BIRCHWOOD HUNT

Southland Times, Issue 20203, 14 June 1927, Page 10

BIRCHWOOD HUNT

FIFTH MEET OF SEASON. (From Our Correspondent.) The fifth meet of the season of the Birchwood Hunt was held at Clifden on Saturday last. The climatic conditions were all that could be desired, in fact one would think the day had been specially ordered for the occasion. Messrs D. O’Brien and D. Whyte had kindly placed their land at the disposal of the Hunt, and the trail was laid through their properties, which are situated on the banks of the beautiful Waiau river, and the native bush, with the snow-clad mountains glittering in the sunshine in the background made the scene a very attractive one. Ideal country was also provided for hunting. Visitors and followers from all parts of the district assembled to witness and take part in the good old sport of our Homeland. The spectators had an excellent , view of the two runs, having a natural grandstand at their disposal, and could see the whole Jiunt from start to finish. After the two runs refreshments were done full justice to, these being kindly provided by the local committee. The president (Mr A. C. Mills) returned thanks to the property owners (Messrs D O’Brien and D. Whyte) for the use of their land and the enthusiastic iocal committee (Messrs G. Cochran, J. O’Brien, D. Sloan, J. Cosgrove, F. Bates and G. Bennett) for the excellent arrangements made. He also stated that it had been reported that hunting was on the decline in the Clifden district, but judging by the large gathering of followers and spectators he was perfectly satisfied that the position was the reverse. Mr Mills then called for three cheers for the property owners and the local committee. The following took part in the hunt: The master (Mr 11. 0. Williams) on Silvery, rhe huntsman (Mr Martin O’Brien) on Lady Betty, the whip (Mr J. Langford) on Lady Chicken, Messrs John O’Brien on Dempsey, G. Cochran on Encore, D. Sloan on Ladybird, Morgan O’Brien on Siki, D. Irving on Gunpiece, Ralph Gardner on Tui, G. Bennett on Casna, P. Morton on Satan, G. Whyte on Snider, P. Gardner on Tally Ho, Malcolm Mouat on Snowfall, Magnus Mouat on Marshal Law, A. Speight on Ivanhoe, E. Mackie on Greenstone, R. Gardner on Springbok, W. F. North on Gaiety, S. Gardner on Barrister, D. Bradley on Maungapiri, J. McLaren on Last Thought, G. Allan on Golden Fleet, L. Hardy on Fairy, S. King on Otahu and H. Moir on Masher. Mr J. Cosgrove ably controlled the jumping events, and Messrs F. Bates and E. J. Mackie officiated as judges. Following are the results:— Maiden Jump.—A. S. Gardner’s Barrister 1, J. O’Brien’s Dempsey 2, D. Sloan’s Ladybird 3. Open Jump.—J. Langford’s Lady Chicken 1, R. Gardner’s Springbok 2, Martin O’Brien’s Lady Betty 3. The next run takes place at Tuatapere on Wednesday, 15th inst.