SUCCESSFUL DAY FOR MAHIA HUNT IN NUHAKA VALLEY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22941, 9 May 1949, Page 6

SUCCESSFUL DAY FOR MAHIA HUNT IN NUHAKA VALLEY

Recent rain had left the ground in the Nuhaka Valley rather soft and slippery, but this did not deter members of the Mahia Hunt, who gathered there on Saturday and enjoyed a highly successful day's sport. After morning tea at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Goldstone, the pack was led by the huntsman, Mr. T. Kelly, to the flats in the bend of the Nuhaka River, and followers were soon away. It was here that Miss Anne Tombleson opened the day with a spectacular grounding, for which however, she was none the worse.

A fast left-hand turn up the river and then to the left and down to the open flat gave the onlookers a good view of the opening run, the hare swinging diagonally back to its start-ing-point and round to Tod’s Hill, where it took refuge in forbidden ground, hounds being called off. This abruptly closed a fast and exciting two-mile run. The next draw was made on the bank of the river, the hare running left again and doubling on the flats before going to rest in a rough grass paddock, giving the spectators another exciting view of the hunt in action. Hounds worked the cool scent well and a fresh hare came away. This one again got over the road to Tod’s Hill, and hounds were whipped off while followers had a well-earned breather. The next move was made to The Island, but a hare was afoot before he was reached and a good set of fences gave the spectators another outstanding display, while followers found it a most enjoyable experience. After three times round the flat the hare took a new line and was soon on the way to high country. 'As riders and mounts were a little on the “green” side it was then decided to call it a day. It was on the last-mentioned run that Miss P. Shortt on Lconie, came to grief. Warwick Hickling also took a neat tumble.

The master. Mr. T. W. G. Tombleson. turned out on Pinafore, and Miss Anne Tombleson, whip, on Kenya. The huntsman. Mr. T. Kelly, was up on Prince, Mrs. Tombleson on Warwick, and among other followers noticed were Mr. and Mrs. H. Smith, Miss Gil Stewart on Flash, Miss Ann Dickie on Dainty Lady, Miss P. Shortt on Leonie, Miss Mary Tod on Rangi, Messrs. T. Monteith on Flash, L. Croon on Roffo, J. Croon on Ronnie, G. Powdrell on Seymour, G. Tait on Teddy, J. Moore on Grey Dawn. N. Alexander on Thor, I. Devery on Prince, F. Hickling on Dictator, M. Michaelson on Fairy, Master V. Powdrell on Rastus, S. Hughes on Black Hopper, Warwick Hickling on Momma, and A. Stewart on Peggy. In the cars were Mesdames T. W. G. Tombleson. G. Powdrell. K. Stewart, T. Monteith, J. Moore, M. Michaelson jun., R. Hughes. Mr. and Mrs. M. Michaelson sen., Messrs. R. J. Goldstone, G. D. Tod and D. Rowe. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames R. J. Goldstone and Bainbridge, with ample assistance from others present. The master later thanked the hostesses.

Following the day’s hunt there was another assembly of enthusiasts at the home of the master, where old followers of the sport tendered a “kitchen” evening to Miss Patricia Brownlie on the eve of her marriage to Mr. D. Spence, a keen Tiniroto follower of the Mahia Hunt. Miss P. Shortt shared with Mrs. Tombleson the duties of hostess. As a parting gift to the hunt Miss Brownlie presented the master with an elegant whip.