A WILD BOAR HUNT

Otago Witness, Issue 1205, 2 January 1875, Page 19

A WILD BOAR HUNT

An amusing scene occurred at the Place dv Havre, near the Western Railway Station, recently in the shape of a wild boar hunt. Just after dark one of these denizens of the forest managed to make his escape from the shop of a poulterer and wine-seller, where he had attracted crowds all day long. The alarm was given and the chase began, the boar being pursued by about 200 people, while the dogs usually prowling about followed in full cry, biting each other, and even some of the people in their excitement. The boar was a good-sized animal, armed with formidable weapons in the shape of long tusks, and made himself respected. As fast as he was hemmed in on one side, he stood for a moment at bay to defend himself from the yelling dogs, who stood round him at a respectful distance, and then making a rush he sent them flying, while the people gladly made way for him. Several policemen who came up offered to kill the animal with their revolvers, but this was objected to by its owner who desired to secure alive his truant purchase. After nearly half an hour's hot pursuit, one man, more courageous than the rest, approached the boar while at bay, managed to throw a rope round its neck, and the wretched animal, half-strangled, allowed itself to be dragged back to the shop whence it had escaped, followed by the cheers of the crowd and the howling of the curs as they were kicked off in their attempts to bite the boar.