CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10884, 7 February 1901, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB

fMR A. LYON RE-APPOINTED HUNTSMAN.

An adjourned! general meeting of the Christchurch Hunt Cub was held last evening, to deal with the question of appointing a master and liununian. Mr VY. Buckley occupied the chair. Ine bon. secretary (Mr Hali) read the report oi the sub-committ?e appointed at last meeting to go into tiie matter, showing that applications t>y way oi te*der, in alternative lorm, had been invited tor the position or huntsman. Under conditions No. 1, the applicant would pay all expenses in connection with hunting, keeping hounds, finding horses, whips, etc., lor twelve months, except claims lor damages; under condition No. ii, the applicant gives Ins services only tor six mourns from March Ist, and the club to pay all expenses except board and the keep of the huntsman. Mr F. P. Ciaridgs tendered at £300 or in the alternative £130; Mr A. Lyon £300 under No. 1 conditions, also offering to give the club tha use of his kennels, stables, accommodation for men, the use of his gear, four horses (Blackbird, Jorrocks, Fleetwood, and Comet), his services as master and huntsman, and in obtaining country for £60, if the club would pay all other expenses (such as keep of hounds and horses, men's wages, etc.), estimated at £180 and purchase him a new horse. Two other tenders were also received. The report continues as follows: —"Your committee are oi opinion that it is impossible tor any huntsman to do justice to his hounds and also to act as master, and that it wouM therefore be desirable to appoint a master as well as a huntsman, and your committee have asked Mr-E. D. O'Rorke if he would be prepared to accept the position of honorary master, the club paying his expenses in tiaining to the meets, and he nas kindly intimated that if it is the wish of the meeting generally he is prepared to accept that position. Under these circumstances, and after a careful consideration of the various tenders, the majority of your sub-committee are of opinion that it" would be advisable to accept Mr O'Rorke's oiler to act as honorary master, and also to accept the tender of Mr 5". P. Claridge as huntsman." A letter was read from Mr O'Rorke, stating his willingness to act as honorary master, but desiring it to be clearly understood ;;hat he did not seek the position, and was only acting at request. He desired to do what he could in the club's interests. Mr Hall moved the adoption of the report. Mr Palaireb moved as an amendment that' Mr Lyon be re-elected master and huntsman, "in doing so he said Mr Lyon had been master of the hounds for some thirteen years, and knew the country thoroughly. In his opinion they could not get a better man for the position in New Zealand. Considerable discussion followed, and on the question being put to the meeting the amendment was carried, and Mr Lyon appointed, the hon. secretary and hon. treasurer being appointed to draw up a contract with him. Mr Cotterill moved a hearty vote of thanks to the sub-committee, who had had an unpleasant task. If there was a difference of opinion there need be no feeling in the matter.

The motion was carried, and also a motion thanking Mr E. D. O'Rorke for his kindness in offering to take the position as requested. The meeting then adjourned.