HUNTING

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2971, 7 August 1928, Page 5

HUNTING

THE WAIKATO HOUNDS. TWO GOOD DAYS. The members of the Waikato Hunt were favoured with two good days' hunting last week. As the season progresses hares get stronger and scent improves, consequently hounds go much faster, and some brilliant runs are experienced. Such was the case on Wednesday, when hounds met at Mr lan Harper's, for there was any amount of galloping and jumping, and two kills. Hounds and hares alike were glad when the Master sounded the horn for home and kennels.

Mr and Mrs lan Harper, with whom was associated Mr Coventry, entertained the field to morning and afternoon tea, in a style worthy of those good sportsmen, the Matangi members of the hunt.

On Saturday the hunt was at Flat Park. How they all love that meet, with its great country for hounds to bring out their best qualities, plenty of hares, a variety of fences, a wellgrassed, well-timbered piece of country, and, above all, a lot of farmers to give everybody a welcome. The weather at first was cold and showery, 'but it improved as the day wore on, and a very large field met the Master at the homestead of Mr and Mrs W. J. Garland, who, in conjunction with Mr and Mrs Blennerhassett and Mr and Mrs H. P. Nelson,- entertained the field to morning and afternoon tea in a most hospitable style. From first to lastthere was a burning scent, and men had to Tide straight and hard to keep with the hounds. Two kills wore registered, after slashing good runs, and twice the hounds kid to be called off when running hard, as the country was unridable.

Just how popular hunting is becoming is evinced by the large fields which turn out every time the hounds meet, not only those who ride to hunt, but this who hunt to ride, and those who come out in motor cars to see the fun.

A hopeful sign of the future is the large number of youngsters who turn out on ponies of all descriptions to join in the grandest of all sports.