HUNTING.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 77, 6 April 1901, Page 3

HUNTING.

OPENING OF THE SEASON. Tim conditions with regard to weather were most unfavorable for the opening of the hunting season, but they were not of such a nature as to prevent most of the members of the club from attending the meet at Murcivai, on Thursday. And those who braved the elements were rewarded with an excellent day’s sport, for though it was showery at times, the weather during the run was fine, the sun at times smiling through the clouds. The attendance was the best ever known in the district, this being in a measure accounted for by the fact that there was a big Nativo gathering at Murcwai. And the spectators got no end of fun out of the hunt, for it is not every day ono has an opportunity of seeing a couple of hundred Natives following the hounds. It is true that their mounts were not of the first quality, but whether they climbed over or jumped the obstacles they were there at the finish all the same. The going was heavy, and the country was fairly stiff, severely taxing the “ new chums.” It was rather a bad day for scent, and in the first check the hounds ran very slow. Mr Cyril White, on his well-known hunter Czar, officiated as Master of the Hounds, and performed the duties of that office to thc'lettcr. He infused considerable dash and enthusiasm into the proceedings, and contributed in no small measure towards making the outing a pleasant one. Mr White was ably seconded in his efforts by Mr J. A. Harding, Deputy-Master, who as usual rode his fine hunter Wariti, who takes a lot of beating in a cross-country run. Amongst the ladies present were Mrs Dunlop and Misses Reynolds and Slierratt, who wero well to the fore during the hunt, taking the fences in fine style. Mr W. Hutchinson rode a fine bay gelding, which shaped exceedingly well, whilst Messrs Colin Dunlop, Gaddum (Mahia), A. McKenzie, Goldsmith (Waimata), G. Parker, Cummings on Explosion, and W. A. Hood all took a leading part in the hunt. Mr Oliver Evans and a younger brother were also present. Mr J. Malone performed the duties of huntsman for the first time, and shaped really well, and it is it perfectly certain that before the season is out he will be a past-master at the game. The hounds throw off at about twelve o’clock, immediately at the. back of the Murewai Hotel, and ran through Pakawai. After checking they went round the Pakawai woolshed, and skirting the adjoining hills, they turned and finished at the Native settlement at Murewai. The bills were spotted with spectators, there being upwards of three hundred persons present. Immediately after the hunt the members were entertained by the Natives at lunch at the Maori meeting-house, where an excellent spread was provided, and, needless to say, was done full justice to by all present. ’ A meeting of the Committee was afterwards held at tho Murewai Hotel, the President, Mr W. A. Hood, presiding, the other members present being Messrs White, Harding, Sherratt, and Hutchinson. On the motion of Mr White, seconded by Mr Harding, it was decided that the meets should be held on Mondays after next week, the change being made on account of Thursday clashing with the stock sales. The following meets were arranged;— April 11th, 9 a.m., Waikanae (hares). April 15th, 9 a.m., Waikanae. April 22nd, Rangatiri, at 11.30. April 29th, Wharekaia. May 6th, Fairfield (Mr Hood’s property). The following new members were elected: Messrs H. Kaiwbanga, W. F. Sinclair (Tolago Bay), S. J. Devery and A. Devery. The Secretary, Mr Cumming, was instructed to'register the colors of the Club. It was decided that these should bo green coat and red vest, provided the colors had not been taken by any other Club.