WAIWERA, (from our own correspondent)

Otago Witness, Issue 1709, 23 August 1884, Page 12

WAIWERA, (from our own correspondent)

■* August 18. BaciieliOUS' Ball.— r uring the earlypart of tho past week our young men lield a meeting- to make arrangements for a bacheloro' ball, which it ia proposed s'ia!l bo held in about three weeks' time. Mr Edwards of Mount Pleasant, has kindly placed his barn at the disposal of the promoters for tho occasion. I have no doubt it will prove a success, seeing that tho matter is being so warmly gone into by our bachelor brethren, who number not a few.

Pia Hunt.— On Saturday last half a dozen sportsmen mot at Messrs Anderson's farm, with the intention of starting on a pig-hunting expedition, an event \yhich has become almost an annual fixture, and as a rule proves to be one of the moat enjoyable day's sport that could be desired. This, property is noted for the beautiful views it affords,'- and also for ita grazing and agricultural capabilities, and a pleaaantor epot to) make a 6tart for could not well be selected. The party met about 10. a.m., at Mr John Andersen's house, where most of them were soon busily engaged filling and refilling cartridges w^th ball and shot, evidently preparing for a variety of game. Before leaving the house Mrs Anderaoft had a substantial , lunch prepared, which it is needless to say was thoroughly en jo:, ed and appreciated." Shortly after 10 the whole party mounted their steeds and started for the hunting-ground. This proved to be a very deep gully, thickly covered with scrub, flax, &c. The party crept up as quietly aq possible to the 'edge of the bush, when unmistahable olgns of tho close proximity of game wero <ound. On getting in- to about the centre of tho bush the party camo on two large pigs, which seemed to have been killed the day before. It was consequently found necessary to go further on to another spot ranch resembling the one just mentioned. '11 >o v/ild nature uf tho situation, with thp Eiver Waiwera rushing rapidly on in its endeavour to roach the coast-line, gave quito a 'romantic air to tho business of the day". Finding no traeos of previous sportsmen in this neighbourhood the party felt convinced that pigs would be found here, and this booh proved to be fee caso. A considerable drawback was experienced ia the scarcity of dogs. Only having a few iii wai found vesy difficult tq.jrefc, the game out. All bauds as;r.in dismounted with the exception of one. wJio was told off to keep watch on tho top of th« hill for any that might endeavour to escape unseen by thoee below. Again catching the scent, Mr Harrißon, the chief huntsmau, and some others rushed into the scrub with the dogs. The out* post soon spied six or seven large pigs rushing through, and confused orders were At once given to "look out ahead," "backward," "up," "down," &c. A few minutes later a large bqar .made for up the mountain, and all who -could pOßsibly do so mounted their horses and gave chase. Others, attempting to run. were soon completely exhausted, and after getting up to within a fair shooting distance found it impossible to fire. Finally a horseman arrived on the scene, and gave him a couple of Bhots, thus. scoring number one after a most exciting chase. Returning to the bush with fresh vigour and considerably elated, both men and dogs were soon on the move again. The scene tint followed would be difficult to describe. Tumbling and scrambling in every manner possible to get through the, narrow pig- track, three of the, party succeeded in making a given spot, when the dog started a large sow, which rushed down the track toward the trio. Fortunately one of the number caught sight of her in time' to avert the pro* babllifly of being knocked off "their legs, or perhaps worse, and a rather close flphfc enßUed, the killing taking place at full run within 3ft 6f where the men 'were standing. About the same time another was Bhot very cleverly while making for the hills. The sport had lasted about two hours and a-LwJf, the result being three full-grown pigs out of the first six started. Tho next animal started was another large boar, which went like a fox for about two inilea over rough country. The horns, as if knowing what was up, seemed determined to face any and every difficulty, going over rocks and scrub in gallant stylefeats that would have seemed impossible under ordinary circumstances for them to get over. Here one of our horseman got a slight spill, but it was not entirely his own fault, as it seonis he was in tho act of getting off hin horso when it gavo a false step, sending its rider about a chain down the track before it. Coming to a grand stream r>f water a halt was called, and an hour w'aß vary pleasantly 1 passed iv recuperating the flagging energies of the majority of the party. As tho day was now far advancing the tracks of tho "Captain Cooks" was again get on, a?id one of tha herd was soon overtaken, fn the meantime one of the best shots gave chase to two smaller animals, which took to the hill, and some little delay was caused in getting the "guns ready for tho great attack. One of the weaker members of the party plucked up nerve, caref ully'got near the brute, and fited ouly to frighten him out of hi* stronghold. In the excitement of the moment a load of' shot had been fired instead of the ball cartridge. The pig rau furiously down, hut was soon met by a ball from the opposite sidoof the creek which Bottled his ea<thly career. The dogs being pretty well exhausted, it was thought advisable to finish the day by taking a ride around on t general inspecting tour, tbe milder eport'

of rabbiti-shoolinj? being indulged in to relievo the monotony, and proving thoroughly enjoyable. While on this topic I might state tba^ the Messrs Anderson have been very successful in clearing the rabbits off the run. In place 3 where they were formerly very thick, tho party rode miles without seeing a s'nijlo rabbU. Th? day closed with mulual conjjvrtjiUitbrw on tho exyellout sport obtained, all expressing their indebtedness to the Messrs Anderson for their kindness and the trouble they had gone fco. Tho weather was exceedingly fine.