PAKURANGA HOUNDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 131, 4 June 1900, Page 6

PAKURANGA HOUNDS.

Saturday last, the 2nd of June, will long be remembered by the members or the Pukurunga Hunt Club, for the ilnest afternoon's sport we have enjoyed for many a year. Everything was favourable, the weather of course was fine, for we met at Mt. Roskill, and Mr Moody, always arranges with Captain Edwin for a fine day. The country was of the best and the runs all quick and for the most part with clean jumping. The Club officials are to be commended ior the time and money spent in 'preparing for the day, for in conjunction with Mr Moody they had made good safe jumps at all the wire fences by placing saplings along the top. The members were invited to luncheon at the house, where, under the personal supervision of Mrs Moody hospitality was dispensed in a. most lavish and generous style. After doing full justice to the good things provided, the horn of the huntsman was heard, horses were mounted and all wer eager for the chase. The hounds wer thrown off in a paddock at the lower end of the drive, and a pretty scene was presented us the huge cavalcade of horses spread out and went in a broad line towards the mountain. The numerous high walls and fences soon thinned down the numbers, until looking back one could see little clumps-of horses stopped at the various obstacles, all joining in again when the hounds came back from the rough country at the back of the mountain. Searching for a hare was far more interesting than is usually the case, for jumps were taken and at last the music of the hounds echoing in the trees showed game afoot. Quickening pace, a good run found nil It the top of the hill, when after a moment's pause the hounds led into the Pah. Riding right past the Pah mansion, the followers became scattered, and when the hounds were again sighted, pussy had escaped. Back to the swamp again, over the same jumps, and another hare started, leading this time to the road near the Three Kings College, and back again to the swamp, where it was killed; An adjournment was now made to the house1, where afternoon tea was very kindly provided for members and visitors. A good many now wended their way homewards, but Mr Selby was not yet satisfied, for he again threw dff the hounds near the creek crossing the drive. Finding almost at once, a capital run ensued1 right up to .the road, into the College grounds, and across a swamp to Mount Roskill, The sun set, the star? came out, and still the hounds were keen on the scent, but at length it became sq dark that the chase had to be abandoned. Prominent in the field were as usual Miss Gorrle on Jimmy; Miss Amy Taylor, Tim; Miss Nora Gorrie, M'Liss; Miss Alice Stribley, Awatua; Mr R. Burns, Squire; Mr D. McLeod, Kilcalrn; Mr H. T. Gorrle Riot- Mr T. C. Schnackenberg, Dandy Dick; Mr J. Rae, Natation; Mr Carmina, Ingorangi; and Mr R. P. Kinloch. Mr Moody, who generally has Oceola well to the front, was taken up with the duties of host that he generously kept in the background, and denied himself the pleasures of the chase. The Master (Mr J G. Ralph) looked splendid on Zulu, but he would do withi'a better mount. Mr McLaughlin on Dad, and Colonel Dawson on Ike, also followed for part of the time; and amongst others who appeared were Mr A. Harris on Fairy; Mr Lewis, Success; Mr Purchas, Neln or Nothing; Mr Goldsborough, Kapai; Mr r,axon, Mystery; Messrs Somers, Wylie, Creagh, Morrin, Batger, Wallace and Dunnett; Miss Roberts on Molly hawk; Miss Buckland, Miss Olive Buckland, and Miss McLachlan. Four of the circus horses were out, and much curiosity was evinced when the well known Newhaven and Playboy appeared, expectation running high in view of the possibility of a phenomenal exhibition from them; but disappointment ensued, for they have evidently been well trained, and appearing to object on principle to free shows, reserve their brilliant feats for the benefit of spectators who have paid for admission. With the exception of those who had spills, and spills were more numerous than usual, al went home delighted with the day's sport.