Girl battles with elders
Northland youngster Erin Ball has gone to the dogs - as the youngest competitor at the indoor Taranaki sheepdog trials at the Egmont A&P; Association's showgrounds in Hawera.
The 11-year-old who competed in the sheepdog trials with her heading dog Trish was the youngest competitor at the three-day event at the weekend. Erin and 7-year-old Trish have been inseparable since Trish was a puppy.
It was the second time the girl from Maungaturoto and her loyal companion have competed in dog trials but Erin's father, Cyril Ball, is a well-known competitor. There were no results available at edition time but before the competition Erin said she hoped to get around the course in the required 10min.
Police probe shed fire
A tin shed was almost destroyed by fire in what Dargaville police are treating as a suspicious blaze. Dargaville fire brigade Chief Fire Officer Michael King said firefighters were called to an address in Onslow St about 6.19pm on Thursday to reports of a shed on fire.
Mr King said when they arrived it appeared as if the shed, measuring about 6m by 4m, had been set alight. It took about 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control. The shed, and its contents, were virtually destroyed. Mr King said the fire was being treated as suspicious and police had been called in to investigate.
Street row sparks arrest
A Whangarei man has been arrested after police allege he assaulted a woman in the central city. Sergeant Craig Burrows, of Whangarei police, said a couple were in James St, central Whangarei, at 8.30pm on Wednesday when they began arguing. Mr Burrows said the man allegedly pushed the woman and was arrested and charged with assaulting a female.