MANAWATU HUNT

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 17, 19 December 1927, Page 11

MANAWATU HUNT

ANNUAL MEETING. . The annual meeting of the Manawatu Hunt was held on Saturday evening, Mr R. A. McKenzie presiding over a good attendance •of members representing all parts of the district from Tokomaru to Kiwitea. PRESIDENT’S REPORT. . “From a hunting point of ' view,” stated the president in his annual report, “the 1927 season proved thoroughly successful, but, as the master’s report deals with this in detail, nothing more need be said here. . The point-to-point steeplechase, again held at Te Matai by kind permission of the trustees of the Lancaster Estate, proved thoroughly successful. All tire events, except the ladies’ race which had to be cut out for lack of entries, were splendidly contested and thoroughly enjoyed by the large crowd present. Donations and trophies were received from a number of good sports, and other assistance given. Your committee desires to specially thank Mr H. R. Lancaster for the valuable work he did to make the gathering so highly successful. . The meeting wa6 also a financial success. Owing: to the financial stringency obtaining, your committee decided not to hold a ball during the last season,. For several years this function had not been-patronised any too well, and the loss on it was so substantial that the committee very reluctantly allowed, it to lapse. The steeplechase meeting was held at Awapuni under arrangement with the Manawatu Racing Club, and from a racing point of view was as successful as any held in the past, which is saying a good deal. Financially, unfortunately, the meeting did not pan out as well as expected, there being only a very small balance, on tho right side. In connection with, the steoplechase meeting, the committee wishes to put on record its hearty thanks and appreciation of the sportsmanship of Mr C. G. Rhimcs, of Wellington, who presented a very beautiful and valuable silver cup for contest in the chief event of tho meeting, the Manawatu Hunt Cup Steeplechase. The trophy created the very keenest interest on all hands.” In conclusion the president thanked the master and committee for their good service throughout the season. MASTER’S REPORT.

“I submit herewith a few details of l the happenings of thp, past season, which was very successful from the [ viewpoint of attendances,” stated the . master in his report. “A very gratifying feature was the increasing number of young riders of both sexes. The i average number out at each meet was 28, and we hunted upon 25 .days. Huntsman Waller kept his pack in good form throughout the season, was always on time, and carried out his duties both at the kennels and in the field with credit to himself and satisfaction to the members. The pack at present numbers 20} couples, nine of these being nicely grown young hounds which will be running next winter. The club’s property is in very fine order, with the exception of the hounds’ enclosure, which needs a new fence. This is a very necessary work, and should, if possible, be erected during the coming season. , The steeplechase bru6li fences have all been repaired and carefully stored under the shelter of the bush. The hencoops. will require . some. attention before being used, the dower Timber being somewhat decayed. Both drag and hare hunting have been enjoyed. The great generosity of tho hosts and hostesses at the various meets, in providing refreshments to the followers and tlieir is thoroughly enjoyed and, appreciated. To the property owners over whose property we hunt, the best thanks of members are due. It ;is „a, bjg privilege, and besides this gift many-'also act as our hosts, to our: great, appreciation. The point-to-point; meeting was, a most enjoyable function, and was the medium of some very interesting sport. Unfortunately, it was marred by accidents to Messrs - Bailey’s, Toxward’s and Miss Maher’s.horses, the former’s horse, Roman, being killed. Mrs J. Shaw’s Rita, one-of-the most successful of our show jumpers met with an accident at the last‘Hawera Show with f-atal results, an exit which was. regretted by members. In, passing, congratulations . are .to Mr Waller upon the . success attained by his hunter, Frisco Jack,' bettor, known to members as Monowai.' This horse won the Manawatu Hunt Cup, a feat not previously accomplished by our own huntsman. I have to thank deputy masters and members for their kindly assistance in the field, which tended to make all our hunts so enjoyable.” HUNTSMAN’S REPORT. The huntsman, Mr J. J. Waller, reported that the pack comprised 20} couples. He had exhibited in the hound section at the Dannevirke Show and had won four firsts and one second and had received Mr D. Riddiford’s £s,special prize with the hound Patience. Entries were also made at the Manawatu Show, but there was no competition in tho harrier section. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers for the ensuing year were elected 'as' follow : Patron, Mr J. A. Nash; M.P. ; president, Mr R. A. McKenzie; viefe-presidents, Messrs L. H. Collinson, D. 8.. McEwen, W. W. An-

drews, W. G. Shannon, D. Pringle R. McDonald, A. Kidd, A J.,G. Eliott, M.P.; master, Mr L. H. Collinson; deputy masters; Messrs ■T. R. Taylor (Kiw.itea), S. G. Perry (WaitunaMakino), J. Shaw "and' C. G. Wood (Rangit-ikei Line;, W._ Scott (Aolcau-t-ere), E. E. Short and Hf Beatson (Fciiding), D. B. McEwen (Kairanga), H. R. Lancaster (T© .Matai), .A. Balmer (Raumai); committee (in addition to the above), Messrs A. Banks, W .E. Barber, S .Lodge; E. L.Oliver, Don Scott, W. Scott, G. V. Shannon, W .Taylor, M. E. Wood; executive, Messrs R. A. McKenzie, L. H." Collinson, H. R. Lancaster, D. ;B. McEwen, AV. G. Shannon, C.'G. 'Wood; treasurer, Mr L. H. Collinson; auditor, Mr N. H. Sinclair; lion, veterinary surgeon, Mr R. H. Meade. GENERAL. On the motion of the president, the reports were adopted, together with the balance-sheet. ; Hearty votes’of th*nks were accorded the president, master, huntsman and secretary. ; Owing to the fact that more funds are required, it was decided to increase the subscription for-active members to £2 2s, with ladies at half that amount.