HUNTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 1903, 24 July 1890, Page 27

HUNTING.

! THE DUNEDIN HOUNDS.

The inclemency of the weather for some days previous and its uninviting appearance on Saturday, coupled with some doubts as to whether the meet would take [place, accounted for the somewhat smaller attendance than usual at the hospitable mansion of Mrs Jones at Woodeaton, more particularly as it was understood to be the last day of the season as far as the locality of Dunedin was concerned ; still a fair sprinkling of straight goers mustered at the tryst, including a fair complement of sight seers to view the sport, including two four-horse drags. The proceedings were also animated by the presence of several ladies. Amongst those present were: Mrßowen, on a grey; Mr Stronaoh on Auld Reekie ; Mr A. Palmer, Kelly; Mr W. H. Taggart, Harkaway ; Mr J. Taggart, All Fours ; Mr Parker, Novice ; Mr C. Bates, Nap ; Mr El. H. Hart, Rambler ; Mr Petre, Turk ; Mr R. Allen, Mohawk ; Mr Cronin, Barb Wire ; Mr Greig, Rat Tail; Mr Mander, Railway Lass. Miss Taggart rode Robin Hood, and the three Misses Hutton were all well provided for. After the usual friendly greetings had been exchanged the drag was sent away and the hounds laid on in a paddock at the rear of the outbuildings. The first fecce was rather an awkward one, on account of the greasy nature of the approach to the obstacle ; but although there were a few refusals, and some struck hard, most got over scatheless. Mohawk, however, oame a regular cropper, and the spot being a soft one, the rider rose with a considerable quantity of soil and mud adhering tenaciously to his natty riding costume, but he was otherwise undamaged, and went off on foot in full pursuit of his runaway steed. The leaders kept well up with the pack, taking the fences towards the road without a mistake. Prominent of these were Mr Petre on Turk, Mr Palmer on Kelly, Mr Stronaoh on his grey, and Miss Taggart on old Robin. Maxwellton made a mistake, and was followed quickly by Novice, who had been going splendidly. At the last fence Nap, who had been ridden very pluokily, came down I heavily — fortunately without much damage. I Breathing time having been allowed, the return run followed, and produced some good sport. Three or four fences were jumped remarkably well, without -any mistakes. The fences, although not high, are strong and numerous, and all had to jump, and some I had to fall. Amongst the unfortunates were Mr Stronach on the grey and Mr Mander on Railway Lass, who both came to grief at the same fence. The effects of their contact with mother earth bore unmistakable evidences of the adhesive quality of the Woodeaton soil. On the completion of the run the company gathered on the lawn, and Mr Petre, in a few well-chosen words on behalf of the Hunt, thanked the land owners of the district, and particularly Mrs Jones. Her kindness at all times and through several years in placing her land at their disposal, as well as the profuse hospitality shown to followers by that lady, were well known. He asked her acceptance of a pioture of the hunt as a small acknowledgment of her kindness. Mrs Jones, in accepting the gift, made a few happy remarks which produced a burst of oheering. She said it was always a source of pleasure to her to see her friends enjoy themselves — more especially as there had been no accidents of any moment,— and she sincerely hoped they might all be spared to meet another season. A presentation was then made to the acting-huntsman (Mr James Allen) and the whip (Mr Frank Smith), after which an adjournment was made to the house, where refreshments were provided in abundanoe. After the health of the hostess and success to the hunt had been drunk, the curtain was drawn over the season of the Dunedin hounds for 1890. Nimbod.

NIMBOD.