HUNTING IN RANGITIKE

Taranaki Daily News, 7 August 1930, Page 5

HUNTING IN RANGITIKE

' AN-OLD ESTABLISHED CLUB.

That the joys of the chase have not lost any of their attractions for the younger generation was shown by the large number, of ladies and men of the Rangitikei Hunt Club who gathered at the annua! Point-to-Point meeting at Marton last week, and th© popularity of the sport was further evidenced by an attendance of some 1200 spectators. Three steeplechases and' a jumping event, the latter, by the way, being won by Miss Gaisford, a popular member of the Hunt Club, who gave a finished exhibition of handling a rather fiery steed, proved well worth the trip, and everybody went away fully satisfied with their “bob's worth,” voting the gathering the most enjoyable ever.

A.nd between the races it was a pleasure to meet so many “old timers," and to hear their tales of happenings in “the good old days.” - The only matter for regret was the absence of the old Master, Mr. D. G. Riddiford, who is at present on a trip to the Old Country, but did’not forget his friends of the hunting field, as shown by his cablegram (read the previous evening at the Hunt Club ball) wishing all an enjoyable time, and regretting his inability to join in the sport. It was a kindly thought which prompted that message, and it may be mentioned that Mr. Riddiford has been Master of the Hunt for 4€ year-, and in addition to being one of the boldest followers of the hounds, regularly participated in the Point-to-Point steeplechases.

It was in 1880 that Mr. Richard Hammond inaugurated hunting in Rangitikol, and the hounds were brought out from Wanganui on Saturdays for the “drag” nr.nt. Mr. Hammond’s sons were keen hunting people also, a-s were the late Sir James Wilson and his sons. In 1882 Sir James Wilson took a trip to (Christchurch, and there purchased a pack of bounds, which be presented to the Rangitikei Hunt Club. Hare hunting was introduced, and one of the strongest clubs set up in the Dominion. The hounds were located at “York Farm’’ under the care of the late Mr. John Hammond, and in 1884 were removed to Crofton, and Messrs. D. Q. Rid-

diford and W. Hammond acted as Masters. The following year Mr. RiddL ford became sole Master/and still holds that honoured position. '■w w * * Mention of hunting in Rangitikel .would be incomplete without recalling the names of Messrs. G. Hamish Wilson. H. Bill, H. J. Cameroon, W. J. Simpson, J. Brice, Tom Simpson and F. McLean. And later on, the Gaisfords, the Puncans, the Scotts, the Bulls, and the. younger generation of Camerons. That the art of riding touched a high standard was shown .by the success of many of the above gentlemen,-both-on the.course, in the hunting field, and’on the polo grounds of the Dominion. •'« « « . In conclusion, a story put over by a prominent member of - the Hunt on Thursday last is too good to pass. A short time .ago the hounds followed “pussy" over forbidden ground, and many members of the hunt, quite unaware of the embargo, followed. That evening the Acting-Master telephoned the owner of the property, and the following conversation ensued:—ActingMaster: “I believe that several members of the hunt trespassed on your property to-day, and if any damage was done, I would like to repair it, or compensate you." The voice of a lady at the other end of the ’phone came sweetly over the wires; “@h. There was no damagedone. None at all. A lot of beastly, ferocious-looking dogs invaded my place, certainly, but I was so pleased when a number of ladies and the gentlemen on horseback came along and drive the wretched dogs away;’’ . . , “Pari tutu.”