POVERTY BAY DOG TRIALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2192, 16 May 1908, Page 3

POVERTY BAY DOG TRIALS.

fourteenth annual meeting SECOND DAY. President: J. A. Caesar, Esq. VicePresidents: Messrs D. Cameron, K. Campbell, A. Dewing, M. Kingston, A. F. Kennedy, C. J. Parker, J. ltussell, 11. Shorratt, W. Graham, J. M. Gouldsmith, A. Waelismann, T. Holden, G. AlcLenn, C. Keenan, A. 11. Wallis, C. White. Judge: Mr. C Davis. Timekeepers: Messrs J. A. Caesar and E. D. Bilhnm. Flag Stewards: Committee. Committee: Messrs W. E. Astin, Geo. Hawkins, A. Anderson, E. W. Bouslield, E. D. Bilhnm, J. Herbert, B. Merritt, W. Moore, K. AlcKenzio, J. Mclntosh. F. Roiil, E. Steggall, W. Watson, C. H. Evans, Goo. Hinton, It. McDonald, E. Tait (junr). Ground Committee: Messrs B. Merritt, E. W. Boustteld, Morpeth. Secretary: Mr. It. Tlielwall. Treasurer: Mr. J. A. Caesar.

The officials of the Poverty Bay Sheep Dog Trial Club have every reason to congratulate themselves upon the success of their fourteenth annual meeting. Favored with beautiful weather, the second day was oven more successful than the' opening day, and the attendance was very much larger. A pleasing feature was the evident interest taken in tho work by the leading sheepfarmors of tho district, who were present in large numbers. There were also a great many ladies present, and in tho afternoon the grounds presented quite a lively appearance. It was stated that the attendance was tho largest yet seen on tho ground. As on .the previous day the painstaking judging of Mr. C. Davis gave ovory satisfaction, and everything passed off without the slightest hitch. Mr. It. Thelwall was untiring in his efforts to promote the- success of the gathering, and in this he was ably supported by the remainder of the officials. The President, Mr. J. A. Caesar, was also in a large measure responsible for tho smoothness of the arrangements, and again acted in the capacity of time-keeper in the_ early part of the day. Mr. Iv. McKenzie relieved Mr. Caesar as timekeeper during tho afternoon. During tho afternoon, tea was provided by tho club and was greatly appreciated. A start was mado in tho morning with the remainder of tho dogs in Class I.—head, bring back, and hold until judgo is satisfied ; about half a mile; time allowed, 15 mins; points, head 10, bring back 10, command 6, held 4. Nine dogs competed, and the majority of them failed at the long head, and were called off by the judge. Mr. A. McKenzie’s kelpie slut Lass called forth rounds of applause by the manner in wlii sh she fulfilled her difficult task. "With a wide cast., she found her sheep early, but was unfortunate to cross the head,

thereby losing a certain number of points' Aided by a good trio of Rom'T ney cross wethers she came steadily S but rapidly down the hill, being under perfect command. On the flat she was inclined to work a shade wide, but eventually she brought her charges to the ring, well inside the time limit, and held them cleverly. The final decision in tho class was announced shortly afterwards. CLASS I.

This was a remarkably close contest, one point only separating each of' the placed dogs. The judge remarked that Lass would have won easily had she not crossed the head. Shortly after 11 o’clock the running in Glass 11. was commenced. The conditions of this class were: Head, bring back and yard ; about a quarter mile; time allowed, 12 minutes; points, head 8, firing back 8, command 6, yarding 8. There was a record entry for this event, over 70 dogs being entered. Almost immediately an excellent performance was put up by Mr. K. McDonald’s Dick, who, beautifully handled by his owner, had his sheep on the shorter head immediately. Bringing back steadily and without much noise, he .exhibited marked cleverness, yarding amidst loud applause, in 7 minutes. The opinion was freely expressed that this trial would not be beaten, and although a number of dogs yarded their sheep in quicker time, more of them gave such a finished performance. Mr. TV. Bonis’ Lloyd gave another attractive performance, yarding in Bmin olsec. Mr. E. Bousfiekl’s Quick did not belie his name, and safely yarded his sheep in the record time of 4:1 minutes. He headed and brought back well, but was aided greatly by luck in yarding. Mr. A. . McKenzie's Lass gave another good display, but was rather weak in yarding. Other dogs to perform well were F. B. Calcott’s Roy, A. Burch’s Rogue, E. Tait’s TVag, and E. Aislabie’s Fly. The trials will be continued at 8 a.m. this morning, and there is .practically no chance of finishing by evening ,as about 30 dogs still remain to ? ,run in Class 11., and present entries -Claes HI. total 50. The prizes in each class are: Ist, £5; 2nd, £3; 3rd, £2 ; 4th, £1; in addition a gold medal will be awarded to the winner in each class.

Bring CoinHeadback mandHolclTl F. Cook’s Roy 8 8 o 3 24 Hinton’s Skipper 7 7 6 3 23 McKenzie’s Lass 6 9 4 3 22 "VV. Bonis’ Lloyd 7 5 5 4 21 Turnbull’s Gay 8 ,6 4 2 20