CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6905, 10 November 1887, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB.

Thie annual dinner of the Cbristchurch Hunt Club took place last night at the Oddfellows' Chambers, and was a most enjoyable gathering. The meeting is the one at which the Club and the farmers -fraternise, and the former has an opportunity of expressing to the latter the obligations under which the members are for the permission to follow the sport of kings over their land. There were about .fifty gentlemen present, and Mr Buggeylaida most excellent spread, to which the guests brought the proverbial hunters' appetite. The chair was occupied by Hon. E. Parker, President of the Club, who was supported right and left by prominent members of the Brackenfield and South Canterbury Clubs. After the usual loyal toasts, • Mr Kimbell said they had met there that evening for the second time to thank their friends the farmers for their kindness and also to acknowledge the hospitality of the farmers' wires. He hoped the members of the Club would always when they opened a gate have one eye to the hounds and one to the fanners' interests, i 'He proposed "Success and Prosperity to! the Farmers," coupled with the names of Messrs Randall and Jones (Killiuchy), and J. Kerr (New Brighton).— Applause. Mr Randall responded thanking the Club for the hearty way in which the toast had been received. The farmers •were always glad to see the Hunt Club ■with them, and to encourage hunting so far as they could. . Mr Jokes also responded to the toast, Speaking of the pleasure it gave him to "•welcome the members of the Hunt Club, •Who usually brought good horses to clear the fences.

Mr Kerb also spoke, promising the Hunt Club a hearty welcome whenever they came to New Brighton. Mr Geo. Ktntg proposed "The other Clubs," coupling with the toast the names of Mr Starkey (Brackenfield) and Mr Armitage (South Canterbury). Mr Abmttage responded, expressing the pleasure he felt at beinjr present on the occasion. Hunt Clubs were the means of improving the breed of horses, and encouraging the production of jumpers. Besides this they taught the young generation; the essential qualities of courage and coolness. ■ ".' Mr Starkey also spoke to the toast. The President then proposed the toast of the evening, "Hunting." The subject was one which knit together all sorts and conditions of men, and when the hounds ■were in front giving tongue in glorious music, there were no> happier men in the ■world than the hunters. The farmers reaped some benefit from the sport, and besides it helped to keep down the vermin In the shape of hares, which would otherwise become too numerous. Huntinggavc a man that exercise which was so necessary, and he did not know a sport more enlivening: than hunting. (Applause.) . The toast was received with loud cheers. Mr J. Brabazox proposed the next toast, of "The President, which was received with lou,d plaudits. The President (Hon. E. Parker) said that it gave him great pleasure to occupy the post of President of the Hunt Club. It had always been his object since he joined the Club to foster the sport of hunting, and he hoped to be able to continue to follow the sport for many years to come. From his earlier years he had followed the hounds, and trusted he would be able to, do so with the Christchurch hounds for a i lone tune. (Applause.) j Mr A. Coff then proposed the toast of "The Master," Mr F. J. Kimbeli. Sir. KimbeU was a gentleman who had justly ejuroed the respect of all the members of the Club, alike in the field and out of it. I Mr Kimbell had honored the Club byi accepting the post of the honorary Master j to the Club, and he felt sure he spoke the sentunentsof all the members of the Club ■when he wished him many years to lead = them in the field. (Loud cheers.) Mr Kumbkll responded to the toast, 1 thanking the members of the Club for the kindly manner i n which the toast had been ITTi i as Portsman at heart, and ? e i*? B^* 11 the liveliest interest ip the Christchurch Hunt Club. He now desired to propose the next toast, that of " Jhe secretary and the Treasurer" (Messrs A. Lean and A. Cuff), who had been most energetic in the way they had carried on < the business of the Club i and A. Lean responded to ! the toast. j Mr Lasckeles proposed "The Ladies." whichwas responded to by Mr Roberts. 'v^ e -M^ BKU i'V rO 'P OBeA the nealthof an 'ex-Master of the Hounds" (Mr Arthur .Rhodes), who responded. Daring the evening some excellent songs •were snng, and generally the proceedings ■were very enjoyaWe. .*——«««»