MANAWATU HUNT.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14191, 28 April 1919, Page 4

MANAWATU HUNT.

©PEKING- OP THE SEASON. Tho Manawatu Hunt hold the first “meet” of the season on Saturday afternoon, when a hunt was held across the country from Mr Jepson’s farm at Bunnythorpe to Eangitikoi Lino. The weather was not altogether propitious, rain falling during a pmrtion of the time, but nothwithstanding this drawback, there was one of the largest field of followers the hunt has had for years, and.a very large crowd of spectators watched the sport from the roadside. Huntsman* Sexton had the hounds in good trim aud they ran fast and true, though there were quite a number of new' faces among the “field” and some of the hunters were very green, tho jumping throughout was excellent. Mr Norman Short, acting master, was in charge and regulated the runs excellently. The drags were laid by Messrs D. B. McEwan and L. B. .Collinson, and the following comprised tho field: Miss Meads on Miss Ghoorka, Messrs N. Short (acting master) on Meta, J. Sexton (huntsman), Papa; J. Shaw (hon. whip), Silver Hair; W. Buick, Doctor Jim; Roy Scott, Coker’s Prince; Walter Scott, Jumbo; E. Watson, GreenStripe; G. Davey, Coker’s Chestnut; E. Pcltman, Chautauqua; W. Kitchen, Ncdlow; W. E. L. Banks, Blaze; J. T. Hill, Plain Bill; A. Hill Creamy; L. H. .Collinson, Punjaub; W. Neylon, Hoatu; D. Batchelor, Khamsin, D. B. McEwen, Belle; E. L. Northcott, Balmoral; N. Avery, Jack; O. V. Oxley, Bob; T. Shaw, Graylight; H. R. Lancaster, Princess; J. Crook, Sail Homo; A. Halloran, Scout; M. Wood, Walker’s Ridge; P. Coles, Martinello; H. Futcher, Sam; S. Olliver, Doctor; M. McCooi, Mystery; J. Perrin, Diana; and others. At the conclusion of the hunt, the followers and a large assemblage of their friends wore entertained at afternoon tea by Mr and Mrs Hugh Gillies, at their residence, Edinkillie Park. Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., patron of the hunt, in proposing a vote of thanks to their host and hostess, took tho opportunity of apologising, for the absence of the president, Mr S. R. Lancaster, who was indisposed, wdiose gonial presence was greatly missed. Mr C. R. Beattie spoke of the kind hospitality they had received from Mr and Mrs Gillies, and the vote of thanks was carried wdth ringing cheers. A vote of sympathy with the president in his illness w’as also passed, and three cheers for tho owners who had placed their property at the disposal of tho hunt, concluded a most auspicious opening of the season. The next hunt wall bo at Mir J. Balsillic’s farm, Kairanga, on Saturday next.