CLOSING OF HUNT

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3602, 5 September 1939, Page 4

CLOSING OF HUNT

MEET AT "NGAHEKE" OUTSTANDING SEASON ENDS The development of a pack of hounds second to none in. New Zealand, has enabled the Waikato Hunt to enjoy one of its best seasons this year. Excellent hunting has been provided over farm lands in the Waikato, but it was unfortunate that conditions for the closing On Saturday were not in keeping with ..[he rest- of the season.

Receni rains had made the country at Fencourt too wet for hunting and only a few fences were jumped. It was disappointing for the large field, which included visitors from Pakuranga and Maramarua.

When the followers left "Ngaheke," the homestead of the Master, Mr Wynn Brown, hounds were thrown off in Mr William Brown's property, which has never failed to raise a hare. A strong scent was found and after running round Mr Brown's farm, hounds tracked "puss" across the bridge to Mr Ws Harbutt's and through to Mr M. Phillips' boundary. She turned right-handed and back through Messrs Phillips' and Harbutt's properties.

At this stage the field adjourned to the road, as it was realised that the country was too wet for hunting. Hounds were called off and taken to Mr A. J. Swayne's property, where a fleet hare was raised. Hounds worked excellently in the chase through the paddocks of Messrs Swayne and W. C. Wallace. The field watched from the road.

When hounds were whipped off, the field returned to "Ngaheke," to he entertained by the Master and Miss Rhoda Brown.

The Master rode Beckford and the Whip, Mr Ned Brown, was on Eureka. Among the visiting followers were Mr S. Symes, huntsman of the 'Maramarua pack, and Mrs Symes, and the following member^,

from Pakuranga: Mr P. H. Smith (huntsman) and Mrs Smith, Miss A. Marr, jMiss K. (Brookes, Messrs A. Millen, T. Coath, G. Roberts, A. E. Watkins, B. Myers and H. Brooks.

Following the afternoon tea. the toast of the Master, Mr Wynn Brown - was proposed by the deputy-master, Mr J. M. Allen, M.P. He spoke of the succeseful season, and expressed pleasure at seeing so many of the older people returning to the sport of hunting.

Mr Brown welcomed the large attendance and referred to the bad weather in August that had made it impossible to hunt that day.

The hunt now had a pack of hounds of which he was very proud, added Mr Brown. He considered that the importation of the best breeding blood from England had been well worth while.

Many of the followers and spectators at the hunt, remained at "Ngaheke," until later in the evening, when a barbecue was held in aid of the Centennial Sports Queen, Miss Rhoda Brown.