ASHWICK FLAT.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 28 June 1924, Page 12

ASHWICK FLAT.

ANN CAL HARE DRIVE. The Ashwick Mat, dimate was on its best behaviour on Thursday week, when the annual hare shoot took place. Soon after nine o’clock ears commenced to assemble at a spot on the Clayton road. About ten o’clock all was in order for a start. A spring dray lmd been fitted to hang about .150 hares, and was in charge of two boys. Three other boys had horses and sticks with, which to carry hares to the dray. The first round-np took place on Mrs Wood's property, a block of some COO acres being surrounded. Mr C. H. Whatman, who was M.C., was successful in getting the circle complete so that few hares escaped. About r.O guns wore in action it this time, ant! as the circle contracted, those who were carrying hares wore kept busy. About 100 hares were the result of this round-up, taking about an hour and a half. The next venture t. as over another field of Mrs ’Wood’s, the shooters getting round a 320 acre block. Thia resulted in a bag of about 70. after which the party adjourned for lunch, which was provided by the ladies of the district at Mr Whatman's homestead, 'fables had been arranged to seat about 50. and were more than fully occupied. The ladies were kept busy attending to the wants of all, and the anproval. generously expressed, spoke well for the excellent, attention. There were about 1.00 guests, including ladies and children, all enjoying tie picnic conditions. After lunch. Mr T. Searlo. on behalf of those from a distance, thanked the Ashwick Elat people for the way they bad bec-n catered for. On replying for the organiser.-. Mr C. H. Whatman expressed the pleasure that all felt at so many being present.

The first circle after lunch was < n 'Messrs. Whatman and Grant’s properly, and resulted in 52 bares being collected. These tactics mere repeated iwice more during the afternoon, resulting in 50 and 30 barebeing hilled, making a total for :no day of well over 300. The ladies had afternoon tea before (lie gathering dispersed, about o’clock. As the hares weighed ; n average of Jflb each there were well over a ton of hares to dispose if. Many wore forwarded to institutions, some wore taken by those present, and still (bore were bare- to spare. The organisers wish to thank aU wht» a-si.-tod, not forgetting those who kept the home tires burning.