WITH THE HOUNDS

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1927, Page 11

WITH THE HOUNDS

MEET AT TUKORANGI. 1 SUCCESSFUL DAY’S SPORT. A hunt at Tikorangi invariably draws a large attendance of followers and enthusiasts and yesterday’s meet was no exception. Mr. and Mrs. H. Foreman are amongst the most popular hosts of the club, and their hospitality is proverbial. On 'Thursday afternoon the genial host and hostess excelled themselves, nothing was too much trouble in attending the smallest want of the visitors and miles of country had been sparred for the huntsmen. The scene at the homestead prior to the throw-off was certainly savoured with a typical hunting atmosphere. And when the pack was led out, the huntsmen, in their pinks, and the many followers, presented a charming and animated picture. The pack threw-off in a copse just south of the homestead grounds, and were quickly rewarded. Within ten minutes the hounds were in full cry, and immediately the whole following were riding at a fast clip to music that was very pleasing to the 'huntsman’s ear. Pussy set an awkward course, but did not deter a well-conditioned pack and anxious riders. Heading across a bushclad gully the course was set over some open country for the first half-mile, then down to a bush corner. During the opening run some splendid jumping was witnessed and the pace maintained epeaks well not only for the pack, but for the condition of the North .Taranaki horses this season. The game, with plenty of cover at hand, managed to elude the pack after some twenty minutes’ run, but only after an exciting chase had been given. The second hare was put up after a half hour’s work, and then was witnessed one' of the best runs of the season. Breaking cover from a clump of native bush, pussy completed almost a circular course and gave the hunters plenty of scope to exercise their jumping ability. First following a dry creek bed the hare headed towards the north Tikorangi Road, and after skirting the southern boundary of the Foreman homestead, made away in a south-east-erly direction across Jupp’s fields and badk again to the original property. No hunting scene could have been more characteristic than the hare with a full crying pack in hot pursuit, and some twenty followed in chase, galloping over such ideal country. However, the wily game again made a successful getaway, and even the most ardent huntsman must have wished it luck after giving such a .great chase. From then on scents became too plentiful and many were crossed, but the pack kept up a lively interest and their crying made merry music. The final run was made towards the north road, and after a good run the pack were called off in Mr. Soffe’s property, and the hunt adjourned to the homestead to afternoon tea. (Mrs. Foreman and a committee of ladies then did the honours, and it was a happy assemblage that gathered to give the host a farewell cheer. At the conclusion of the afternoon tea, Mr. B. H. Chaney, MJF.H., thanked both Mr. and Mrs. Foreman for the generous and hospitable manner in which they had entertained the club. He said it was always a pleasure looked forward to by the members to visit Tikorangi, not only because of the good hunting that was enjoyed, 'but of being in the care of such ardent supporters. The master intimated that Mr. Foreman had “something up his sleeve” for next year’s hunt, and was pleased to let the members in on one part of it —that was that a generous neighbour had informed the host that he would offer his property next season, and that the property from a hunting point of view was one of the finest hunting grounds in North Taranaki. Mr. Chaney then called for cheers for the host and hostess, and also for’ the neighbours who had lent their properties. Mr. Foreman, in reply, said that entertaining the hunt had always given Mrs. Foreman and himself great pleasure, and was an occasion looked forward to annually. To-day’s hunt, he was pleased to say, brought forth more sport than on the last occasion. Next week’s hunt will be held on the properties of Messrs E. Ansford and Luxton, at Omata, and already preparations are in hand to make the hunt a success. The Omata country is ideal for hunting and even more so from the spectators’ point of view, as a commanding position from a natural grandstand overlooks the whole property. Mr. Walter Graham, mine host of the Criterion Hotel, is entertaining the huntsmen on their way through, and the presence of a well-conditioned pack and huntsmen in riding kit in Devon Street, New Plymouth, is sure to attract more than usual interest.

Mr. P. Garvey had Ratapiko up from Stratford, and the dual New Plymouth winner was the centre of considerable interest. The chestnut was looking exceptionally 'well and bright, and has completely recovered from his bad knee. On his exhibition yesterday he is a force that will have to be reckoned with in forthcoming jumping events. On the hunting field he took wire and spars alike, and gave an excellent exhibition. All Wind was also out, and did all that was asked of him, although jumping big and a trifle wild at the opening, by the close of the day he had settled down and was taking his fences like a good one. Amongst those seen out were; —Miss Honeyfield, on Valencia; Miss H. Cole, on Nimblefoot; Miss M. Cole, on Ginger; the Master, Mr. B. H. Chaney, on Koru; Huntsman J. Sex-ton, on Steeplejack; the Whip, R. Sexton, on Chataqua; R. Foreman, on Tor Royal; J. Loveridge, on Patroneel; J. Rook, on Joker; C. R. Honeyfield, on Civility; A. McLeod, on Whakamoa; M. .Edwin, on Rafa; A. Chong, on All Wind; R. Dosser, on Wildfire; A. Webster, on Slump; I. Cole, on Parakura; S. Oakley, on Ratapiko: R. Powell, on Squib; J. Cole, on Liblady; P. Cole, on (Hazel; W. Joll, on Placid; W. Nolan, on Larakau.