THE UNITED HUNT MEET AT MIRAMAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9285, 4 May 1891, Page 2

THE UNITED HUNT MEET AT MIRAMAR.

The third meet of the United Hunt bounds this season took place at Miramar on Saturday last, the weather being all that could be desired. The actual place of the meet v.a - -j at the kennels, where some seven or eight regular huntsmen and some 14 others mustered at about 3 p.m. prepared for a good run. A few of those who were out the previous Saturday at Tawa Flat were unable to follow owing to their horses having been incapacitated by that day's rua. The attendance of the general public was good, seme 150 spectators being present. Punctually at 3.30 p.m. the hounds were laid on the scent, and with tails erect and whim, ptring cry, led the field at a merry paco over some nice sward country on which several posfc-andrail fences had to be negotiated, and were cleverly taken by all the huntsmen. Breaking short off to the right, and skirting the hill be* t veen the flat at Miramar and the ocean, the field presented a pretty picture to the spectators on the bridle track, who watched the run with greAt interest. The working of the hounds was most admirable, never more than 20, or at the moat 30 yards separating the first and last dog. A slight check was caused at a deep culvert, owing to one of the horses and its rider coming to grief. After leaving the culvert some four more fences were successfully negotiated, and a complete check then occurred, but when five minutes* breathing time had been allowed, the hounds again gave voice, and made it apparent that they were once more on the trail. This time the pack led along the seaside, over the sandy portion of Miramar. After some four or five poet and rail fences and half a dozen drains had been negotiated, and a good mile and a half of country had been traversed, another check occurred.

Unfortunately, at the last post and rail fence—the smallest jump of the day—a valuable horse, belonging to a sporting mem*

her of the legal profession, and ridden by a first-class professional lightweight jockey, taking too far off for his jump, struck one of his hind legs against the post, and broke it just above the fetlock joint. The animal, which was a valuable one, had to be shot, to the great grief of the owner, who had the sympathies of the whole field. After this accident, the attention of the huntsmen was soon again attracted by the hounds giving tongue, the unmistakeable signs of the scent being again found. The hunt now passed through a beautiful meadow and over a stiff post and rail fence into a stubble paddock. Whilst passing through this and the adjoining paddocks the fiue working of the hounds was again very noticeable, and for the greater portion of this last run a sheet could bare covered the pack, so close were they together. Some half-dozen more fences, and the run finished up close to the starting place after a spin of four and a half to five miles. The run was considered the best of the season, the hounds not travelling too fast, and the country being good. The absence of the popular master was regretted by nil, but Dick Roake kept the hounds well together, and on bis well known grey mare led the field all the way.