PAKURANGA HUNT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20863, 4 May 1931, Page 11

PAKURANGA HUNT.

OPENING OF THE SEASON, j GOOD AFTERNOON'S SPORT. SEVERAL SPILLS OCCUR. The opening meet of the season of (he Pakuranga Hunt was held on Saturday at East Tamaki in perfect weather. There was a largo attendance of members of the club, farmers and visitors, among the latter being the Countess of Oi'ford, Lady Lockhart, Mrs. IT. Bullock-Webster, Lady Leys and Mrs. J. J. O'Brien. In welcoming the farmers, the master of tho hunt, Mr. H. Bullock-Webster, who presided over the breakfast in tho East Tamaki Hall, said thero was every prospect of a good hunting season. The relations between tho club and the farmers of the district had always been very happy, and he trusted that no act of the members would endanger that relationship. Tho club wished the farmers a prosperous winter, and hoped that the better times which were ahead would soon bo felt in the community. A feature of tho hunt in recent times had been the greater scarcity of hares. This was partly due. to the action of some men from the city who were in the habit of taking greyhounds and lurchers over the properties upon which previous hunts had been held. If tho farmers would tako so mo action to discourage that practice the members of tho club would bo quite willing to co-operate. Two Kills After Good Runs. Mr. F. M. Waters, who replied on behalf of the farmers, said the hunt had always been welcomed. The farmers maintained a good feeling for tho members of tho club, who were very careful to protect farm property in every way. He congratulated Mr. Bullock-Webster on his re-election to (ho position of master of the hunt, and wished the club a successful season.

Hounds throw off on tho properly of Mr. A. Sherry, and the liare gave them a good run across the farms of Messrs. F. Wright, H. Phillips, J. Ross and K. Ross. Crossing the road, the pack entered the property of Mr. T. Wood, whence it was led to Mr. C. Allc-n's farm, crossing the road again to Green Mount. A good run uphill brought tho pack to Mr. R. Wright's farm, where a kill was recorded. Another kill was obtained later in the afternoon after a good run.

Several spills occurred, One of these was very unlucky. A farmer residing in tho district, Mr. J. Billingham, was thrown when his horse stumbled in a blind ditch. Tho rider suffered slight concussion and, after being attended by Dr. Valentine, was removed to his homo. Some of the Prominent Followers. A fair field of about 50 riders followed hounds, and these presented a striking appearance as they moved off, the diversity of the costumes being an original if not. an orthodox feature of tho day's sport. The followers included the master of the hunt, Mr. H. Bullock-Webster, on Tally Ho; the huntsman, Mr. P. H. Smith, on Harkaway; Captain T. J. Dates, on Zara; Lieutenant-Commander J. B. Prentice, on State Conveyance; Commander E. L. Bcrthon, on Paddy; Mr. P. 11. Bishop, on Mvrina; Mr. C. Allan, on Sparks; Mr. A. E. Watkins, on Mercury; Mr. Neil Sutherland, on a bay; Mr. O. Self, on Thelma; Mr. B. Myers, on Heather Bell: Mr. F. Dunlop, on Vixen; Mr. A. Woodford, on a roan; Mr. G. Thorburn, on Sylvia; Mr. W. .1. Brookes, on Mashoor; Mr. K. E. Graham, on a chestnut; Mr. .1. Adams, on Fashion; Mr. K. McPherson, on Waikaha; Mr. G. Wylie, on Martian; Mr. G. G. Hamilton on Drury; Mr. A. Waters, on Dominican; Mr. A. G. Quartley, on Mack; Mr. J. Buchanan, on Dioue; and Mr. J. Barton, on Day Lark. The lady riders included the lion. Mrs. Blyth, on Llewellyn; Mrs. P. Smith, on Molly; Mrs. H. Grierson, on Bachelor; Lady Ann Walpole, oil Aeroplane; Miss Se'Ji Smith, on Sunny Morn; Miss Martin, on Gay Laddie; Mrs. E. G. Green, on Shamrock; Miss P. Weston, on Rino Light; Miss I). Weston, on Vanity; and Miss Shirley Watkins, on Kildare.