THE BIRCHWOOD HOUNDS AT GORE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 17 July 1890, Page 27

THE BIRCHWOOD HOUNDS AT GORE.

As was to be expected, after so many residents of Gore and the Waimea district joining the club, a successful run was looked upon as assured ; and indications were at early mom observable on Wednesday, July 2, of a large field to follow the dappled darlings over the properties of Messrs Green, Souneoa, Maoara, and Baker, ao kindly put at the club's disposal by the 'gentlemen named. At 3.15 p.m., when the throw off ocourred, there must have been at least 600 persons present, amongst whom were not less than 90 with straight intentions, well mounted, of what would pass muster for a hunter anywhere ; but of the grand total only the following names appear to me worthy of mention for the strength of thelrresolutions above that of the caterer's obstacles :— The huntsman (Mr M'Kay) rode that clever, Improving colt Patchwork ; the honorary whips (Messrs A. R. Hare and Carnegie Gardner) rode Waiau and Baron respectively. Mr Q. M. Bell, who ably aoted ai master, |rode the true, majestlo'looklng Tarquin; Miss Gardner rode Honesb Peter ; Mist Bell, Sailor Boy ; Miss Thompson, Tim ; Mr Tennnnt, Robin j jMr Held«r, Border Lad ; Mr O. M. Bell,"Wry Pecker ; Mr Bunn, Jerry ; Mr Thompson, Pearl; Mr Stratelle. Dynamite; Mr Mason, Joker; Mr Spencer, Kitty ; Mr Humphries, Billy; Mr P. Souness, Coquette ; Mr T. Hewitt, May ; Mr O'Connor, Birdoatoher; Mr M'Kenzle, Uppercut; Mr Boult, Nobby; Mr White Guva; Mr A. M'Keliar, Justice; Mr 8.8. M'Kay, Olinker; Mr W, O'Brien, Little Willie: Mr J. M'Kewen, Pegasus ; and Mr H. G. Smith, Nelly Moore. Sundry others arrived to the call of horn too late to get the names of their trusty, but on this occasion fickle, steeds registered. Nothing remains to be said as to the several performers more than' that the usunl straight division went straight, and a few novices, despite the protests of the master, rode a little too close to the hounds, some of whloh perhaps were a shade slow consequent on the constant sport they have shown for the past six weeks, coupled with distant travelling necessary in suoh a large radius of operations. During the chase a few falls ocourred, and not a few strikes, buc it would be invidious to mention names on such a friendly occasion of rivalry. Every person present had the beßt hunter, but I will only vouch for the first 16 in very near the order named as to ability and quality. After three hearty oheets were given for Messrs T. Hewitt, Symes, aud M'Donnell, for the efficient manner of the arrangements of the hunt, and a like compliment was paid to thoie whose land wat traversal., the members of the Birchwood Hunt Club made a move for Grant's oapaoious hostlery in Gore, where it became the pleasant duty of Mr Gardner, on behalf of the club, to present to Mr G. M. Bell, their aoting master of that day, a silver ohampagne jug as a small token of their appreciation of hit services ia using bis influence to further the sport of kings ia all iti sportsmanlike development* In the Sunny South, where so many have experienced much pleasure in hunting over his grand property, not excluding the Mandevllle private racecourse, so liberally thrown open to the Southlanders every year for racing purposes. Mr and Mrs Bell also received the hearty congratulations of the olub upon the commemoration of their silver wedding, which ocourred on Monday, July 2, and many were the good wishes that they should be living in the vicinity to commemorate their golden wedding. Mr Bell, though, evidently taken by surprise, suitably replied, and thanked the members for the kind and substantial token of their good feeling towards him and his, and assured those present that sportsmen were always welcome at Wantwood. At the same time he wished to remark that he thought the most credit was due to Mr Gardner for the revival of the good old sport in Southland. Their healths having been drunk in hunting style, the crowd dispersed to meet again at Wantwood on July 4, Dipton. on the 7th, Heddon Bush 11th, Birchwood 18th, Blaokmont 33rd, and Otahu 39th, where the first half of the season will be brought to a olose, and the master will re-issue programme cards for the latter half of the season. Acting Whip.