A 1936 article in the Hawke's Bay Herald Tribune sang the praises of the hard-working farm dog. Photo / Bevan Conley
Kem Ormond takes a look at the world of farming back in the day. In this week’s Pastures Past, she’s found historical newspaper articles from around the country on working dogs.
The life of a working dog is one of discipline, dedication, and an unspoken bond with its handler.
These dogs give their all, day in, day out and often without fanfare or fuss.
For farmers, they’re more than just helpers; they’re indispensable partners who save time and reduce labour.
In 1936, the Hawke’s Bay Tribune reported that a working dog “never goes on strike and never demands a shorter day”.
The article questioned whether farm dogs truly got the recognition they deserved, despite their tireless efforts, considering how much their human counterparts cost.
“Figure out how much beef or mutton would cost if cattle and sheep were handled entirely by high-wage forty-hour humans instead of wage-less dogs.”
Below is a selection of historical stories from the Daily Telegraph, Napier (1911), the NZ Herald (1936) and the Hawke’s Bay Tribune (1936).
Daily Telegraph (Napier), July 14, 1911
(To the Editor.)
Sir,–Will you allow me a little space in your valuable paper re the trial of working sheep dogs in connection with the Hawke’s Bay Kennel Club’s show for a cup presented by Mr Hugh Campbell, and in which class I entered a protest against Mr C. W. Davis’ dog Don.
Mr Campbell specified that the trophy was to be given for the best working sheep dog.
By good luck, I and several others happened to see the dog work, or rather try to work, at McLean Park yesterday.
I will give £25 to the Children’s Home if Mr C. W. Davis will bring his dog out to the Hawke’s Bay Central Sheep dog trial grounds and head and bring back three sheep or any number he likes.
Owing to McLean Park being fenced it was only asking him to run his dog half the distance of the trial ground.
If Mr Davis will let me know when he will run his dog, I will let the public know, so that all interested may attend. — I am, etc.,
Redcliffe, Taradale.
New Zealand Herald, April 2, 1936
Boy’s work at dog trials.
[By telegraph—own correspondent]
Gisborne, Wednesday
At the Rere dog trials Brian Faulkner, aged 12 years, a son of Mr. Miles Faulkner, of Rere, astonished many experienced shepherds and drovers by his aptitude in working a dog which he had trained himself.
In his class he put up a good exhibition, keeping the dog well under control and working the sheep cleverly to the ring.
He was awarded fourth prize, which was a creditable performance in view of the number of experienced competitors.
Hawke’s Bay Tribune, April 14, 1936
Value on a farm
When it is considered that more than half the primary production wealth of New Zealand can be attributed to the pastoral industry, it follows that particular attention should be given to utility dogs.
Types have been evolved suitable to local conditions which evoke the surprise and admiration of visitors from other parts of the world and reflect unquestioned credit upon the enterprise of breeders.
In this country the exploitation of animal labour with no recompense beyond the barest livelihood is often taken far too lightly as man’s unqualified privilege.
A good working dog does more than its bit to keep down the high cost of living.
How many men would be needed on a station to do the work as efficiently and well as a drover’s dog?
When we are striving for decent conditions of labour let us not forget to try it on the dog.
A good canine worker represents to the full the labour element of dogdom, except that he never goes on strike and never demands a shorter day.
Indirectly it is the working dog that decides whether we are to have meat for dinner to-day, and if that meat is within the limit of our purse.
Figure out how much beef or mutton would cost if cattle and sheep were handled entirely by high-wage forty-hour humans instead of wage-less dogs.
Unrewarded, toiling, often abused, the working dog remains patient and efficient and earns his half pound of shin a thousand times over.
The balancing of their rights and duties has never been respected because they cannot fend for themselves unless they go wild; hence they remain “Man’s most faithful friends.”
Anybody who has witnessed a sheep-dog trial cannot fail to be impressed with the remarkable sagacity and ingenuity displayed by the dogs at work.
- Source: Papers Past