Passion for shearing started early for young shepherd 18 Jan, 2021 12:00 AM 2 minutes to read Melissa Hamilton tightens her shearing hand piece before the start of the competition at the 39th Northern Southland Community Shears. Photo / Sandy Eggleston Melissa Hamilton tightens her shearing hand piece before the start of the competition at the 39th Northern Southland Community Shears. Photo / Sandy Eggleston Otago Daily Times By: Luisa Girao A fascination watching shearers as a child has drawn one young woman into having a go herself. Shepherd Melissa Hamilton took part in the 39th Northern Southland Community Shears held at the Selbie family woolshed, Lowther Downs, near Lumsden on Friday.