HUNTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2004, 21 July 1892, Page 29

HUNTING.

«. - THE BIRCH WOOD HOUNDS. AT HEDDON BUSH AND WAIRIO. On Saturday, June 25, the Birchwood hounds met at Heddon Bush, the residence of Mr John Tennant. There was a very large field, which assembled on the lawn in front of the house, where hounds, huntsmen, and followers were photographed. Mr Tennant was actingmaster on Robin, and the big bay looked very fit. From the other side of the Ho.konuis were Mr Charles Bell on Random, Miss Bell on Bob, Miss Thomson on Clifden, Mr Mason on Clown. There was the usual number of straight goera from our own parts, and some from further west — notably Mr Helder on Horatius, and Mr A. Awdry on a tearaway youngster with plenty of pluck. From Otautau. came Mr J. Smith and Dr Bauchop. Owing to the heavy rains, the country was very soft and in a very slippery condition. At all events two or three of the regular followers found themselves hors de combat at the first fence.. This caused a momentary stoppage, and then on swept the" field. How fast they go ! over three big timber fences, then capped wire, over some old pastures to more gorse and capped wire, and check in a paddock at the back of the stables. At the big double across the road, 20 minutes later, the unlucky whip takes a mud bath,

L. V. T,

Here the fun is fast and furious. Over they come — Golden Moth clearing the gorse well, then the master, Robin jumping like a deer ; then Bob, Nap, and half a dozen others doing it in grand style, and away they all go at a rattling pace to the left, where there is another gorse and a big post and rails awaits them. Across a long swampy paddock to the gorse near the woolshed, a big jump with a ditch on each side, which being safely surmounted, the hounds turn with their noses towards the bush, and again have the double across the road in another place. The second fence, consisting of a wire capped by saplings, and with a rather greasy take off proved slightly difficult to some. At the first fence also there were a great many refusals, some horses objecting to take off on the slippery ground. But take it all round it was a very good run, and it was a very happy crowd that presently wended their way towards the house to partake of refreshments kindly offered by the hospitable owner. The hounds met again at Wairio on the 27th, when a number of sportsmen turned up. No less than five ladies graced the field, the youngest and latest addition being Miss B. Gardner, who rode Patchwork in the first flight throughout. We regret that Mr C. Gardener, from an accident to his knee, was unable to be present. Miss M. Gardner was out again on Honest Peter, and Miss Bell was riding Bob. Although the going was a trifle heavy, the fences were good, and the horses were jumping well. At the finish a number of the Wairio gentlemen had most thoughtfully provided sandwiches and liquid refreshment of several kinds. Mr Gardner acknowledged their kind attention, and called for three cheers for the gentlemen who had kindly given their ground to be hunted over. Needless to say they were heartily given, and with mutual good wishes entertained and entertainers parted. L. V. T. [Owing to an unavoidable delay in posting the account of the two meetings given above has come to hand somewhat late. It will, however, we are sure, be none the less welcome on that score. — Ed.] THE HOUNDS AT FAIRFAX. The Birchwood hounds met at Fairfax on Tuesday, the sth. The weather was all that could be desired for hunting, and the run took place over the properties of Messrs A. R. Hare, M'Kay, and J. M'lntyre. The line of country was fairly stiff, and the going excellent. The jumps which were of different kinds and sizes, were .splendidly got up by the owners of the land. The throwing-off took place near Mr Hare's homestead, the first jump being a wall and gorse. This being cleverly got over, was succeeded by five more of the same kind, bringing us into Mr M'lntyre's property, where two or three capped wire fences were negotiated, four more rasping gorse fences bringing us to the check at the back of Mr M'lntyre's homestead, where Mr and Mrs M'lntyre