WAIKATO HUNT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21184, 6 August 1940, Page 9

WAIKATO HUNT

FINAL MEET AT WHATAWHATA SPECTATORS ENJOY VIEW A ward of the Waikato Hunt was formed at Whatawhata this season, and the 30 or so members have proved a great acquisition to hunting in the district. The final meet of the season at Whatawhata was held on Saturday, and the enthusiasm shown augurs well for the future. The ward members have spared no effort to make the country interesting, and this was proved by the fine layout of the fences on Saturday. It is understood that further fences and general improvements are to be carried out for next season. One of the largest fields of the season met the master, Mr Wynn Brown, at the Whatawhata Hall on Saturday. Morning tea was provided before setting off, and with hares plentiful, the sport was excellent. There were 11 couples of hounds out and they raised good hares, which took a favourable line to give the many spectators in cars an excellent view of the hunting. Spectators from Hamilton j Mr Brown was riding his veteran hunter, Beckford, and the whip, Mr Ned Brown, was on Huka Kingi. It was noticeable that many of the I spectators were from Hamilton, the locality being suitable for those with cars who had conserved petrol to make the afternoon’s run. At the conclusion of the day afternoon tea was served by the district members in the hall, Mr Brown returning thanks for the hospitality. There was one unfortunate incident to mar the day, when a promising hunter, owned by Mr G. Howlett, was hit by a portion of a flying hurdle and broke a leg. The hunt was at its keenest and five horses came down at the one fence. Mr Howlett’s hunter had to be destroyed. Many of the best steeplechasers in the country gain their education in the hunting field, and the first real indication of any outstanding jumpers will be gained next Saturday, : when the Putaruru ward of the Waikato Hunt will hold its annual point-to-point fixture. A number of Cambridge horses will be competing. I