At the Waimata Valley Dog Trial

The Waimata Valley, one of Poverty Bay's prettiest, has always been a confusing place to "Photo News". The river flows through the city, but to get into the valley, you start at the headwaters above Grey's Bush, and the further in you go, the further down you go, as it were.

Well, we went 15 miles into, or down, the valley recently to have a look at the valley's annual dog trials. About where the road ends, on Mr J. Tombleson's property, we found a Land Rover ferrying visitors across a couple of fords to a cluster of tents. The trials were in full swing, and these are the pictures we took there.

Wharekopae competitor Walter Hall's "Boy" yarding sheep, Bashful baa-lamb at right is watching for the birdie.

Long head judge Dave Hamilton (Tokomaru Bay) and his timekeeper, John Broad (Waimata)

Watching the long head events: Bill and Bernie Lewis (Tokomaru Bay), Ted McHugh (Waerenga-a-hik), and Jack and John Tombleson.

Dogs are the stars of the show: this is J. Tombleson's "Sharp".

Outside the meal tent
No country function would amount to much without the womenfolk's contribution of meals and frequent cups of tea.
Mothers, daughters, and visitors are seen on this page, enjoying their work and the friendly companionship of the valley.

Cooking in the open

Lunches for the judges

Short head and yard judge Laurie Cooper (Rere) and timekeeper Vic Savage.

Huntaway Judge Jim English (formerly of Waimata but now of Ormond), and timekeeper Tom Bailie.

Walter Monk ran ferry service in Land Rover, with plenty of assistance from children of the valley.

Mr and Mrs Doug McNeil (Tolaga Bay), with ''Wag".

Mr and Mrs Con O'Regan (Otoko)," with "Maud".

Sheep stewards for the huntaway events. Above, Wally Huriwai and Jim Peachey; below, Dick Williams and Stan Jones.

Framed by view looking down-river, well-known competitor Sid Waititi from Tikitiki is pictured with his dog "Major".

At dog trial headquarters, Brian Smith, Roger Miller (secretary) and Jock Honey from Otoko discuss a point.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 58 : April 30, 1959

At the Waimata Valley Dog Trial