HUNTING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1156, 27 April 1894, Page 24

HUNTING.

The Wairararapa Hunt Club meets have been fixed as follows: — Saturday, April 28, Greytown. Saturday, May 12, Gladstone. • Saturday, May 26, Martinborough. Thursday, June 14, Masterton. Thursday, June 21, Carterton. Thursday, July 12, Featherston. Thursday, July 19, Morrison's Bush. There was a meet of the United Hunt Club at Porirua on Saturday, when the weather did not have a very promising aspect. The attendance was consequently somewhat limited. After . the arrival of the train at Porirua those assembled were invited by Mr Bennie, the popular hotelkeeper, to be his guest at luncheon. A capital repast was spread before the. visitors, whose appetites were apparently somewhat sharpened by the bracing country air. Before rising Mr Cooper, master of the hounds, in a neat speech alluded to the many good qualities of their host and called upon the recipients of his hospitality to drink his very good dealt*. This happy function was then performed, and three rousing cheers given for Mr Bennie, who briefly replied, and, in a cordial way, hoped they all, when hunting, would have good steeds, stiff fences and stout hearts to go over them. The hunt was then proceeded with, the drag having been laid on foot previously. The throw-off was behind Mr Bennie's paddocks, through Mr Wall's, skirting the back of his house; then through Mr Allan's paddocks, checking in through Mr Tremewain's. After the check the party started back again, passing through the paddocks of Messrs Tremewain, Wall, Allan and Bundle, and through the sehoolground. Mr Ryan's paddocks were next entered, and the conclu3ion".was reached at Mr Earp's, at Tawa Flat. Among those present were Mr Cooper (master) on Ned Kelly, Mr Dyer on Swingback, Mr C. P. Skerrett on Halicore,

Mr B. Skerrett on Lazy, Miss Skerrett on How's That, Mr J. Mills on Top Rail, Mr J. Windley on Kimberley, Mr Roake on Judas, Mr Hawk on Moonlight, Mr Wilson on Gladstone, and Mr Cimingham. Tho run was a most successful one, and there were but two slight spills during tho afternoon. At the annual meeting of the Rangitikei Hunt Club, tho following officers were elected: President, Mr J. G. Wilson, M.H.R.; vice - presidents, Messrs R. Aldworth and Wm. Hammond; master, Mr I). G. Riddiford; deputy - masters, Messrs T. McKenzie and J. P. Lcthbridge ; secretary, Mr J. M. Johnston; treasurer, Mr J. P. Lcthbridge; committee, Dr Skerman, R. E. Beckett, T. T. Watt, L. Taverner, J. T. Dalrymple, Watson, J. Green, Wilde, Pratt, R. Aldworth and W. A. Keiller. The statement of accounts showed a total debit balance of .£146 odd. This unfavourable state of tho finances was principally due to tho exceedingly wet season and the perfect downpour of rain for the Steeplechase Meeting. Mr R. Aldworth was appointed whip, and Mr P. Wotton deputy-whip.