THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO FOX HUNTERS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 504, 15 May 1869, Page 3

THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO FOX HUNTERS.

One of the most frightful catastrophes which ever hefel the lovers of the chase occurred recently in the West Riding. The York and Ainsty foxhounds—one of the crack packs of Yorkshire met halfway between Harrowgate and Ripon, and there was a good field on the occasion, including Sir Charles Slingsby, the popular master of the hounds. Reynard was started at Monkton Wyn, and had a capital run for about an hour in the direction of Copgrove and Newly Hall. On approaching the latter, he crossed the Ure, the hounds following. Several of the huntsmen attempted the ford, some distance up the stream, but Sir Charles and the majority of those who were close up made for the ferry, which is almost opposite Newly Hall. On the signal being made, the boat was sent across. As the river was swollen, and was running with a strong deep current, the attempt to gain the opposite bank might have seemed a rather perilous task by any one of cool judgment; but without a moment's hesitation fifteen or sixteen of the huntsmen, with their horses, crowded into a vessel intended to accommodate only half that number. Ere one-third of the distance had been traversed, Sir C. Slingsby's horse became restive, and kicked its neighbor. The latter animal belonged to Sir George Wbmbwell, was a high-mettled chesnut, and returned the kick with interest, whereupon a panic amongst the animals took place; and the short of the sad story is, that with the ex-

traordinary commotion the boat upset The list of the drowned is as follows: Sir Charles Slingsby, of Scriven Park Mr E. Lloyd, of Lingcroft; Mr Ed mund Kobinson, of York; Willian Orris, first whip; and the two War riners, gardeners at Newly Hall, wb< were in charge of the boat. Somt very narrow escapes were made. ♦