WITH THE HOUNDS

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 3

WITH THE HOUNDS

MEET AT MANDEVILLE. A SUCCESSFUL OUTING. Although the weather threatened and a shower fell shortly after mid-day, very good weather prevailed when the annual hunt was held at Mandeville on Wednesday. A very large number of visitors gathered to see the sport, Gore being very well represented, as were also Riveredale, Mataura and surrounding districts. An enthusiastic and good working committee had all arrangements completed to perfection. An excellent stretch of hunting country had been prepared by the levelling of hedges and the capping of wire fences. One feature of the run was the introduction of a zig-zag, which was really put for the purpose and had the effect of steadying the steeplechase element which is very noticeable at more hunts than the one held on Wednesday. The Western District, which is considered the home of hunting at present, is not without fault in this direction. The fault is this: As is well known, at the start of a run hounds, huntsman, whip and followers assemble. If the official club master is not present a deputy-master is appointed from among the followers, the master’s duty being to keep the lead of the followers, and not only to keep it but to steady the followers so that they may not ride into or over the hounds. For some years there has been a growing tendency for riders on fast horses to wait for a long time after the hounds have cast off, then let their horses’ heads loose and

“go for their life.” The result is that very often the master is ignored, the hounds are galloped over, huntsman and whip passed, and a very keen race past an imaginary winning post finishes the hunt for these riders. A case in point at the local hunt was easily observed; a few fast horses whose jumping and action were a treat to watch were kept back purposely by their riders till the hounds were very near the end of the run. The result was that three horses overran the trail, and had it not been for two friendly flags to guide the riders they had no idea where the hunstmen were. A question asked among the public in cases like the above is, Why the hounds? However, this is digressing.

Punctually to time the hounds, followers, and public assembled on the property of Mr. W. Miller, a trail having been laid by Messrs George and A. Hoffman. The hounds soon got on the scent, and very well they kept to that scent, their excellent running being a great credit to those in charge. The first obstacle, a stiff gorse hedge, was cleared in excellent style by the dozen followers. A stray collie dog attracted the attention of two of the hounds, and, sniffing battle, they went after him. However, they reckoned without the whip, Mr. J. Langford, who made a detour to pack them in. Neither horse nor man was acquainted with the country, and in retrieving the straying members of the pack a ditch and treacherous bog were encountered. After a brilliant rise at the ditch, horse and redcoat landed unceremoniously in the cold mud. Both being experienced, neither was hurt, and, promptly remounting with a little extra mud on, the official whip completed his duty. A water jump was the next obstacle. Although some dodged it, the majority cleared it. Four more gorse hedges in Mr. Miller’s property carried them on to Mr. Kennedy’s property, where a succession of capped wire fences brought the field to a gorse fence finishing in Mr. Bruce’s property. A splendid exhibition of jumping was given by each of the followers and everyone completed the course. Mr. J. Bruce’s well-sheltered paddock was an ideal rendezvous for enjoying an excellent afternoon tea provided by the ladies of the district.

Before the usual jumping competitions were held, Mr. W. D. Shelton, on behalf of the visitors, thanked the Mandeville Hunt Chib for its hospitality and also the Birchwood Hunt Club for sending the hounds to the Eastern District. He also thanked the ladies for the splendid afternoon tea. The president of the Mandeville Hunt Club, Mr. W. D. McLeod, in welcoming the visitors, also thanked the Birchwood Hunt Club and the property owners for the use of their land and fences. The hunstman, Mr. M. O’Brien, thanked the committee for the very good run it had prepared. The Mandeville hunt was one that they always looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation and they were never disappointed. Personally he was satisfied that, good as he knew the men-folk to be, the ladies were better.

A jumping competition over two flights of hurdles and a brush jump was then held. Out of nine entries, Lady Chicken (J. Langford) was placed first, County Kildare (J. Kelly) second and Home Rule (Miss Sweetman) third. The judges, Messrs S. G. Inder and J. Reid, had a difficult task, but their placings were very popular with the public. The following took part in the run; De-puty-master, Mr. George Wayte, Darby; huntsman, M. O’Brien, Silvery; whip J. Langford, Lady Chicken; Miss Sweetman, Home Rule; R. Reid, Dolly; W. Wayte, Scapa Flow; J. Kelly, County Kildare; A. Youngman, Kate; D. Kelly, Tunamoe; A. S. Ellis, Nylotis; R. Stewart, Callender. The annual ball, which was held in the evening, was one of the most successful ever held locally. Dancing patrons were present from Edendale, Mat aura, Balfour, Riversdale and intervening districts, not to mention a strong reinforcement from Gore. First-class music was supplied, and Mr. R. Crombie as M.C. proved to be the right man in the right place.