Manawatu Hunt

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 53, 5 March 1935, Page 4

Manawatu Hunt

PRESIDENT’S REVIEW OF MOST SUCCESSFUL SEASON.

The annual meeting of the Manawatu Hunt was held in Palmerston North on Friday night last, there being a very large attendance of members from all over tho district, Mr. AV. AV. Andrews, President, occupied’ the chair.

Refcrcneo was made to the death of tho lato Mr. Shannon, who with his family, • had for a great number of ’years takpn such a keen and helpful interest in tho affairs of tho Hunt. A motion of condolence with tho relations of the deceased gentleman was •passed, members standing in silence.

President’s Report. Mr. Andrews reported as follows: “It is with pleasure I am able to report that tho activities of- the Hunt during tho season 1934 wore most successful and enjoyable, numerous drag and hare hunts being held. Your officials gave their best attention to tho interests of the Hunt, and they were largely assisted by the kind permission granted by tho owners of properties in fho following districts — Ohau, Manakau, Otaki, Levin, Kiwitca, Waituna, Cheltenham and at the Kennels. Wc are also greatly indebted to property owners for their generous hospitality. There were good fields at all the hunts, and numerous spectators, especially at the drag hunts, whero the sport was more easily witnessed. “The Annual Point -to-point Steeplechases wore" again held on the Levin racecourse and adjacent properties and were highly successful and enjoyable, the gathering being organised and carried out by the Committee of the Levin Branch of tho Hunt, and they nave our most hearty thanks for their successful efforts. All the events on the programme were well contested and thoroughly enjoyed by a large, gathering of the public. The Levin Branch are to be complimented on the manner in which the events were got off. “It will be remembered that the cottage at the Kennels was burnt doWn last year. As instructed, your Committee had a now cottage erected and you will bo pleased to know that they got quite a nice house erected to replace the one destroyed within tho amount for which the old building was insured. “The Annual Race Meeting conducted by the Manawatu Racing Club on behalf of the Hunt again proved successful. Tho business of tho meeting was carried out by Miss M. Buchanan, acting Secretary of the Racing Club, with great ability and she is entitled to our hearty thanks.

“You will remember that our Treasurer, Mr. L, H. Collinson, who has held the position for 18 years, was granted leave of absenco for six months, to pay a visit, to tho Old Country., Air. and Airs. Collinson and their two sons made tho visit Homo and after a most enjoyable trip have now returned. It gives mo great pleasure to extend to them a most hearty welcome back and all our members will bo delighted to see Mr. Collinson back in the hunting field.” Master’s Report. Mr. D. A. ScOtt reported: “It is with pleasure that I report on the 1934 Hunting Season. Before proceeding, however, 1 wish to record with regret the passing of Mr. Shannon Sour. The late Mr. and Mrs Shannon, of Flaxbournc, were loyal supporters of the Hunt for many years. “In the 1934 season the Manawatu Hunt met on 25 days. Wo hunted hares over Kiwitca and Waituna country oil eleven days, drag hunted in the Horowhenua district on ten days, and over country’ adjacent to Palmerston North the remaining four. Wc were most fortunate with the weather, having generally good scenting days and with only about two really wet days. “The Annual Point-to-Point Steeplechases organised by the Levin Branch were again held on the Levin racecourse and adjacent properties, and the Levin members are to bo congratulated on their successful efforts.

“We again had a. successful two-day Hunt at Kiwitca arid Waituna on June 2nd and 4th, when a number of followers trained their horses over from Levin, tho Kiwitea people entertaining them over the week-end with their Usual hospitality. On the Saturday at Luxinoro’s and adjoining properties we had some most enjoyable runs and on

the Monday at Mr. Younger’s a iicla of about 45 took part in one of the best runs wo had had for some time, terminating in a kill in the open in full view of followers and spectators. “It is gratifying to note the presence in .the Kiwitea district of new members, and of quite good fields generally'.

“The Levin district members are to be congratulated on the work they do in laying out the drag courses. They spare no trouble in erecting a most surprising number and variety of fences, which make for the entertainment of both followers and spectators. “Huntsman Waller is to be congratulated on tho entirely satisfactory manner in which ho carried out his duties. Hounds are under control and run fast and true. Although having to travel up to fifty miles to a hunt, tho Huntsman is almost invariably on time, Ho is always well mounted and lie is always up with the hounds, whatever the country is like. To ensure a successful day’s sport, nothing seems too much trouble to him.

“Our sincere thanks are due to property owners, who so generously allow'ed us to hunt over their properties. Only with their support is tho Hunt able to carry on.- Their generosity in. providing entertainment at the end of tho days, sport is always most welcome and appreciated. “Members will join with me in extending to Mr. L. H. CoJlinson, our Treasurer and former Master a most hearty welcome back from his trip to the Old Country, and to have his assurance that he will again be with us in tho hunting field. “In conclusion T. wish to sincerely thank the Deputy Master and the Hon. Whips for their co-operation. It is on them that the success of the day’s run depends, and invariably do they sco to it, that nothing is left undone to ensure good sport.”

Huntsman’s Report,

Mr. J. J. Waller reported:—

‘ < AVo liavo 111 couple of hounds and '6 pups, all in good fettle. The progeny of our imported hound Chorister (deceased) have shown their worth during the past few seasons . The lcennels and outbuildngs are in fair order, and the new house is everything to be desired. II desiro to thank the honorary whips for their efficient help during the season. ” The balance-sheet was read, showing the financial position of the Hunt, which, with the reports, was adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —Patron, Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., President, Dr. S. J. Thompson; Vice-presidents, Messrs. D, B. McEwen, L. H. Collinson, A. Kidd, K. V. Drown, AV. G. Shannon, E. H. Brewer, A. I’. Smith, j\. M. Ongley; Committee (in addition to Deputy Masters), Messrs. D. A. Scott, G. Vickers, M. Conway, E. S. Mcßeth, 0. Perry, N. hr. Thomson, G. Vickers, H. S. Jones; Treasurer, Mr. L. H. Collin* sou; Master, Mr. G. Perry; Deputy Masters, T. R. Taylor (Kiwitea), Mrs. A. M. McDonald (Rangitikei Line), D. B. McEwen (Kairanga), J.' A. Cameron (Carnarvon), G. AV. Shannon (Te Matai), D. A. Scott (Aokautcre), J. Kilsby, T. O ’Roprke, C. Bills, G. Vickers, AV. Swainson (Levin); VctcrI inarian, Mr. R. H. Meade; Hon. Auditor, Mr. N. M. Thomson; Executive, the President aud Master and Messrs.

AV. G. Shannon, D. B .McEwen and D. , A. Scott On the motion of Mr. 0. Perry, it was decided that the coming season be opened not later than 14th Maich. A number of members were elected. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the ex-Prcsideiit and cx-Mastcr.