SHEEP DOG TRIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1922, Page 8

SHEEP DOG TRIALS.

ANNUAL MEETING OF EGMONT CLUB. The annual meeting of the Egmont Sheep Dog Trial Club opened on Mr. W. Snowden’s property, Inaha, yesterday, when, despite unfavorable climatic conditions, the weather being cold and showery, there was a good attendance of the public. The entries in the various events were exceedingly good, dogs being present from all parts of Taranaki and also from the Manawatu district. A start was made early yesterday morning and matters were kept moving, with the result that the class for heading and bringing back and holding in ring was completed, though it contained over 40 entries, divided into three sections —viz., open, novice and novice youths. A feature of the trials was the encouragement given to the novice to become proficient in the art of handling dogs. In addition several dogs were .able to run off their, heat in the huntaway class. The day was by no means an ideal one for working sheep; nevertheless there was some splendid work shown, the spectators showing their appreciation, whilst the judge (Mr. W. B. Grant, of New Plymouth) had some difficulty in making up the awards. He expressed himself as well pleased with the work shown generally, though, of course, in some cases the work was disappointing. The committee, of which Mr. J. H: Baker was president and Mr. J. F. Tiddy secretary, had made complete arrangements for the’ conduct of the meeting, and as a result everything worked smoothly. The various officials all filled the positions capably, the principal ones being: R. Hicks, timekeeper; A. L. Campbell, flag steward; C. Armstrong, dog steward. Mr. J. F. Tiddy, the hon. secretary, had a busy time, but came through the ordeal with flying colors, being ably assisted by Mr. J. Lloyd, the assistant secretary. The sheep for the trials were provided by Mr. J. Stevens. A special word of praise must be accorded the catering arrangements, which were in the hands of a Manaia ladies’ committee, headed by Mrs. A. G. Bennett, the proceeds being devoted to the Russian Famine Relief Fund, and both at luncheon and afternoon tea they had a busy time in the spacious marquee. Results: Class 1. —Heading and bringing into ring; distance, about 400 yards; time, 10 minutes. First, silver cup valued at £lO 10s and £6; second, £3; third, £2; fourth, £l. Points: Head, 12; bring back, 20; hold in ring, 6; command, 12; total, 50.

1. H. Buckley’s Hemp: 11, 20, 5, 12; 48. 2. M. M. Scott’s Swift: 12, 19, 4, 12; 47. 3. J. R. Corrigan’s Darkie: 11, 19, 4, 12; 46. 4. P. H. Tocker’s Jed: 11, 18, 4, 11; 44. The judge’s comments were as follows: Hemp.—Cast to right good line; headed in 50 seconds; slightly overran head; shifted sheep nicely; good line to ring; steady; slightly out of ring; made slight mistake at ring; otherwise good, consistent run. Swift. —Cast to right; sheep moved out of position; good head in 53 seconds; started little rash off line; pulling a little fast; out of position at ring; dog very careless and slack. Darkie. —Cast to right; overran head slightly in 56 seconds; started gently; : good line; steady; out of position several i times at ring. Jed.—Cast to right; overran head slightilyin 51 seconds; pulled a bit rashly; passed i ring; lost time in controlling sheep at ! ring; holding only fair. ! Class la.—Head and bring into ring for • novice over 20 years and dog. First prize, ; pup; second, trophy; third, £l. : 1. J. Hawken’s Lass:' 10, 18, 1, 10; 39. ■ 2. J. Bloor’s Bruce: 11, 17, 0,8; 36. i 3. J. H. Foreman’s Tip: 8, 17, 2,8; 35. • Class lb.—Same as above for novice j under 20 and dog. 1. L. Greenbank’s Beauty : 9, 13, 0,7; 29. The only competitor. TO-DAY’S EVENTS. The trials will be continued to-day, when the huntaway will be completed and the class for beading, bringing back and yarding will be decided. It is expected that there will be a large attendance of the public.