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Golden Shears 2020
Golden Shears – The beginning By Edwin O’Hara Where do great ideas come from? What is it that sparks the imagination and gives people the drive and determination to make something happen? In 1960 sheep numbers were climbing rapidly with wool prices climbing and shearing was a vital part of the industry. In the shed there was competition on the stands every day as shearers tried to get one up on their workmates. It was quite natural that they would be keen to pit their skills against other shearers in a competition. There were competitions held at shows and other venues in places throughout the country but they were mainly at a local level. Some two years before Golden Shears began Laurie Keats (MNZM), Geoff Laing, and Ivan Taplin were at a Young Farmers Club shearing competition at Wairoa, and while waiting for the results began discussing how great a national competition would be.
Records show that YFC shearing competitions had been held from 1948 so it was natural that they played a major part in shearer training and competitions. Laurie decided to push this idea forward and approached several civic and business people but only mild interest was shown. This changed when he approached Roy O’Hara (Federated Farmers) to come and watch a YFC shearing competition at the A&P show in Masterton. The competition held in the ram selling pavilion was a huge success with crowds lining up happy to pay an additional sideshow fee. Roy could see the enormous potential of Laurie’s idea and his enthusiasm became a pivotal and driving force. With the weight of FF on board and support from Les Laing (Masterton Public Relations) the idea was rapidly moving from maybe to let’s go. An added incentive took place in 1960 when hundreds queued to watch
a demonstration of shearing by Ivan Bowen & Claude Waite staged in a disused garage in Masterton. Godfrey Bowen working for the NZ Wool Board was making a name for himself teaching a very efficient style of shearing and setting a new shearing record. It was amazing how quickly things moved. Bob Chamberlain FF became chairman of a working executive to set up a new society, the format of which has changed little through its 60 years. YFC and Federated Farmers essentially formed a partnership with FF having initial control. Of special note is the objective of the Society stated below which is still fully met today. To promote competition in shearing and Wool Handling at local, national and international levels in order to encourage the highest standards of the craft and to ensure the best handling and presentation of the wool clip (wool pressing has been added). Making it happen was an enormous
Campus Day Rathkeale College Come and see our campus
Bring the Whole Family
Sunday 22 March, 2020 10.00am
• 123 acres to explore • Take an eco-walk down to the Ruamāhanga River • Check out the Primary Industries Land Lab • Ride the bike tracks • Boarding House Tours • Lots to see and do outdoors on our campus PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE www.rathkeale.school.nz or email:
principal@rathkeale.school.nz
