THE OTAGO HUNT

Otago Witness, Issue 3193, 26 May 1915, Page 52

THE OTAGO HUNT

MEET AT MILTON,

Tlio Otago Hunt held a moot at Milton on Saturday, when, despite the climatic conditions, which, while not what might have been desired from the spectators’ point of view, was typical hunting weather. A large party of Dunedin members of the hunt journeyed to Milton —some by motor car, and others, who took their horses with them, by train —and they thoroughly enjoyed the outing. They were met by Mr Alex. Campbell, who has done a great deal for the hunt at Milton. Mr Campbell gave all the visitors a most cordial welcome, expressing the hope that they would all enjoy the run which had been mapped out for the day. At about 2.30 p.m. a start was made from the town for the scene of the chase, the master (Mr J. A. Jordan) and the huntsman, whip, and hounds heading a long procession of horsemen, after whom came a string of motor cars, drags, and various other conveyances, carrying people bent on witnessing the run. Those who could not get away to view the meet congregated in the main street to see the start Within a quarter of a mile from the town the pack threw o!t in Mrs Scanlan’s property, and, picking up the scent, led the way at a merry oaco, the firstobstacle negotiated being' a big gorse fence. Soon the hounds were in full cry, and sped across an open field until they came to the road, the horses having to clear a second gorse fence here. The trail was followed for about 100 yards along the road, and then the hounds struck off into Mr E. Martin’s property, where several big fences were negotiated. They then doubled back over into Mr J. Martin’s, and thence into Messrs R. Sinclair’s, W. Thornton’s, G. Porter’s, P. Porter’s, and Falconer Bros.’ properties in turn. The jumps throughout wore solid, and it says a great deal for the horses and their riders that there was not a hold-up of any description. A check took place at Messrs Falconer Bros.’, where some 200 people assembled for afternoon tea, after having enjoyed the excitement of the first part of the run—about 2i miles in length.

After those present had enjoyed the refreshments provided, Mr B. S. Irwin (president of the Otago Hunt), on behalf of members, thanked the Messrs and Misses Falconer for having entertained them. The members of the Otago Hunt were, he said,, greatly indebted to the farmers who had so kindly permitted hunting to take place over their properties that day. Ho called for three hearty cheers for Messrs and Misses Falconer and the other farmers, and this was responded to with enthusiasm. Cheers were also given for Mr Alex. Campbell, who arranged the run. After a brief interval the hounds threw off in Messrs Falconer Bros.’ property, across the road, and racing in an easterly direction, they took the field over some rare jumps into Mr R. M'Murtrie’s. Here three or fourfences were negotiated, and then the hounds doubled back into Mr C. Lowery’s, and thence into Mr J. Tough s land. The field at this stage was strung out, some of tho horses being hardly in the condition to gosuch a distance over stiff country. However, the hounds gave them a chance to get up in time to finish in close order oyer the remaining portion of the run, by getting off tho trail. They soon picked it up again, and crossed from Mr Tough's into Mr O. Lowery’s again, and finally killed at the bridge close to tho woollen mills. Thus concluded tho best run held in Otago this season. The distance covered was just under five miles, and the jumps negotiated! totalled 33. Amongst those who followed were Mr J. A. Jordan (master) on Ngatiri, Mrs M‘Ka\- on Silver Dirk, Miss Mouatt on Seaviow, Mr J. T. Brown on Ironsand, Mr J. Cochrane on Blue Stripes, Mr A. M’Gavin on Canni© Dhu. Mr A. Oudaille on The Captain, Mr B. Hibbs on Big Bon, Mr W. Burnett on Taipo, Mr Sell on Blue Bell, Mr A. W. Green on Dina, Mr H. G. Christie on a bay, Mr W. M‘Leod on Defender, Mr W. M'Leod on Milo, Mr N. D. Mac Kay on Tommy. There were between 28 and 30 followers, but the names of a good number were not obtainable at the end of tho run.