HUNTING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 34, 26 August 1893, Page 135

HUNTING.

THE PAKURANGA HOUNDS. FORT! NE at last favoured the meet of the Pakuranga hounds with a glorious day, though the ground was heavy, and many of the farmers objected to allow the hunters to pass through their properties. The meet was at the Royal Oak, Onehunga, where the jumping mainly consisted of scoria walls. Two drags were laid by Mr Tom McLaughlin. The first was from Royal Oak to Penrose,

where the walls were stiff, and some of the country rough. Miss Percival, on Tommy, had a dreadful fall, her stirrup breaking. She valiantly attempted to continue without, but with the disastrous result of a fall on her head. Miss Cornelius Taylor was seen following hatless, evidently the wind had been having a frolic with her head covering. At the first wall, the old veteran, Tom Brown, on Gay Lad, measured his length, his red coat and the green grass making a picturesque contrast. Mr Garrett and his steed also parted company.

Here is an incident to show that the Committee do their utmost for the farmers' interest. Some lads were seen schooling their horses backwards and forwards over a wall, which decidedly cut up the ground. One of the Committee interfered and forbade it, but was informed by the surprised culprits * it is our land.’

The next drag was laid from Penrose, round Mount Smart to Royal Oak. No ladies were seen to finish. Mr Noakes, though, was noticed careering down the paddock after his steed, which seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the sport on its own account. Another horse made a complete somersault over a wall ; indeed, it was very clever, though extremely dangerous. Amongst those riding were Mrs Patterson, Mrs (Dr.) Bews, Mrs W. Bloomfield (on Rarey), Miss Girdler, Miss Thomas, Miss McLaughlin (on Crusader), Miss Dunnett (on Roger), Miss Percival (on Tommy), Miss Edith Banks, Misses Kerr-Taylor (two), Miss (Cornelius) Taylor, Miss Ethel Bull, Misses Sellers (two), Mrs Waterhouse, Miss Garrett, Messrs Kelly (on Playboy), Tonks (Odd Trick), H. Tonks, Wynyard (two), McLaughlin (two) Bell, Lockhart (on Sbanghraun), C. Dawson, Elliot, Rae (on Colonel), Crowe (on Crazy Kate), Noakes, Mrs Harry Bloomfield, a new member, was seen to the fore on Dundee, Messrs Gilmore (on Kiwi), J. S. Buckland, Percival, Gordon (on Jim), Wansborough, Dixon, Heywood, Motion, Fenwick, Waterhouse, J. Hanna (on Marmion), Gorrie, Garrett, Suttie, Ware (on Dainty), Clarke (on Bachelor), Coates, Kerr-Taylor. Driving were Mrs Bloomfield (sen., Parnell), Mrs Fred Ireland, Miss Ettie lieland, Mr and Mrs Greenwood, Mr and Mrs Aitken, Mrs Rich-

mond, Mrs Aitken-Carrick, Miss Curtaine, Mrs (Dr.) Scott and Miss Dickey, Misses Firth (three), Col. and Mrs Dawson, Miss Elliot, Misses Phillips and Dixon, Mr George Bloomfield. HASTINGS HUNT CI.UI! DINNER. The Hastings Hunt dinner to close the end of the season of 1893 was held at the Empire Hotel, and everything passed off happily. The room was splendidly lighted, and the table was a picture with its load of plate, glass, ornaments, and plants and Howers. The menfl was exceptionally good, there being luxuries of the most rcchcrc/u description. Mrs Scrimgeon and her assistants came in for a great deal of praise, the special toast in their honour evoking tremendous enthusiasm. The Master of the Hounds, Mr R. 11. Mason, occupied the chair. He was supported on his right by Mr J. F. Wells, Master of the Danevirke Club, and on the left by Mr M. Groorne, of Te Ante, lion. sec. The guests came from Makaretu, the Plains, Te Ante, Hastings, Gwavas, the Coast, Whakarara, Waipnkurau, Wanstead, Ashcott, Kaikora, and Waipawa districts.

The Chairman opened the speechifying with the toast, • The Queen ’ ; Mr Giblin, ‘ Our worthy master, long may he live, and long may we follow him.’ Mr Giblin made a neat speech, in which he brought in the very great advantages to be derived from hunting. Mr Mason replied suitably, bringing in the names of Messrs J. B. Rhodes ami J. D. Ormond, sayrng how much they had been helped by both gentlemen. Mr Wells and Mr Jackson followed, Mr Wells proposing the health of Mr Giblin, the most aideut sportsman in Hawke’s Bay. Mr Giblin returned thanks, ami made a most appropriate speech. He said he had always enjoyed the sport from a boy. Mr Rhodes followed with a few words. Amongst other things he remarked that the hounds ran through the ewes without disturbing the lambs. The chairman proposed Mr Groorne, their secretary, in felicitous terms. Sir Groorne in reply made a most able speech. He regretted exceedingly that Captain Russell and Mr Ormond were unable to be present, but Mr Ormond was well represented by his son. Mr Groorne said he preferred hunting to horse racing, as he generally came in second best at the races He proposed Mr Stewart Bridge, the straiglitest goer in Hawke’s Bay, and his five-barred gates. Mr Bridge replied in his usual pleasant and gentlemanly manner. Mr Wells pro|>osed * The Huntsman and Whip.’ Mr Hassell briefly responded. Mr M. Mason proposed ‘The Ladies,’ which was ably responded to by' Mr Robison. ‘ Steeplechasing,’ replied to by Mr C. L. Maekersey ; ‘ The Waipawa Sportsmen,’ coupled with Messrs Bennett, A. Howard, and Dr. Godfray, who replied ; • The Press,’* Absent Friends,’and ‘The Hawke’s Bay Contingent’

were among the other toasts. Songs and recitations were given by Messrs W. I’ettitt, J. B. Rhodes, Godfray, S. Bridge, J. Ormond, Whittington, W. 11. Bennett, A. Deane, Quin, Hassell, and A. E. J nil. Several hunting songs were sung, and the company dispersed well pleased with everything. We are all sorry the season is over, and shall miss the pleasant ‘ meets ’ exceedingly.