OTAGO HUNT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15827, 28 July 1913, Page 8

OTAGO HUNT.

A marked improvement in scent was of great value in tho interests of sport for the Otago Hunt on Saturday at Wakari, and in spite of the bitterly cold wind and the treacherous nature of tho ground' for the concluding moot a capital day's outing has to be recorded. The meet took place at tlio roar of Mrs C. Grcenslade's residence, Halfway Bush, and at 3 p.m. about 45 horeemen and horsewomen were ready for the throw-off. Striking tho line tho hounds, rattled off at a good pace. A thunder of hoofs on tho grass, and the field in a. mass approached the first jump, where a young lady in front missed and came down. This was her first attempt as a straight goer. Sho remounted, however, and continued. By this time hounds woro running wide, but a sound from the horn reunited them. After negotiating a stone wall,, a couple of live hedges, the double over "Mowat's"'lane was reached, This 'wasjhe spectators' stand, where a bird's eye view of the whole run was seen. The trail continued on over Mr J. Mowat's farm, crossing. a 6tone wall over the main road to the western side, then came a regular steeplechase, uphill and down dale, and over another stone wall. Hero the Deputy Master was unhorsed. Tho hounds were then checked after having had 15 minutes of hard going. After a short wait, the hounds were again cast. After a short contour of the hi!J, the hounds struck duo cast over nice grassy fields, and finally negotiated a double into a ploughed field, where the pack was whipped off. Over the* last post and rail another lady came to grief, but, unhurt, she- came up smiling. The last hunt of the season was considered most successful, and it can safely be said that one and all expressed regret that the end had come so soon. Visitors and followers of the Hunt then adjourned to a convenient nnd sheltered spot on Mr Mowat's farm, where refreshments were enjoyed after a cold afternoon's hunting. Fully 200 availed themselves of tho Master's hospitality. Amongst the visitors wero Mr and Mrs A, G, Fenwick, Mr A. M. Sidey, Miss Sidoy, Mr C. Wady. Mrs B. S. Irwin, and Mr and Mrs Marshall Fenwick. While afternoon tea was being partaken of the vice-president of the Hunt (Mr B. S. Irwin) took tho opportunity to thank the Master (Mr Hugh J. Gourley) for liis hospitality, and in doing so said that this was tho second season • under Mr Gourley as Master of Hounds, and there was no doubt the Hunt was very fortunate indeed in possessing such a popular Master, This wof> evidenced by tho large attendance on such a cold day. Nothing had been too much trouble for him. He had ungrudingly devoted his time to the welfare ol the Hunt. Jt was his modest manner that had won him many friends, and as Master ho had proved » sportsman in the truest sense of the term. The Hunt's thanks wero also conveyed to Mrs Gourley., In responding the Master, who received quite an ovation, said that it was purely a labour of love, and lie would always be pleased to do anything for tho furtherance of tho sport. Mr Gourley then paid a warm compliment to the property-owners for the generous way they had allowed their country to bo hunted over, Without their cordial co-operation, ho eaid, the Hunt coukl not exist. Amongst the riders were Mm Boath, Miss Roy, Miss N. Gourlc-y, Miss Mowat, Miss Brown, Mies llodgors, Mrs >M'Kay, the Master, the Deputy Master (Mr Jos. Jordan), and Messrs J. M. Muir, A. J. Allen, G. Charlton, A. Slingcr, G. Anderson, A. Farquharson, L. Robinson, Brown, A. Smith, W. Watson, W. Allen, J. Fea, A. Ondnillc, Hnstie, L. S. Gillespie, Strong, A. M'Gavin, J. O'Oonncll. Mustard, and E. J. Docherty, who was an efficient whipperin. The honorary secretary (Mr Vol. Marshal!) w:is very attentive in looking after tlie wclfaru of the visitors. Tho proceedings concluded about 5 p.m.