' It is always a pleasure to listen to this gentleman, as the vociferous encore proved, when he responded .with that other fine song, "Plymouth Hoc.'' Then came that everentrancing waltz song. "A Dream of Home,'' from "11 Dactio.'' very pleasingly sunn by Miss Billie Duncan. This also L'aincd an encore. Mr. Uoldsworthy then pave a vtry beautiful monologue, the name of which I. have forgotten. This, too, was much appreciated. Then we had what was decidedly the hit of the evening, namely, a- quart»ttc by the Misses Xorah and Kathleen Thomson and Misses Hazel and Minnie Wolfe, •'Yeoho! Little Girls, Yeoho!'' from "The Country Girl." This was really a charming item, the girls looking very fetching in their pretty Jack Tar costumes, and their voices blending so harmoniously. Great credit is due to Mrs. \\~. V). Thomson, who coached the young ladies, more especially as they had only a very short while to get it up. This item really brought dowrf the house, and also, what was more acceptable, a veritable shower of coins, totalling £7 7s si. )n being recalled they sang "Tell Her T Love Her So." Next came Mrs. A- 11. Calvert with one. of her many

p/etty songs, and which was vj'ry pleasingly rendered. It is a pity that this lady's voice is not stronger, as it is most decidedly sweet and sympathetic. Mr. Boyd then favored us with that love song of love songs, "Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold." He very deservedly gained an encore, singing in response a clever parody on "Comin' through the Rye" After thu again. Mrs- McNeice, a lady to whom we are rJways glad to listen, sang that fine song from "The Sunshine Girl," "Then Here's to Love." This also gained a vociferous encore. The first part concluded with a clever little musical sketch by Pierrette (Miss Billie Duncan) and Pierrot (Mrs. Christoflerson). In this were some verv good local hits, and a verynice little* ragtime song and dance. This, too, evoked a hig round of applause, but as it was too strenuous, a bow from Pierrette was 'the only response. Another shower of coins for our Y.M.C.A. followed this item.

The second part opened with a very fine rendering on .the piano by Miss Dolly Condon, of one oi Chopin's masterpieces- Miss Condon, who is a musician of no mean ability, has not favored us lately, and we were glad to welcome her back to our platform. Mr. I'red Waddell always "takes on like hot cakes'' with his comic songs, and this was so with the two he gave us on this occasion—"There's Another One off to

America," and "Standing on the C-orncr of the ' Street." Encored? Rather! Miss Minnie Wolfe was the next on the programme with that haunting little son" "Dream Boat>" This performer has a very fee contralto voice, and this song, with its chorus by Mrs- McNeice, the Misses Thomson, and Miss H- Wolfe, was very deservedly encored. Our old friend, Mr. Goldswortiiy, then gave us another very fine monologue, "The Eye of the Little Yellow God." This was exceedingly well rendereJ, which goes without ' saving when Mr. Golusworthy has it in hand. Miss Duncan followed with a tricky little "rag," "All Aboard fcr Dixie," and agair scored an encore.

A pianoforte solo by Mr. 11. Philpot was brilliantly rendered, This gentleman is indeed a fine musician. Miss 11. Wolfe then delighted u*. witl. a song, fhc name of which I have not been ableto obtain. This young lady not only has a verv sweet soprano voice, but; is also, verv popular, so it was only to be expected she would be most enthusiastically recalled. The concert was brought 1 to a close by a patriotic song and chorus

Iby Mr. X. Bignell and the company, •'Pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-bag.' 1 At the oiul of the programme ] a goat presented by the Mohakatina ••station was sold, and realised the fine Bum of £2l. Mr YV. J). Thomson presided in his usual pleasing manner, and everyone Went home well pleased with the evening's entertainment, and so ended one of the best, concerts ever held in Awakino.

On Wednesday night a grand hall was held in the same hall, and wan very largely attended by a happy crowd of dancers and non-dancers., The floor was in first-class order, tlie musie supplied by Mesdames McNeice, Christofferson, Miss Duncan, and Mr. Ridling waa.excellent, and the supper left, nothing to be , desired. Everyone was in g6od spirits ar.d the dancing w-ent with, a will. After supper, the patron of the club (Mr. W. D. Thompson) announced the results of the dog trials, ami '.Mrs. Thompson presented the prizes to the fortunate winners, who received great applause aa their names were called- Mr. Grant, the genial judge, made a happy little speech, as did also a gentleman visitor to the district whose name I did not catch. After this the two energetic M.O.s (Messrs IC. Black and Reuben Parr) set the dancing going again, and it was kept up till the : 'wee sma' 'ours," when, with t'he sing'in; f "Auld Lang Syne"' and the National Anthem, this very successful bail was brought to a dose. Mr. Thompson thanked the ladies of the socia' committee ami others who so generously assisted to make the affair the success it was- A very big word oi praise is also due to Mr. A. Calvert, the hardworking lion, secretary of the committee, for his efforts in this direction. Also t'huiks are due to Me'sars Calvert, MeNeice, McMiiiV-i and Blundelt for the tasteful decorations, and Mesdaines Thompson, MeN T eice, Calvert, Avery and the other ladies of the social committee, are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts. Taking tlie whole thing through, the financial results must bo far beyond expectations, -ind the Y.M. C.A. will benefit greatly thereby. We trust that by next "dog trials" all need for assistance for these patriotic funds will be over, and this dreadful war be a thing of the past. Advance Awakino!