WAIKATO HUNT

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3551, 9 May 1939, Page 4

WAIKATO HUNT

NEW SEASON OPENED MEET AT THE KENNELS Hunting in the Waikato will be excellent this season if the sport provided at the opening meet on Saturday is maintained. A large field met at "Ngaheke," the homestead of the Master, Mr Wynn Brown, and although the bright sunshine was not favourable to good scent, the pack raised three hares which provided great runs over the neighbouring country. There were many favourable comments on the young hounds from the imported strain which the Master has added to the pack this season. Two of them were always among the leaders in the pack and they set a fast pace over ideal hunting country. The first hare was raised on Mr William Brown's property soon after hounds had been thrown off. She led the field twice round this farm and the, coun,try of Mr W. Harbutt, before being killed in one of Mr R. H. Feisst's paddocks.

Sedond Fast Run

It was not thought that such an excellent run could be repeated in the same afternoon, but a second hare was raised in the same paddock where the first kill had been made, and again a great chase ensued. Puss ran through the properties of Messrs H. P. Hunt, J. Leaning, William Brown, W. Harbutt, M. Phillips, T. H. Wallace, and then retraced her track to Mr Brown's farm where she lost her skut. These two runs had embraced a circuit of about six miles, and at this stage of the seasora, the hunters were beginning to feel the strain of hard racing. Hounds were still keen, however, and when they raised a third hare, the Master led the field in pursuit. The field was carried over the country of Messrs W. Harbutt, M. Phillips, D. Allison, T. H. Wallace and back to where the quarry was first found. The chase was not yet finished and the whole of the circuit was covered again before hounds were called off in Mr Harbutt's plantation. Return to "Ngaheke"

A tired but well satisfied field returned to "Ngaheke" where, with a large gathering of followers who had watched the meet from cars were entertained to afternoon tea.

The toqst of the Master and Miss Rhoda Brown was proposed by the deputy Master, Mr J. M. Allen, M.P. He said it was pleasing to see many new riders in the field, but he regretted that a great number of members gave up hunting at an early age. However, the Master set a great example to all huntsmen, and he hoped that the New Zealand fashion of giving up riding at about 40 years of age would be changed. The toast was heartily drunk, and in reply iMr Brown said it was a great pleasure to see such a large attendance, which was probably a record for the opening meet of the Waikato Hunt. He endorsed Mr Allen's remarks concerning the age to which members carried on in the field. In the Old Country, he said, there were more men. to be seen in the hunting field aged from 60 to 70 years, than young persons.

Praiste for Hounds

It was also noticeable that older members took more interest in the work of the hounds, added the Master. He considered that there was no better pack, even in England, than that of the Waikato Hunt, and the hounds were well worth watching when in the field. The hounds were a cross between beagles and foxhounds and made perfect harriers. Mr Brown made reference to the recent accident of Miss I. Meeking, who was hurt when, her horse fell at a qualifying meet. He read a telegram from her, wishing the hunt a successful commencement to the season.

Thanks to the farmers for their co-operation in throwing their properties open to the hunt were extended by Mr Brown. He found the farmers of the Cambridge district great sportsmen and he had great pleasure in proposing a toast to their health.

In reply, Mr W. Harbutt said he was sure that he voiced the opinion of all farmers in extending a welcome to the hunt to ride over their properties. He wished the hunt every success this season. Among the Riders

Among the riders were: Mesdames J. M. Allen on Victor; W. Ranstead on Merry; L. F. Johnson on Nutty; J. W. Ryall on Aintree; Misses C. Gaddes on Seneta; Nan Ranstead on a bay; Peg. Ranstead

on Safe Bank; Pat Nickle on Jacob; Kath Fisher on Little Irish; Peter Gorrie on Whistling Rufus; Eunice Mulcahy on Grey Peter; May Mulcahy on a bay. The Master, Mr Wynn Brown, on Beckford; the Whip, Mr Ned Brown on Heather King and Eureka; Messrs J. M. Allen, M.P., on Victor; L. Picot on Worthy King; A. R. Yarndley on Black Magic; R. Sampson on Bass; T. P. Cole on King Kong; Nuki Banks on Pennyplain; Warwick Banks on Jack; J. W. Ryall on Martin; J. Welch on Lady; W. H. Mellish on Clipper; J. T. Robertson on Worthy King; J. Gaddes on Clipper; J. Priest on Absent; H. Rendall on Curaform; C. Shakeshaft on Jorrocks; T. Horan on Tauwhare; M. Buckland on Safe Bank; L. Bradley on Carnui,