NORTH TARANAKI HUNT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 173, 1 November 1910, Page 7

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT

ANNUAL MEETING. The North Taranaki Hunt held its annual meeting on Saturday afternoon. Mr. J. Smith in the chair. In his opening remarks Mr. Smith referred to the great loss the Hunt had sustained durI ing the past year through the sad death of its president, Mr. S. McGuinness. Referring to the growth of the ™"nt, the chairman said the meinbersnrp now reached about 100, all- of whom took a very keen and enthusiastic interest in the sport.. The past year had been perhaps the most successful the Hunt had had since its inception. They had to thank sincerely the farmers who had allowed them to hunt over their properties, and all who had in any way assisted to bring about the success achieved. It was a matter of congratulation that a hound belonging to the Hunt had secured the championship of New Zealand, which was awarded at the Hawke's Bay Kennel Club Show during the year. The Hunt had also nominated several hounds for the Palmerston Show, which was beiDg held this week, and he! hoped they would be equally successful. He tendered his thanks to the committee and secretary for the support they had given him in his capacity of chairman during the past year.

The balance-sheet showed total receipts amounting to £498 5s 3d, including balance brought forward (£lB5 19s proceeds of races, and £66 0s 9d from ball). The expenditure in connection with the races amounted to £l7O 2s 2d, and in connection with the ball £6B 4s sd, and after paying all outstanding liabilities there was a balance to be carried forward of £63 os 7d. The assets of the Hunt, as set out on the balancesheet, totalled £124 5s 7d, and there 'were no lfcMlities. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Office bearers were elected as follows for the ensuing year:—President, Mr. W. Birdling; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. J. Honeyfield, F. Salway, E. F. Blundell, H. Joll, N. King, F. Watson, C. Topliss (Waihi), F. J. Morris, J. Smith, A. Alexander, F. Sampson, J. H. Quilliam, J. McKean, R. J. Matthews; hon. surgeon, Dr. Leatham; hon. veterinary surgeon, Mt. R. T. Rait; master, Mr. A. H. Halcombe; deputy master, Mr. J. Wilkie; committee, Messrs. N. Bewley, IL. Jennins, B. H. Chaney, A. H. Street, H. George, J. Mabin, H. Matthews, P. Sampson, G. Foreman, A. H. Standish, W. Boulton, Lonergan, W. Cole, F. Carthew, A. K. Lash; hon. auditor, Mr. N. Bewley; huntsman, Mr. A. Cliff; secretary, Mr. A. Humphries. The secretary's honorarium was increased to £2O. In accordance with notice of motion the chairman moved that the word "whip" be deleted from rule 7, and a new rule added as follows: "That the whip must be provided by the huntsman, and any whip so provided must be recognised by the members of the Hunt." Mr. Bewley seconded, and the motion was carried.

Mr. Jennins gave notice to move at a special meeting, to be held on the clay oi the first hunt, that any member of the committee who fails to attend three consecutive meetings forfeit his seat unless reasonable excuse Is forthcoming. Mr. Cliff also gave notice of motion to amend the rule relating to the election of committee so that twelve members are elected at the annual meeting, the committee to have power to increase their number up to twenty during the currency of the hunt season.

Notice of motion was given by Mr. Mabin that in future the number of vice-presidents T>e limited to seven. The subscription was fixed at £2 10s, to be reduced to £2 2s if paid before June 30, and in case of new members withh one month after election. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, the press and the ladies for their assistance throughout the year, and to the farmers over whose -properties the members "had hunted.