HUNTING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue V, 4 August 1894, Page 110

HUNTING.

AUCKLAND. THE Pakuranga Hounds met this week at Mount Roskill School, Three Kings, where the gathering of spectators was much more numerous than the hunters. The day was perfect, not a vestige of a cloud to be seen on the horizon. The first part of the day was spent in drawing for pussy, which, when found, gave them a good run, but unfortunately took the riders through some old dame’s property, who decidedly objected to the huntsmen ami women passing through her domains. The old lady mounted on the wall with stone in hand and prevented the lastcomers from continuing, and held forth such harangue which is not likely to be forgotten easily. Another angry dame bad to be pacified, and also an anxious parent, who was certain her young boy would come to harm, as he would persist in following. Pussy at length was caught, and his pads were divided amongst the ladies who were in at the death.

The first drag was laid from the back of Three Kings to Mount Roskill Schoolhouse, where the jumping mainly consisted of stone walls. Splendid circus feats were ac. complished, such as landing on horse’s necks and scrambling back to the saddle again, while the horse was in full motion. Mr Selby finished first, followed by Mr Gordon on faithful old Jim ; Mr Tonks, on Nap ; Miss Percival (who has just returned from the South), as she took her last wall, lost her balance and neatly seated herself on the ground, leaving Tommy to look on in wonder ; Miss Dunnett came next on Sir Roger. This drag was finished in a paddock, and of course much amusement was afforded to the spectator by the attempts of some of the hunters to reach the road, but a very high wall barred their way. One boy on a chestnut went a complete somersault.

The second drag was from Mount Roskill School to Potter's Paddock. Being much longer, few ladies were seen to finish, though many started. Riderless horses were seen taking their jumps without a guiding hand. Many a horseman turned a somersault. The same gentlemen finished well as in the first drag.

Amongst those present were Mrs (Colonel) Dawson and Miss Elliot ; Mrs Gorrie, Mrs Browning, Mrs Tonks, Mrs Harry Tonks, Mrs (Dr.) Scott, Misses Thomas, McLaughlin, Banks, Percival (three), Roberts (two), Sellars, Bull, Sage, Firth, Messrs Gorrie, Phillips, James, Laurie, Holgate,

Ware, Gilmour, Conningsby, Wynyard (three), Gordon Dawson, Tonks, Dunnett, McLaughlin (two), Greenwood, Martin (two), Motion, Ray, Kelly, C. Taylor, Colonel Dawson, Colonel Noakes. The next hunt will take place at Trimble’s Papatoitoi Creamery. WELLINGTON. Captain and Mrs Stewart, Major Elliott, and Lady Augusta Boyle all joined in the hunt which was held last week, ft was a small meeting, but a very enjoyable one, and it is said they intend to ride in several of the hunts this winter, being all exceedingly fond of riding. His Excellency is very fond of walking, and is frequently to be met roaming round the bays or over the hills with some members of the household. The weather has been very bad during the past month or so, but in spite of everything, even rain, many of the Government House party go either riding or walking in the afternoon. The thunderstorm on Friday was very severe, but it seems to have broken up the weather, for to-day and yesterday have been glorious and quite a treat.