THE KENNELS REVISITED.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 2939, 18 February 1899, Page 3

THE KENNELS REVISITED.

Some years h«ve elapsed since a member of oar staff visited The Kennels, the headquarters of hunting m South Canterbury, and it was, therefore, with pleasure that an invitation from the Master, Mr A. Elworthy, was accepted to revisit them. The drive out and back was vpry enjoyable on Thursday afternoon, more especially as the short stretch of country driven through was

looking its best— every field almost busy scene with harvest operations i their various stages. The Kennels ai situated on the north side of Glengurr mell, about half an hour's ride, and ar m every way a suitable home for hound and horse. Fortune favoured our visit, fo the Kennel Huntsman, Mr Malcolm Oi ton was justfinishingoff mid-day stable and was free to have a chat and genei ally do the honours of the place. Th quarters set apart for the hounds wer first visited. These consist of three o four roomy.buildings, to allow for separ ation of the sexes, etc., with spaciou runs attached, a good feeding yard, am a large yard for exercise. All but tin latter are concreted, the kennels prope being limewashed and fitted wi.'.l benches. At present there are 15] couple, the chief of the harem and th< boss harrier of the colony being ( iambi c: specially imported last year by Mi Arthur Elworthy. The dog ispurebrei and has taken champion nnd oih -i prizes at the Exeter and other leading shows at Home. His colour is not wh-ti colonials generally look for, but th s counts as nothing among experts Then is no mistaking the quality of the n'o^ however ; he is much better m shapt across the loins and shorter coupled than any of the other hounds, and tirm will show that no mistake hi> be^n made m importing him. He jus* now carries a heavy coat, but will soon become acclimatised. He has bet n »t stud ; one of the best of the pack b • ing mated with him, and the puppies are expected to bo something really good The pack comprises 12* couple ofo d hounds and 3 couple of pups, this year's entry ; the latter by Brackenfield (North Canterbury) dogs, and very nice-looking. The lot where kennelled up and benched for inspection and imde a very pretty picture. It was astonishing the command the huntsman had over them and the q net way they behaved whf n strangers were present. They have had two or three short spin* lately, and the sheen is already appearing on their coats. During the next few d-tys they will ho jug-trotting, to be followed later on by a ouror five mile go.aft^rwhio'i they will be fit for the hunting field anywhere. When the hounds were m the exercise yard, two of the old ones were pointed out, one nine years old, and entering on her last season afier h : irop. Before leaving the kennels, the hounds were fed, answering to their names singly as their master called them, care having to betaken that some did not get too much and others too little. The food is cooked, consisting roughly Rpeaking of two parts of oatmeal to one of meat. < >n leaving the hounds a move was made to the commodious Uables, the harness room being first entered. Here everything was very natty indeed, showiug that the grooms took pride m their work ; saddles clean and neatly treed, bits, chains, stirrups, etc., arranged and hung on a green baize panel are m readiness for the call to thechasp. Passing on the loose boxes were entered f >urof them been occupied. The hunters had only been three dayß m their boxes, three of them— the Joker, Trust and Dugald— being well known from their awards m the prizH ring and prowess m field and on course. All have too much flesh on, but a week or two's exercise and grooming will take this off Trust is a very clever jumper, good all round, and is one of the Birdcatcher family. Some amusing stories were told.of his schooling days -how he tumbled over gorse and carried away hurdles, until his mentors became almost heartbroken, but at last he " took to the game " aud is now a perfect hunter over any class of country, with a particular liking for jumping bare wire. The Joker has aptly been described by a sporting writer as a perfect lady's hunter, and is a particular pet of fair followers to hounds. The huntsman's favourite is Dugald, a grand cheßtuut, and a worthy descendant of Daniel O'Rorke, m quality, colour, temper, and build generally. Mr Ortcn has taught his favourite some tricks, which would make a ring-master rather envious, and eager to do a deal. The latest addition to the string is a chestnut colt which was bred by Mr Thomas Teschmaker of the Otaio, an estate which has a branch of its own m the tree of hunting m South Canterbury. The colt gives every promise of being very good ; is powerfully made, deep m girth, and clean limbed, and is a very clever jumper. He was saddled and put over the schooling fences, jumping beautifully. He is inclined to be shy and restive yet, but as Mr Orton iB a most capable horseman, he will soon be quiet and confident enough. The display over timber brought to a close a very pleasant visit. All interested m hunting will be glad to hear that Mr Arthur Elworthy has consented to act as Master for this season and to wish him and his many followers a most pleasant time.