How we Hunt at Patea.

Patea Mail, 17 August 1880, Page 3

How we Hunt at Patea.

A. local poet, seizing the inspiration of the moment, has dashed off the following description of the Patca hunt. We tried at first glance to measure ’the “ feet” of our poet’s verse, hut finding that the feat is a steeplechase affair of legs and arms, and that he prefers to sing of heroic deeds in unmeasured terms, we must even print the poem in its rugged beauty, leaving the reader to gallop through it “ neck or nothing.” Under, above, below, and mud pools all around, Was the condition of that “Happy Hunting Ground.” Ground ? I beg pardon ! I think ’twas more like water The day 1 went to see the “ sheep-skin slaughter.” As to horses, well Otto’s were all let, 1 had to borrow, ami got a screw, yon bet : And while waiting at the Albion Hotel, Some one told mo that my horse looked well. I said 1 thought it might behind, For in front I know the brute was blind. Now, passing over all about the meet And who was there, and the ladies dress’d so neat. In short, there was a crowd went over Where the hounds were to draw the “ cover.” Not being used to hunting, you must know, 1 rode cunning, not as others go Over fences, ditches, and ugly creeks ; I thought of my hunting coat, and, well my brocks. And though not made of regulation leather, They wore good enough for such unholy weather. Not long wo had to wait when on the ground, Before the hounds gave tongue ; a welcome sound. Now, I thought, the actual hunt commences ; I wonder who best negotiates the fences. So just down by the school I wait a minute To aeo them come by, and who I think is in it. And hero they come, at a pace that’s no way slow ; Old Eagle showing line, but look out Joe ! A double fence. Bravo ! ’Twas gamely done, All the leaders arc over, barring one. But jump up Harry, once more mount thy horse, Go at it again, and say you’ll clear the course. Ah! Where’s that man of money ? There’s his horse and leather ! He must have come to grief, or they’d be together. I don’t strain at gnats ; I felt glad, it’s true, For the “needful” may be easy, now the Bank has lost its screw. Ah ! there goes that Green Island man, taking matters easy, Caring nought for fences, nor ground that is so greasy. I wondered at that, but some one said, amid a shout of laughter, It was only business he was on, and a sheepskin he was after. Now all at once there was no sound, all was very still ; What’s np ? I thought that like all else, the hounds had got a spill. But no, they were there all right, and plainly I saw that ; But what I didn’t so plainly sec was an old belltoppcr hat. Well, never mind, I’ll hunt again, that is if I am able, And mind me Joe, and I won’t leave my i purse upon the tabic. V And next time we meet I hope ’twill be in quite as good a stylo, Then I shall hope to sign myself A lIU.NTKK OK CAKLYLK.