Waikato Hounds.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXV, Issue 3845, 28 July 1908, Page 3

Waikato Hounds.

A good crowd of hunting enthusiasts journeyed out to Mr Park's at Hairini, on Saturday last and were entertained right royally by the popular owner of this fine estate. At the invitation of Mr Park, followers sat down to a sumptuous huntbreakfast, and it is needless to say that they did ample justice to it. Mr Park's health was toasted in bumpers, and was enthusiastically honoured. About 12.30 p.m. hounds threw off in the paddock opposite the homestead and found almost immediately; but hounds could not make much of it, there being practically not a particle of scent. ' What a wonderful thing scent is! It baffles the best authorities on hunting; there is no man who can go out and say for certain whether it will be a good day for scent or not. A sudden change in the atmosphere will turn a burning scent into practically no scent at all and vice versa. We had an example of this last Saturday, as the day wore on the scent improved wonderfully. The second hare found gave a slashing run of about five miles over the hills ;by the Round Bush and was eventually killed in the swamp. Another hare was soon on foot and with a burning scent, hounds raced along as if they were running in view. The pace was too fast for puss, and she had not traversed three miles when hounds running from scent to view ran into her and killed in the open. This was a very fast run, • there being not a check from find Considering the extent of the paddocks there was a good deal of jumping during the Before leaving for home Mr Park again entertained the field to afternoon tea, which was very much appreciated. So ended a rattling good day's sport.