had a capital lunch provided for all who liked to partake of it. After about 15 minutes' spell the acting-master called for three cheers for Mr and Mrs M'lutyre, which were heartily given, and the hounds were again laid on. After getting over two gorse fences and a sod wall, we found our way to Mr Hare's flat, where seven more such fences were negotiated, and we finished almost where we started after a rattling good run, ■which we all enjoyed very much. Those who followed were Mr J. Smith (master) on Waiau, looking as gay as a two-year-old ; Mr C. Henderson on Dandy, a rare jumper, by Cloth of Gold ; Mr T. Henderson on Prince Consort ; Mr J. Quin on Merino, by Guy Faux, a clever little jumper ; Mr J. M'Kay, as usual, on Goldfinch ; Mr W. Walker on Rock, Mr C. Lindsay on Bay Duntroon, Mr M. M'Kinnon on a chestnut, and Mr J. M'lntyre on a bay. Those were all who finished. Amongst the spectators on the hills, where a splendid view of the run was to be had, I noticed Mr and Mrs Hare, Mr Hackworth, Dr Reilly, Mrs (Dr) Nelson, and others. The huntsman rode Wings, and the whip Tally-ho. After three hearty cheers were given to Mr Hare for his hospitality and kindness in providing such good sport, the company adjourned, all expressing their intention of joining in the good old sport again on Saturday at Limestone Plains, the king of hunting country. THE HOUNDS AT LIMESTONE PLAINS. Saturday, the 9th, was a beautiful hunting day in point of weather, and the attendance was capital, no fewer than between 40 and 50 horsemen assembling on the hunting ground. Great credit is due to Mr Quin for the liberal way in which he treated his guests not only on this occasion but also on a former one, and the more so because this is his first season and only his third appearance in the field. On this occasion there was the largest field I have seen for years, and by far the largest number of jumping 'horses. Mr F. M'Kay was unable to attend on account of being laid up with a severe cold, but his place was ably filled by his brother on Golden Moth. Mr A. Mears was on Tally-ho ; Mr J. Tennant on his able mount, Robin, acted as master ; Mr Drabble on a Wee Lad mare, Mr M'Dougall on Cadogan, Messrs C. and T. Henderson on Dandy and Prince Consort, Mr D. Clark on a grey, Mr C. Clark on a bay, Mr Quin on Merino, Mr Clark on Waiau, a young fellow on Wings, Mr J. M'Kay on Goldfinch, Mr M. C. Liudfcay on Bay Duntroon, Mr J. Lindsay on a bay, Mr Walk'.-r on Rock, Mr J. Turnbull on a bay, ihv two Messrs Miller were well mounted, Mr J. Sharp on Gipsy Girl, Mr J. M'lntvhh on a chestnut. The only lady follower wab Mifcs Nmw, on Star. There were Beveral more whoixj itiiuw* and mounts I did not know. Amongst the spectators were to be seen Mr A. R. Hard and two of his family on Shetland ponies, Mr J. B. Button, Mr and Mrs Hackworth, Mi'hh Drabble, and several others. The throw off took place at the west side of Mr Quin's farm, taking almost a straight line towards the east. The first jump, a gorse fence, was well taken by the majority. The second, a capped wire with a water ditch on the landing side, was a more formidable one than the first. This being got rid of, brought us on to the country hunted over some time ago. After taking about 12 jumps we came to a check in front of Mr Quin's homestead, and I can tell you that some of us were not sorry, as the spotted beauties, seven and a half couples, had brought us along faster than we bargained for. After giving our horses 15 minutes' spell, and having some refreshments ourselves, kindly provided by Mr Quin, the hounds were agaiu laid on for a second run, which took us over about 12 more good fences, bringing us to the finish on the opposite side of the homestead. The jumping was very good, and the falls and baulks were not by any means numerous. By what I have seen to-day hunting is only making a start in the western district. A great many of the young farmers are just beginning to take a lively interest in the good old sport. After partaking of some more refreshments, three cheers were given for Mr Quin, and the crowd left for their homes, all expressing themselves highly satisfied with the day's sport. Tally-ho.