THE HUNT.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 848, 21 June 1910, Page 7

THE HUNT.

GOOD RUN AT OTAKI. ' Our Otuki correspondent writes:—A really good course—both from a spectacular anu i'rom a huntsman's point of view —was the result of the efforts of Messrs. W. M. Siineox, A. Straw-bridge, A. 11. N. Taylor, J. Guy, and others, who were responsible for tho choosing of tho recent run. at Olnki. Some fine jumps had been erected, and here and there gorso fonoM, bnului. and drains .w«reV in evidence, and tlieso all lidded to the enjoyment of tlio meeting. In consequence of bad. weather, however, a large contingent of horsemen from Longburn ami PaliiK-rstou failed to appear, while ievin folks were conspicuous by their absence. Nevertheless, somo. fourteen riders assembled at Mr. A. L. Wjnterburn's— tho start of the "meet" —while several knots of spectators, who braved the elements, wcto seen on various vantage places Oil tho hills, where good views could bo obtained. _ - 111'. Martin Simcox, on Ilaunder, laid the drag, but his mount for a limn fail-ed-to jump up:to expectations. TJil.fr, however, the rnare jumped splendidly, clearing everything in capital hunting style. The chase then commenced in earnest,' and iho eis hounds itarted off at a brisk pace, followed by Mr. D. Bennett (huntsman) on Merry Legs, Mr. A. Strawbridgo on Silver Shell as deputymaster, and Messrs'.- .1. Hdii'in on Litdy Croswick, Mr., T., O'Uourko on Darkie, Captain A, N. Samuol on Scamp (whips), and Sir. J. G. Jamieson on Black Patch. Then came Iho rest of tho field, including Mr. Arthur Taylor ou Dick, Jtr. Uortoii Bright on Tahi, Mr. A. Drake on Promise, Mr, R. Drake oil Kangaroo. Mr. S. Dorset on Gunner, and Mr. Ileum Wliafa on Bonnie Boon. Among tlib others/ was Jlr. J. D. Ilowell on Jenny, Miss "JJrako oil Vesper, and Miss Idajorio Dralto on Venus. The majority ot the horses jumped splendidly till the sixth jump, when four or live refused to take rather nn awkward obstacle. After lulling this, however, all wont well, and the first run ended without mishap,, except that olio rider had an unpleasant encounter with a fence, and another smashed a post. The second run n\is (ho most interesting, and Messrs. Strawbridge and Simcox laid the drag, th® former giving the -lead. Both horses jumped in great style, clearing fences, gorso hedges, etc., excellently. The former, horseman delighted tho spectators by "taking" k gate, which had becomo closed. Tho lump wu6 u high one, but Silver Sliell cleared it without an effort. Mr. Sirncox, in consideration for others, dismounted, and thus left only a pole to bo negotiated. The run was marked with success, most of tho horses clearing everything, ' .One or two, howevef, took ,i afioH cut to the "kill," thus missing some of the hurdles. Thosa "in at Die death" rode well, nnd despite ono or .two .stilt.' jumps ran , home in .fino style. In all, there were some thirty jumps, and the run was ovej' a tliree-qud-a- lialf-milo courso.. At,'tho conclusion, huntsmen and supporters adjourned to the Central Hotel,; where afternoon tea was partaken of, and a convivial timo spent. Captain Samuel, on behalf of the visitors,. tharikfd tho club for their hospitality, mentioning especially Messrs. Sh-n'wbridge, Sime-os, and Howell, who woro instrumental ill making tho meeting .a success. He stated that such runs tended to foster the sport and uplift hunting, generally. • : Mr. Jamieson, on 'behalf of the followers, returned thanks; paying special tribute to property owners, who had placed their lauds at tho club's disposal. .Air. Strawbridgo paid a tribute to tho ladies who attended and the visitors. He also referred to hunting in general, and. to .the sound footing on which it was now apparently established in the district. ■ -i . Mr. JlaTtin Simcox also referred to tho generosity of property owners, while Mr. Samuel paid a tribute to the capabilities of Mr, Bennett (huntsman).