THE UNITED HUNT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9320, 15 June 1891, Page 3

THE UNITED HUNT.

The United Hunt Club hounds met at the Island Bay Hotel on Saturday afternoon, and a little time before the advertised hour numbers of horsemen were to be seen collecting in front of that well-known hostelry. By the time the hantE man's horn was heard (proclaiming the approach of the hounds), a goodly field, composed mostly of the tegular cross country men, in their picturesque Club costume, one or two strangers, and the usual complement oi “ toad hunters,” had congregated and awaited the " throw of:,” Among the assemblage were a couple of the fair sex. The weather was all that could be wished, and with a good pack and a splendid piece of country before them, one and all anticipated a good run. After a short delay the huntsman's horn was again heard, and the pack giving tongue took up the scent nt once, followed by the horsemen, who all successfully negotiated the first fence, which landed the field in a small paddock. This crossed, a double jump, into and out of the road leading to the southern entrance to the racecourse, proved a ‘ teaser ’ to ouo or two of the horsemen, though we noticed the.only lady following negotiated

it successfully. A sharp turn to the right and a short gallop along the racecourse brought the field to a fence dividing the course from the road, and the line taken by the hounds then lay along the low hills overlooking the course. Once more across the road on to Mr Antrobus’ property, a quick burst up the hill to Mr Taylor’s paddock, and then came the first check, much to the satisfaction of both riders and horses, who wanted a spell. Throughout this capital run the whole field maintained good positions. The sport was nob yet over, however, and after a rest of gome ten minutes, huntsman, whip, and hounds moved on over tbo Melrose hills at a leisurely pace, the pack being constantly checked on the scent, owing to the ground preventing fast going. The field followed at a short distance until Mr Haywards house was readied, when the hounds went away at full cry across the sandhills, m the direction of Miramar. Here the heavy going tested the condition of the horses, and with some it was a case of bellows to mend. Once over the sand hills the best of the run came, and with the hounds well ahead, and the huntsman, holding his own at the head of the field as usual, a succession of well grassed paddocks and a short turn over the hills, brought one of the most successful hunts of the season to a close at the kennel/3. The run was about seven miles, and lasted about 50 minutes. The four riders who finished close to the hounds were Messrs Caldwell, on Kapiti ; MacMorran, on Honest John; E, OTlorke, on The Druid; and Woods, on his well - known chestnut. Not far behind these were Messrs Dyer, Skerrett, Mills, Grant (of Foatherston), Maddox, &c. The run was enjoyed by all, and voted one of the best of the present season.