TARANAKI HUNT SEASON

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1932, Page 8

TARANAKI HUNT SEASON

CLUBS HOLD FINAL MEETS

NOT A HARE RAISED AT URENUI.

JUMPING COMPETITIONS HELD.

Tho last meet of the season was held by the Taranaki Hunt on Saturday at the homestead of the master, Mr. A.. H. Halcombe, Urenui. For the third time this season not a hare was sighted, but a large number of followers had several gallops and good jumping. The hunt was short and was followed by a ladies’ and men’s jumping competition. The large attendance both of followers and of friends was a fitting conclusion of the season. In response to the master’s appeal there was a large number of “old timers” who found time pass quickly as they recalled hunting days of years ago. An excellent view of the country to be worked, all of which was part of Mr. Halcombe’s property, could be obtained from near the homestead, which gave on to a grassy valley, the side of which was covered with dense native bush. Starting on the opposite hill-top and working all the coverts along the ridge and back down the valley towards the homestead, the hounds could be clearly followed in their unsuccessful search.

The competitions in a paddock before the homestead comprised a single spar, a double spar, a double brush and a single spar. Good jumping was witnessed. Of ten competitors in the ladies event Miss Mary Cole was first on Ginger and Miss’ Hazel Cole second on Nimblefoot, they having had to re-jump after a tie. Miss Peggy Halcombe (Silverine) was third. The men’s event, in which. 13 competed, was won by Mr. Ivan Cole on Parakura. The judges could not separate Shamin, Dick and Shell Shock, ridden by Messrs. Peter Cole, Roy Hookham and Ivan Cole respectively. Followers and visitors were the guests of Mr. Halcombe at afternoon tea at the house. Deputy-Master W. T. Joll, on behalf of the Hunt thanked Mr. Halcombe for his hospitality and for permission to hunt over his property. Mr. Halcombe was one of the oldest hunt members, he said, and so long as Mr. Joll could remember was always to the fore as far as straight going was concerned. Mr. Joll urged the younger members to follow the master’s example and stick to the club, which had a good name elsewhere. He thanked the farmers, in the Motunui and Onaero districts for their continued generosity in allowing the use of their properties. . A refusal had never once been met with. Cheers were given Mr. Halcombe and the farmers of the district. In reply, Mr. Halcombe said he was always pleased to do anything for the club, which had battled through many years of hard woi'k and kept together by the support of the honorary members and the public of Taranaki. He did not look for thanks, for what he did was actuated by love of a horse. He urged the club to keep hunting going in order to educate in the right way to conduct the sport. Mr. Halcombe expressed his pleasure at seeing so many old-timers who began hunting in the first days of the club. Mr. E. Griffiths spoke on behalf of the old friends of the Hunt. Messrs. C. Sampson, P. A. Openshaw and E. Wheatley also spoke, . Among the followers were DeputyMaster W. T. Joll on Silver Cord, Huntsman E. Rooke on Nawa, Whips G. Young on Bluebird and I. Cole on Parakura, Mesdames Whitehead on Dusk and Bleakley on Lady de Reszke, Misses H. Cole on Nimblefoot, M. Cole on Gingerette, C. Ryan on Ginger, M. Knight on Lorna Doone, T. Cole on Onestep, E. Newton ond Panchito, N. Morey .on Ben Hur, P. Halcombe on Silverine, A. Purdie on Trixie, D. Ambury on Arab Boy, P. Beaven on Loch Lomond and J. Paulger, Messrs E. Cole on Grafton, R. Topless on Michael Shimose, G. Hayton on Creamy, H. Joll on Tinopai, R. Hookham on Dick, H. B. Nolan on Piripiri, L. Melwood -on Smut, Carter on Kitty, J. McKenzie on Jack the Ripper, K. Bedford on Karangawai, V. Rooke on Goldwater, Grant on Cinderella, M. Jury on Paul Moko and J. B. Mabin on Onaero.

Among the many visitors were Mr. L. A. Nolan, Mr. A. R. Standish, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Hookham, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Humphries, Mr. and Mrs. J. Cole, Mrs. W. D. Graham and Mrs Walton, Mr. and Mrs. E. Griffiths and Miss N. Griffiths, Mr. and Mrs. N. C. Fookes, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Barnett, Messrs. E. Wheatley, P. A. Openshaw, W. Scoles, F. Sampson, W. Sole, C. Lepper, L. Webster, B. Tippens, A. Mabin, W. Sole, E. Elliott.

EGMONT-WANGANUI HUNT.

LAST MEET OF GOOD SEASON.

The Egmont-Wanganui club’s . final hunt for the season was held on Saturday at Kakaramea, when members and friends assembled at the hotel for the “throw-off.” The run led over the properties of Messrs. Spence, Fowler and their neighbours. The country had been well prepared. The jumps were mostly boxthorn with the wire fences and spars. Horses were jumping well, and although spectators could not always keep up with the pack they were treated to some pretty jumping when they could be near the fences.

Although the weather was showery that did not damp the ardour of the followers. The scent was not lying very well and although hounds raised several hares there were only two runs of any length. Ono was when hounds were first taken out and the other a good finishing run both for the day and for the season.

At the conclusion of the run all were entertained at the hotel by the master of the club (Dr. W. T. Simmons) and Mrs. and Miss Simmons. Dr. Simmons thanked the property-owners who had placed their country at the disposal of the club for the day and all those who had helped in the entertainment. He thanked the people who had so generously entertained the club throughout the season. It had been a very good season indeed, he remarked, the weather on the majority of occasions had been good, the hounds had been kept in fine fettle by Huntsman Myles and everything had been done for the bettering of the sport. Next season it was to be hoped there would again be a large muster of enthusiastic followers. Mr. Jack Sheahan thanked Dr. and Mrs. Simmons for their hospitality and remarked that the large crowd present testified to the popularity of the host and hostess and family. He said he was very interested in the sport of hunting, and it was a pleasure to see in the field so many young members, especially ladies. Mr. H. Washer expressed a keen desire

for the club to hold the race meeting. He spoke of the number of splendid horses in the club and the keenness of the young riders, and he felt that it would be a great pity to let the meeting go. Among those riding were Dr. Simmons on Barham, Deputy-Masters J. Sheahan on Wallace and T. Lupton on Pale Star, Huntsman Myles on Bonny Flier, honorary Whips I. Parsons on Tatler, W. Southcombe on Penny Royal and R. Watkins on Talkative, Mrs. S. Train on Puma, Misses P. Simmons on Waihau, M. Brewer on Overtax, M. Washer on Mist, C. Walkinton on Sir Daniell, J. Davidson on Dinkum, Fullerton on bay, S. Davis on Rex, C. Pearce on Sandy Acre, A. McNab (Wanganui) on Karaka, S. Train on Tiger Pat, J. Davis on Frosty, N. Parsons on Pierrot, A. McLean on Buster Cut, G. Watkins on Cardu, D. Lupton on Wilkins, E. Sampson on Onepai, W. Hunter on San Fera, S. Mcßae on Sambur, Fowler on Proud Carbine, A. Hamblyn on Day Lass,. G. Castles on Puarata, Cleaver on Cynical Kid, R. Simmons on Rio Rita, F. Sheild on Haeraemai, S. Davidson on Danemai, P. Davidson on Charmaine, N Davidson on Don Cossack, E. Davidson on Lorraine and S. Myles on Valcluse.