THE OTAGO HOUNDS

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 15 May 1890, Page 27

THE OTAGO HOUNDS

Although Saturday afternoon was showery and cold the meet at Wakari was very fairly attended, with a sprinkling of the fair sex, whose pluck in facing the biting weather should have shamed many an effeminate sportsman. The tryst on this occasion has often provided many an enjoyable run, when owned and occupied by Mr Hungerford, who was a staunch supporter of the hunt. The property is now owned by Mrs Nancy Murphy, and fortunately for the management the interest of the chase is not likely to suffer by the change of ownership. Among those present I noticed Mr W. H. Taggart, on All Fours; Maßter D. Taggart, Nap; Mr Scott, Auld Reekie; Mr G. Smith, Orlando; Mr Laughlin, Perfection; Mr S. Gourley, Billy ; Mr Leadham, Bugler ; Mr Allan, Greyskin ; and Mr James Allen, Harkaway. The ladies were Mrs Myers, who rode Cocky ; Miss Taggart, Robin Hood ; Mrs Branigan, Hawthorne; Miss Scott, Nellie. The vehicles were not numerous ; Mr R. Wilson and some ladies occupied a buggy, Mr Manders and party a similar turn-out, aud there were a few others whom I did not know. Mr J. Poole's mount was Potens, and the Whip's was Kelly. The unfavourable state of the elements not tempting delay, the drag was quickly laid over a nice hunting country, thickly interspersed with fences of various descriptions — timber, gorse, and stone wall — a variety following in quick succession for about a couple of miles. The stonewall, which was the first obstacle, was well taken by the field, after which a little confusion occurred at a couple of gorse fences crossing a lane through a plantation, but no empty saddles. At the next double across the road, in the direction of the reservoir, all were not so fortunate, as Perfection, going at a very stiff place a little off the line, turned a complete summersault into the next field, giving Mr Laugblin a severe fall, rendering him unconscious for somo minutes, although as soon as he recovered he insisted on remounting and finished the rim. Mr Leadham, on Bugler, showed some good jumping, and Avid Reekie was always handy. Mrs Myers was always in a good position witb Cocky, and Miss Taggart, on Robin Hood, was carried well. After a blight spelt for breathing time had been allowed a second run was had over nearly the same ground, which was very successful, ail peifciug through without mishaps — Auld Rcfkie aud Bugler showing bomo big jumping over the gor»e hedge, as also did Perfection, which Mr Laughlin pluckily rode through the second run.

NIMKOD.