HUNTING

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144668, 30 April 1915, Page 6

HUNTING

THE OPENING MEET. (Contributed.) A large and enthusiastic concourse of people assembled at Mr. Birdling’s farm. Wnicara, on the 2Dth inst. Intake part in the sport provided by the North Taranaki Hunt Club at their opening meet of tho season. The day broke cold and showery, but by JO a.m. tho rain had.given place to sunshine and considerable blue sky. The wind remained strong and cold, however, which circumstance is always decidedly against good scent and good hunting. Despite this the hounds worked hard ami well. Durinr; the afternoon some two or throe good Pares were hunted ami, although the runs were comparatively short, they afforded the followers ample opportunity of testing their horses and of getting “shook down into their saddles’’ once again. -Mr. Bird.’ing’s is a delightful farm for a hunt, particularly for an opening meet. Such a rural panorama from tuc old redoubt and other elevated points of vantage for the spectators on m heels and foot! Such enticing green held* and well-kept fences to woo the hearts of both man and horse. Hark to the hearty greetings as farmer moots farmer, and town member meets country member; and note tho tender handshake and the glad eye as the smiling young maidens again renew acquaintance with their gentlemen friends from distant neighbourhoods. Surely there is no sport*ou enith more uplifting morally, physically and mentally as a day in God’s good free nil*, on a nice horse, accompanied by the music of the huntsman’s horn and the full cry of the North Taranaki hounds. it was very gratifying indeed to the Hunt* members to ;-eo so many friends and supporters present, more particularly to see such good old sports as Messrs. S. Top* Jass, son., Cole. Opcnshaw, and others. Mr. Norman Peppered again has the hounds in splendid fettle, and. with the assistance of his brother Ted as whip, lie kept the followers moving right merrily. and gave them plenty of good solid jumping, which was gronliy enjoyed. There were no falls of any consequence during the afternoon. Amongst oilier ladies in the li''ld writ' the Misses Wheatley (2). .Miss Vickers. Mms Taylor (the -Master’s niece.' from England) on Nelly. Mrs. E. Peppoiili. on Redwing. and others whose names wore not noted. The popular Master. Mr. A. H. ilah ombe, and Deputy-Masters L. Jennins and E. Mason were riding their bust year’s mounts, while Depuly-Master B. H. Chaney was on Warea, a good bold jumper, hut new 10 the hunting held. Messrs. W. Hookham. M . Cole, J. Cole, E Rook. G. Foreman and N, Fulton wore aKo on Iheir last year s hunters and riding strjyghi and hard. Quito a few good-looking promising now horses were out, and were noticed going strong ami .well. These, with their Odors. are cordially welcomed, and they will no doubgive a good account of themselves before the season is over.

EGMONT-WANGANn HCNT. “Miles in Front,” writing in the Star of the opening meet of the EgmoutWanganui Hunt, says:— The Egniout-Wanganui Hunt opened their season ou Saturday- last in perfect weather at the homestead of the Master (Mr, Oscar Symes). ’“The i laves.” Waverlev. By noon a groat gathering of hunting folk had arrived at the homestead.. where a sumptuous lunch «.is prove led, ami niter justice had beet! dune to the good tilings, the hounds, which looked iu Imo condition for the season's work, were thrown olf in Irom of the house, and in a few minutes found and registered the first kill of the season. Hares were numerous. lint owing to the dry nature of the gfonnd scent would not ‘‘lie.' consequently short runs were the order of the day.'hut a fair day’s sport teas obtained. as the fences were iu splendid order: quite a treat for hunting people. A verv conspicuous feature was tlm number of well-mounted young members, who are very much appreciated, as a great many of the active members of the hunt are in training to tight for our honour and liberty.

Before leaving for home we again gathered at the homestead for a much appreciated cun of tea and a “Wee doth an dense after v. hieli .Mr. Lonsdale. on behalf of the Imnf. thanked onr host and hostess lor their very kind hu.spitaiity extended to the members and visitors. Three cheers were then given for the boys at the front, and i\t> al! 101 l for homo, perfectly happy with our day's sport. Amongst the siraiglit-goors I noticed: The Master on Lookout, the Huntsman (S. Symes) on Varmint. Whip il). Lupton) on Argo. .Miss Symes on Duchess, .Miss Ali Her on The Flirt. .Miss Death on Surety, L, Tonks on Stepont. 11. Crocker on Tnrpot, W. Paterson on Wc-lslunan. E. I*. Symes on Don, A. Corrigan on Gillies. Gamlin on lowiiil, ('. Shealian on Royal Loop, L. Best, on Oracle. Al. Smith on Shell Rock. A. Crocker on Paleface, 1). M'Gorrery on Drudgery, Blake on Haddon. W. Struchan on Lady, Morrison on .Moodier. W. Blake on Quiekshine. B. Dalton on Wild Lupin, S. Barley on Bidler. A. Powdrell-on Polities. S. Davidson on Lingerer. E. Davidson on Patca, S. Lupton on Ginger. G. A’. Pearce on ALP., Soland on The State, ,L Leo on Taupe, G. Lnpton on The Kaiser. Dr. Syininomls on Absent, Motoring and driving were: Dr. and Airs. Harvey, Air. and .Miss Kennedy, Air. and Airs. B. Symes. Air. and .Mrs. Brewer. Al.r Wilson and parry, Aliss Brower. .Miss Siraehan and party. .Mr. and Airs. Hunter. Air. and Mrs.'Johnson, Aliases Lupton and party.. and many others whose names 1 could not ascertain.