HUNTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13781, 20 June 1908, Page 8

HUNTING.

The meet of the P&kuranga Hounds on Wednesday last was at the creamery, Papatoitoi. There v/erj not many present at the appointed time, but soon after and before the end of the day's sport quite 40 were following the hounds. ; By 'the very kind invitation of Mr. Hodge, the hounds wei-e thrown off on his property, a hare was soon found, and the scent was first-rate—-in fact, what is called breast high. So hounds ran at a great pace from Mr; Hodge's to Messrs. Kelly's, to the Groat South Road, crossing it on to Mr. Muir's, and then ran to the right and crossed the road again, and ran straight back, crossing Messrs. McLaren's farm, to the same "field. The Hounds dwelt a short time in the teatree, but forced the hare out on the far side on to the old Plumpton Park coursing ground, up to the railway, running parallel with the line to the road, crossing it, on to Mr. Carruth's, and then to the left over Mr. Madill's farm, up to near the homestead. Here the hounds came to a check, but casting themselves very prettily put the; hare up in some long grass, ran buck to Carruth's, and then over the road on to Mr. McLeod's, and along by the railwayline to the tea-tree. Here there were too many hares, and the hounds got on to fresh ones, so the hunted hare, though dead beat, was saved for another day. It was a really good run, and the first part over quite new country. Adjournment was made to Mr. Hodge's house ior afternoon tea. Before leaving the house Mr. A. 11. Harris (deputymaster) proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Hodge for their kind hospitality, also for allowing the hunt over his farm. Mr. Hodge thanked Mr. Harris for his kind remarks, and said he was only 100 pleased to sec the hounds at any time, and hoped they would bo there again this season. Three cheers were given for the host and hostess.

The hounds were next taken on the other side of the Groat South Road to Mi - . Trimble's farm. A harewas .at once ' found and a good run resulted. The line taken was over Messrs. Jenkins', C. Gillard's, R. Eccles', Willis', J Eceles', and back over Jenkins', E. Gillards', and Waters', and was lost on Gillards', sen. —a very nice run. Of the lady followers, I noticed riding well to hounds Miss R. Gorrie, Miss A. Harris, Miss Lloyd, Miss Ferguson, and Mrs. Grant. The best thanks ' are due to the farmers for the sportsmanlike manner in which they throw their farms open to the hunt. It is no doubt a» great thing to keep up the interest of the people in hunting as far as it can possibly be done. Undoubtedly Saturdays are the largest meets, and seem more popular than the Wednesdays, and do a great deal towards fostering the love of the chase which is, I think, inherent in the inhabitants of these islands. It is the sporting schoolboy of to-day that is more than likely to be the farmer of to-morrow, so we must keep his heart in the right place and encourage his fondness for hounds and hunting. What a pity more of the farmers do not come out regularly, for amongst them are many enthusiasts. Many own hunters, and to see them enjoying this pastime adds to the delights of hunting and the enjoyment of the members. Fine sport has fallen to tin? followers of the Pakuranga Hunt Club during the past few weeks, and will consitute a very pleasant memory, for there are larger crowds than ever this season, and sport has maintained a fair level of excellence without being of an extraordinary character, and hounds have seldom done better. Had Whyte Melville ever limited with us he might have dedicated the following lines to our pack: — There's a scent you may swear, by the pace that they drive. You must tackle to work with a will, For as sure as you "stand! in your stirrups alive. It's a case of a run and a kill! So I wish you good speed, a good line, and a lead, With the luck of each fence where it's low; Not the least of the troop, may you hear the who-whoop. Well pleased m you heard Tally-ho.