HUNTING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue X, 28 August 1897, Page 303

HUNTING.

(By

Onlooker.)

y | Pakuranga hounds met last Saturday at Mount Albert, and from there we went to the Asylum property. I cannot say the riders had an excellent day, though the hounds had a good time. The first pussy ran round the Asylum in a ring two or three times, passing through some property where we were not allowed to follow. Another pussy ran from here to Mr Lee’s scoria, doubled back, taking a bee line by the road to Mr Woodward’s, and was eventually caught in a Chinaman’s garden. Another hare was immediately on foot, running towards Mr Mcßride’s, doubled, and returned through Mr Woodward’s, and made a straight line for Avondale, having to swim the creek, with the hounds in hot pursuit, the followers being forced to take to the road. On reaching Avondale they found the hounds working in the ti-tree scrub near the Avondale Road. Here there was a check, when pussy was seen on the opposite side of the Great North Road in the scrub. The hounds being laid on her, away she made back through the ti-tree towards the Asylum, when the noise of a gun informed us that her days were ended by a very unsportsmanlike person. The members forced the shooter to give up his quarry. It was now very late, so everybody turned home. There was a very large field of riders. I forgot to mention we had an object lesson from our huntsman ‘on interfering with hounds when running,’which was decidedly interesting, and not likely to be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to be present. Mr and Mrs Harry Gorrie, of Onehunga, entertained the members and friends to afternoon refreshments. Amongst those present were Mrs Bloomfield, Mrs Tonks, Misses Dnnnett, Gorrie (two), Tribley, Bnckland (two), Kerr-Taylor, Peacock, Percival. Roberts, Bull (two), Ware, Mr McLaughlin (our master), Messrs Gorrie, Kerr-Taylor, Pollock, Skipwith, Hyde, Bloomfield, Absolum, Wynyard. Crowe, Kinlock (two), Gilbert, Goodman, Harrison, Philips, Tonks, Wynyard, Ellett, Taylor (Mangere), Varnum, Noakes, Elliot, O’Dowd, Burns, Twiss, Schnackenberg, Buckland, Gordon (two), Craigh, Martin, Seccombe, Dr. Bews, etc. Driving were Mrs (Col.) Dawson and Miss Elliot, Miss Percival and friend, Mrs and Miss Torrans, Miss (Frank) Buckland, etc.

For the banquet that took place immediately after the coronation of the Czar and Czarina no less than 320,000 pounds’ weight of the finest crystal, gold and silver plate was used, 60,000 pounds of this being composed of the precious metals. The most famous services of plate are the Orloff and the London service, the last including among other things copies of four equestrian statues on the Anichkoff Bridge in St. Petersburg, four others representing hunting scenes, and one St. George and the dragon. Among these crystals are some wonderful vases, with bunches of grapes cut in relief. The Orloff service consists of sixteen vases, richly decorated, and ninety-six large silver centre pieces for the table of exquisite workmanship. A third service, known as the Parisian golden service, bought in 1867, consists of tureens, dishes, and centre pieces.

The King of Siam has a tolerable income—about ten millions a year. His royal palace is populated by about 5,000 people, and is a little city in itself. The ornamental grounds comprise twenty-five acres, and are surrounded by a wall twelve feet high. No European is allowed to see over the building or the grounds. In summer, truthful travellers tell us the King retires to a glass pavilion at the bottom of a lake situated in the palace grounds. Walls, floor, and ceiling of tk is pavilion are made of glass, these joined by an indissoluble cement. It is so arranged that when empty it rises to the surface of the lake. f