PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12860, 8 May 1905, Page 6

PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB.

OPENING- OF THE SEASON,

A SUCCESSFUL MEET.

The 34th season of the Pakuranga Hunt Club was opened at (Penrose on Saturday, and was a, great success. The weather was perfection, a cloudless sky, bright sun, arid a nip in the air which added a thorough hunting zest to the. meet. It is interesting to mention in connection with the 34th anniversary of the club that Mr. W. E. McLaughlin, the present master, who was one of tho original founders of tho club in 1872, is still an active member.

The hounds, of which there were 15 couples-, were in splendid condition, and reflected great credit upon Mr. A. Selby, tho huntsman. They wore thrown off in Mrs. Bailey's property, south of the homestead. They were soon on the scent of a strong hare, which gave a smart run up over the hill towards the back of tho house, in tho direction of Panmure Boad, over good hunting country, with a few medium jumps, but puss was finally lost in the swamp. There were two other short runs during the afternoon, but as the scent was lying none too well, the hounds were not rewarded with a kill. The presence of a number of spectators in the drive somowhat interfered with the course of the quarry. Incidentally, it may be pointed out that it would be to the advantage of both huntsmen and onlookers if the hitter would refrain from making too much noise when tho hunted hare is sighted, and endeavour not to check her course, or drive over the scent until the hounds have crossed. By doing this much better sport might be obtained, and sightseers would be well rewarded, as no finer sight may he seen than the working of a capital pack of hounds. to say nothing of the display by horses and riders. Mr!' 11. Bullock-Webster (acting-master) was in charge of the field, and with his knowledge and experience it is needles.? to say that everything was well managed. The members of the club congratulated themselves upon making such an excellent choice for the post. Mr. Webster was mounted on his splendid hunter Riot, whoso condition and get-up were perfect, sotting a good example to followers. Among the prominent riders were: Miss Buckland, on Popgun; Miss Lloyd, on Vagabond ; Miss Thome George, on a pony; Mrs. Crowe, on Dick; Miss Gorrie, on a bay; Miss Dickeson (Bay of Islands), on Merry Fire; little Miss Baker, on a cream pony (who fenced admirably); Mr. Muir Douglas, on Waiuku; Mr. W. B. Bloomfield, on M'Liss; Mr. 8.. Lewis, on a chestnut; Mr. F. Waller, on Cragsman; Mr. 11. Cotter, on Bacchus; Mr. W. Pittar, on a gray; Mi-. 11. Tonks, on Ben ; Mr. Ben. Myers, on a raking chestnut; Mr. E. Close, on Joe; Mr. Casey, on Polo; Mr. F. Wallace, on a bay; Mr. Kinloch (secretary), Mr. B. Kinloch, Mr. Sims', Mr. Southey Baker, Mr. ('. P. Nolan. Mr. A. Hattaway, and Mr. .1. Gray, wore also present. Among the spectators riding and driving wore: Sir. and Mrs. G. Dunuett, Mr. and Mrs. W. Somors, Mrs. 10. H. Kelly and Miss Alexander, Mrs. -11. Gorrie and Miss Gorrie, Mr. and Mrs. K. Horton and Miss Horton, Mr. and Mrs. W. .Tagger, Mrs. .1. G. Ralph and Miss Harris, Mrs. and Miss Dickenson, Messrs. 11. Clark, 0. E. Purchas, J. Alexander. .V. Hill, ll.' Moody, Miss Bae, Mrs. J. M. Laxou and Miss McNaughton, Mrs. Biss and Miss Roberts, Mrs. 11. Norton. Miss Olive Bucklaud. Miss Dobson, MiSs Muriel Dawson, and Mr. J. Chadwick.

There were two or three spills during the afternoon by over keen sportsmen, not sufficiently acclimatised, after several months' absence from the saddle.

Several prominent followers were missed, notably Mr. E. D. O'Rovke (the popular late master) and Mrs. O'Rorke, and Mr. Caminer (late treasure of the club). Many fresh faces were noticeable, however, and hunting enthusiasts welcomed the reappearance in the field of Sir 11. D. Sinclair Lockhart and Mr. Colegrovc, after a lengthy absence from <hp> meetings. The next meeting will be at Pakuranga fori;.'' on Wednesday. On Saturday next the meet will be at ihumata.