THE HUNT CLUB MEETING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 907, 19 July 1889, Page 13

THE HUNT CLUB MEETING.

The Hunt Club were favoured wjbh delightful weather for their sport on July 16th at Hutt Park. A breakfast was given by Mr Riddiford at his residence, Lower Hutt,. to the members of the Club, about 130 being present, including a large number of ladies. His Excellency the Governor, Lady Onslow, Lord Cranley, and suite were present at the throw off, which took place on the racecourse at 2.40 p.rn. There were about 1000 to 1200 spectators on the ground, including about 180 on horseback. The first run off was a distance of about three quarters of a mile across the paddocks, and a capital run was enjoyed. The master of the hounds, Mr Riddiford, met with a spill, his horse falling and getting away, but no damage was done. After a spell the second run of about the same distance in an opposite direction took place. Mrs Hammond, of Rangitikei, who was riding a clever horse, collided with a horse and its rider near the water jump, the result being that Mrs Hammond was thrown bodily into the water, from whence she was speedily rescued and conveyed to Mr Riddiford’s house for a change of clothes. Beyond the drenching she escaped without damage. Miss Willis, who was riding a rather spirited horse, met with a mishap at the seventh fence. Her horse caught the top rail, throwing her to the ground. Fortunately the lady escaped unhurt. Her horse got away, but was soon caught, and Miss Willis pluckily remounted and joined the runniug. Mr Pringle, saddler, of Lower Hutt, also got into collision with another horse and rider on the flat. Mr Pringlo was thrown heavily, and sustained a severe blow on the head, reuderiDg him unconscious for a time. Dr Cahill, who was present, attended the sufferer, and had him conveyed home. A few days’ rest, it is believed, will see him all right again. At the conclusion of the hunt, as the time was early, a proposal was made that a sweepstake be run off over the steeplechase course with catch weights. There were about nine starters, and a capital race ensued, as within a chain from home six of the horses were locked together, and the last few strides brought to the front Mr McCrae’s (of Mania) Owhaiti, who won cleverly by about two lengths. As a racing spirit was abroad a flat race for members of the Club only on their own hunting horses was next on the carda. There were five starters, and a spirited raoe was won by a length by Mr Riddifnrd’s Nutmeg, the other four being all in a heap close behind. The general opinion was that it was the best day's sport ever held in the district. There, were some 30 or 40 Wairarapa residents present, who intimated to the secretary their willingness to support the Club, provided that a day’s hunting be arranged to take place in the Wairarapa. After the hunt and races were over a formal meeting took place, and a hearty vote, of thanks was passed to Mr Riddiford for the great pleasure he had afforded the members of the Club.