TALLY HO

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32663, 20 July 1971, Page 4

TALLY HO

(N.Z. Press Association) INVERCARGILL, July 19. A hare led the Birchwood Hunt Club a merry chase through Ohai streets and properties on Saturday when ..it decided to leaves the open spaces in search of more cover in the western Southland mining township. The hunt took an unexpected turn when the hare, chased by 23 hounds, raced into the town and gave residents about 30 minutes of unrehearsed comedy. The huntsman, Mr L. Insall, said tonight that it was unusual for a hare to seek cover in a township. Embarrassed hunt officials and 30 riders followed their hounds through the local school grounds, sidestreets, thorugh a church-

yard, over the main road and a railway line, in and out of some house backyards, and back into open country where they finished their run handy to the local hotel, said Mr Insall. There, outside the hotel, children on ponies were served lemonade and raspberry, and senior members other refreshments before the hunt moved on.

Mr Insall complimented the townsfolk for their acceptance of the situation and said there was no damage done by the horsemen. This was borne out by the local policeman, Constable J. Flynn, who said he had received no complaints. The hare, for all his ingenuity, now rests in his happy hunting ground.