HUNTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 June 1924, Page 9

HUNTING.

LAST WEEK’S MEET. What wa.s voted by till to be the most successful hunt of the season so far was held on the property of' Mr T. McPhillips at M.anaia on Wednesday, 11th inst. Mr McPhillips has a lovely home set amidst beautiful surroundings, and the gathering in his front paddock at 1 p.m. made a pretty picture. The gathering was recognised as the Hunt Club’s farewell to Mr .McPhillips, and everybody was in excellent spirits, and that feeling seemed to convey itself to hounds and horses, and even to poor old puss who provided excellent sport. After assembling for the photographer Mr McPhillips briefly welcomed the members, and wished them a good day’s sport. Throwing off from the house, the hounds quickly picked up the scent, and a most enjoyable run was obtained of about a mile, over 10 hedges, a spar, and a wire fence, culminating in a kill in Mr Russell's property in a corner of the creek. The blood of the hounds was now up and scent was good. Coming back into Mr McPhillips’ property, a fresh hare was picked up in the swamp, and this one led the pack an excellent run across the swamp, over hedges, across two creeks, over wire fences, over everything, finally leading into Mr Patterson's property, which had not been prepared, but which most of the horses jumped, and the hounds were not brought to check until they had reached the Winks road, nearly two miles away. Entering Mr Patterson’s field again, the field wended its wuy back oA’er some pretty tricky combination boxthorn and wire fences, and a fresh hare was picked up on the boundary of Mr McPhillips’ property, ; which was killed after a very short but exciting run. Quite a number of other runs were obtained and another kill. Nearly all the horses were straightgoers, about 40 in number. One old member remarked particularly on the large number of followers who kept with the pack. The members of the Egmont-Wanganui Club have a bad habit of trailing out across the field, but there is no doubt that the field keeps together the hare runs straighter’. The officers of the club present were : The Master (Dr. Simmons, of Patea) on Black Knight, Deputy-Master (Mr D. Crocker) on Yarraman, lion, huntsman (Mr D. Lupton) on Ain sir, whip-pers-in. Messrs A. Mitchell on Buenos Ayres, H. L. Spratt oai Molly Paul, and N. Crocker on Royal Park, the hon. secretary (Mr H. B. Gibson) on Generous. Amongst the followers were: Miss B. Gibson on Kiriwlia, Messrs J. Smillie on St. Bela, G. Twidle on Skyline, L. A. McCracken on Korari, S. Bailey on Papaka, T. Lupton o,n White Rein. R. Shown on Volitto, C. Paterson oil Glen Royal, Alex. Corrigan on Athlone, and D. Atkin on Chestfort. There were a great number of followers in cars, amongst whom were: Mr T. McPhillips and party, Mr E. Long and party, Mr F. Mourie and party, Mr E. Bourke and party, Mr A. McCracken, Mr H. Vine, Mr H. Crocker, and Mrs Scown. The veteran, Mr J. D. Mitchell, and his daughter, followed in a gig, nnd he appeared to enjoy the day’s sport heartily despite his 85 years. The onlookers had a great day, for from the several vantage points practically the whole of the hunting could be observed. . At about 4.30 p.m. the field adjourned to Mr McPhillips’ house, where a very capable ladies’ committee under ■Mrs McPhillips and Mrs T. Sutherland had prepared a bountiful spread. After the good things had been partaken of the Master thanked Mr and Mrs McPhillips for the use of their country and for the entertainment provided. He referred to the impending departure of Mr and Mrs McPhillips, and to the loss this would be to the Hunt Club. Mr McPhillips’ farm was some of the best hunting country in New Zealand, and it had always been made available to the club. The host of the day, in replying, stated he was always pleased to see the Egmo,nt-Wanganui pack and its followers going over his farm. He looked on the huntsmen as his friends and he hoped that that friendship would be cemented as years went on. He referred in kindly terms to the presence of Mr J. D. Mitchell, who had followed the hounds on. his farm for many a year. Mr McPhillips, who. most cordial in his remarks, stated that he was leaving his farm only for a few years, hut he had especially requested of his tenants that the Hunt Club might be allowed to use the Country yearly during the period of their occupation. He knew the men. who were coming in; they were real good sports, and he did iiot think the club would have any difficulty whilst he was away in getting the land for hunting purposes. The gathering terminated with three hearty cheers for the McPhillips family, three for the neighbours, and the singing of “For they are jolly good fellows.” After the bunt a number of the members stayed at the house, _ where a most enjoyable social evening was spent.