POVERTY BAY DOG TRIALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2191, 15 May 1908, Page 1

POVERTY BAY DOG TRIALS.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING

A SUCCESSFUL OPENING

President: J. A. Caesar, Esq. VicePresidents: Messrs D. Cameron, K. Campbell, A. Dewing, M. Hingston, A. F. Kennedy, G. J. Parker, J. Russell, R. Sberrattj W. Graham, J. M. Gouldsmith, A. AVachsmaun, T. Holden, G, McLean, C. Neenan, A. H. Wallis, C. White. Judge: Mr. C Davis. Timekeepers: Messrs J. A. Caesar and E. J). Bilham. Flag Stewards: Committee. Committee: Messrs W. E. Astin, Geo. Hawkins, A. Anderson, E. W. Bonsfield, E. D. Bilham, J. Herbert, B. Merritt, W. Moore, K. McKenzie, J. Mclntosh, F. Reid, E. Stcggall, W. Watson, C. 11. Evans, Geo. Hinton, R. McDonald, E. Tait (junr). Ground Committee: Messrs JL Merritt, E. W. Bousfiold, Morpeth. Secretary: Mr. R. Thehvall. Treasurer: Mr. J. A. Caesar.

The fourteenth annual meeting of the Poverty Bay Sheep Dog' Trial Club was commenced under tho most favorable auspices ati Ormond yesterday. Perfect weather prevailed, and the entries were so large as to probably constitute a record for the Dominion. The arrangements were most complete, and tho committee, aided by tho president (Mr. J. A. Caesar), and the secretary and treasurer (Mr. R. Thehvall), had everything in connection with' the trials running smoothly.

The programme opened with Class !•-—Head, bring buck, and hold until judge is satisfied. Distance, about half-mile. Time, 15mins. Points: Head 10, bring back 10, command G, liold 4.

For this class there were no fewer than fifty-four entries', and only eight scratched. The whole day was taken up with this class, and forty-two dogs were sent out. The country over which the dogs had to work was .fairly difficult, and constituted a true test of their abilities. The sheep employed were Lincoln wethers, and were somewhat erratic in travelling. The light during the morning was peculiar and difficult. ’

The first half-dozen dogs failed to bring down their sheep until Mr. George Hinton’s Skipper (No. 16) made a good cast, and heading well brought the three sheep safely down, top-sid-ing in good style. Working quietly on the flat,, he brought the sheep into the ring and held them, amidst the hearty applause of all present. This performance seemed to set the dogs that followed a good example, for after this much better results were obtained. The best work during the day was done by Mr. F. Cook’s Glen, A .Thompson’s Rowdy, F. B. Calcott’s Roy, W. Bonis’ Lloyd, J. Turnbull’s Gay, and G. Hinton’s Skipper. The work, on toe whole, did not compare favorably with that of previous years. This . was no doubt attributable to the fact that a large number of young dogs were performing, and several of the competitors were making their first appearance .at trials. The majority of tho competitors committed an error of judgment in sending their (logs out on tlie wrong hand. To the left there was a fine leading-ridge up which the dogs could travel easily, but most of the dogs were sent to the right over broken country, .where it was much more difficult to come over the sheep.

There was. a satisfactory nttendiiicc of the public, including a large lumber of ladies. Owing to a mis-

understanding as to the day on which afternoon tea was to be supplied, the arrangements in this respect wore not so complete as the officials could have desired, but- this oversight- will be remedied to-day-,-, when fuller accommodation will be provided for tho ladies.

The method of judging adopted by Mr. C. Davis met with the general approval and satisfaction of the competitors. Instead of remaining' seated,'as is tho usual custom, Mr. Davis covers a lot of country and endeavors to keep the dog in sight as much as he possibly .can. General satisfaction was also expressed by the members of tho club at the excellent manner in which Mr. R. Thehvall carried out tho secretarial duties. Tho arrangements were well-nigh perfect, and not a hitch of any kind occurred during the day. Mr. Caesar, the genial and popular president, was present throughout the day, and contributed in no small measure to the success of tho gathering. Owing to tho unavoidable absenco of Mr. C. Stackwood, timekeeper, this duty was performed by Messrs Caesar and E. Bilham. Messrs D. Merritt, Morpeth and E. Bousfield did good work at the yards. To-morrow morning Class I. will be continued, fourteen more dogs having yet to compete. The remainder of tho day will be occupied with Class ll—head, bring back and yard; about a quarter-mile; time, 12 minutes. There are seventy entries for this class, but it will take less time to get' through as the distance is shorter aiul the dogs will consequently work

better. Yesterday evening the club held a social in the Ormond Half, when there was a large attendance. Tho music was excellent, the floor war, in good order, and a dainty supper was served, and an exceedingly pleasant evening was spent.