WITH THE HOUNDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1925, Page 5

WITH THE HOUNDS.

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT. ENJOYABLE MEET AT LEPPERTON. MANY HARES BUT NO 'TOLLS.” •Some splendid runs were, witnessed at the North Taranaki Hunt Club’s meet, which was held at the Kennels, Lepperton, yesterday afternoon. Although there was a keen south-westerly wind through” out the gi eater portion of the day, the afternoon was beautifully fine and a large field of followers were treated to an interesting and exhilarating afternoon’s sport. It was pleasing to note that the majority of the hounds showed considerable improvement in form on any previous meetings held this season. The hounds were thrown off just inside Mr. T. French’s property, near the road, and almost immediately a hare was located, and the chase commenced with the whole pack in full cry. “Pussy” however, was in splendid form, and in making good use of the cover available, managed to effect a clear get-away, after an exciting sprint. While the pack and followers were so engaged, another hare was seen by the spectators in the same locality, ancl on coming down the hill towards the river took cover in the gorse before the pack returned. After the first run the huntsman (Mr. J. Sexton) set his pack to work the country in the vicinity of the main road. Another hare, was located, and provided a splendid run along the river flats. A good opportunity was given the followers to try out their mounts

over the fences, and a picturesque and interesting scene was presented with the pack in full cry and the. large field of followers in close attendance. The hounds lost the scent for a few minutes before ascending the hill to the road, and “pussy” was enabled to escape by sheltering in a swamp in Mr. F. Sampson’s property. The pack picked up the scent eventually, but they were unable to follow it through to “pussy’s” retreat.

The field returned and a start was made in Mr. F. Rothery’s property. The river flats were tried again and once more a hare, sheltering beside the river, gave a fine run. Travelling in a suiiiiar direction to the second hare, the quarry crossed the road, but instead of joining its companion in the swamp, followed a large gorse hedge, eventually dodging in at the back of Mr. Rothery’s homestead and effecting an escape by making for another clump of gorse near the Waiongona River. The hounds held on as far as the house, but here they over-ran the scent, and “pussy” was not troubled further.

The hounds were again extended in an exciting run, but no “kill” resulted. As the hares were so plentiful, a drag, which it was also proposed to hold, was dispensed with. e On the hounds being called off. the meet adjourned to the homestead of Mr. J. Sexton, where Mrs. Sexton, together with Mrs. F. Sampson, entertained the visitors to an enjoyable afternoon tea.

Mr, B. H. Chancy, on behalf of the visitors, cordially thanked the host and hostesses for the tea provided, and also commented on the generous attitude adopted by the property-owners over whose land so many enjoyable runs had been held that day. These gentlemen were Messrs T. French, F. Rothery and F. Sampson, all of whom took a keen interest in the sport and had rendered valuable assistance to the club. Cheers were then called for those responsible for the organisation of a very successful hunt.

Among those who followed were: Miss Bakewell, on Jumbo; Miss Western, on Lora; Messrs B. H. Chaney

(master), on Larakau; J. Sexton (huntsman), on diet wold; P. Sampson (whip), on Jet Black; M. Skelton, on Lady Shimose; F. Parli, on Whakamoa; J. Loveridge, on Manakorihi; F. Edgecombe, on Tor Royal; J. Cole, on Parakura; B. C. Lapouple, on Just John; R. Lynch, on Marshal Neil; R. Brown, on Fire Brigade; J. Edwards, on Patrolett; M. Edwin, on Camp Gun; and T. J. •Martin on Wee Sandy. The next meet will be held on Mr. Nuku’s property next Thursday (June 25).