HUNTING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVII, Issue IX, 31 August 1901, Page 397

HUNTING.

WAIKATO HOUNDS. By Follower. The hounds met on Saturday, the 17th, at Whatawhata for the first time, and judging from the hospitable reception accorded to all it is safe to predict it will not be the last. By 12 o'clock horsemen to the number of about 50, and a good many driving, assembled at Mr Bae's Hotel. Mr Fergusson, on behalf of the residents, tendered a speech of welcome to the Waikato Hunt Club. The master, Mr Bullock-Webster, in an appropriate speech, thanked the sportsmen heartily for their welcome, and stated it gave him great pleasure to witness such a large gathering. After this a move was made to Mr Kempthorne'* property, past the racecourse. Here

the master decided to throw off, and work towards Mr Fergusson's property, over about five or six wellmade. good jumps. Hounds soon found a good hare, which made a line direct for the creamery. Turning slightly to the left, she crossed the racecourse, then along the river, to level country, then across to Mr Fergusson’s property, where the hounds soon killed. After this it was decided to draw Mr Kempthorne's place, near Mr Calder's. There in some native ground a hare was soon found, which gave a short but good run, but unfortunately was lost in the bush. The next hare was found in some low ground in Mr Napier's paddock, which took a line over Mr Calder's and Mr Fitzgerald’s properties, but like the first she also was lost, much to the disgust of the followers. The master evidently thought that both hounds and huntsmen had had a good afternoon, and ordered a return to Mr line's Hotel, where Mr Rae had provided refreshments, which were thankfully partaken of. Following the hounds were the master (Mr BullockWebster), on Vixen: C. Selby (huntsman), on Rifle; Messrs. T. Rothwell, on Ann Jones; Mr Greenwood, on Dick; Mr Rae, on Mosquito; Andy Ramsay, on All Fours; Mr Hunt, on Melba; A. Livingston, on Larry; P. Jones, on W hare; Kempthorne, on Major; Mr McCutcheon, on Kingsman; and a great many others whose names your correspondent is not familiar with. In the evening a smoke concert was held, which was largeiv attended. Several toasts were proposed and responded to. and several songs rendered. After three hearty ringing cheers were given fot Mr Rae and his wife, for their kindness and hospitality to everyone, an enjoyable evening was brought to a close.

On Wednesday, 21st, the hounds met at the kennels." The morning, which did not promise well, ultimately turned fine, and a few minutes after 12 o’clock a move was made to Mr Forest's property. Jumping a hawthorn fence off the'road, the master decided to draw the first paddock, and with success, for very soon a fine hare got up. and made a line for the main road again. Here another Hve fence had to be negotiated. Turning from here hounds forced her up past the Hautapu school, down No. 1 station road, back to Mr Forest's top paddock, where hounds lost her. Working down the road again, we tried this side of the road, and after getting safely over a ditch and bank fence, then a stiff rail, hounds again found a hare, which dodged about for a little affording some splendid jumping, and then turned off across the road double to Mr Thomas’ property, at a great pace, and from there into Mr John Brown’s. The hounds, who never worked keener, had her going at a great pace, over the road again into Messrs. Beere Bros.’ property. From there we had probably the best run of the season, hounds going both straight and fast. We must have left a good four miles behind us, over about twenty jumps of all sizes and descriptions, right on to Hannon Bros.’ property, where there was a slight cheek. Puss was soon seen making a final attempt for cover, but it was useless, as the hounds were closing with her every stride, and she soon succumbed. Now eame a breather and slight rest, which our horses needed, having been kept busy following for the last half-hour. We had not long to talk of our varied experiences at several fences. Hc, as the master was keen on finding mother good hare, and soon had hounds casting about in Mr Watts’ property. We did not have to wait very long before a hare, closely pursued by hounds. was making a straight line towards Cambridge. but turning to the left she went into Mr Jas. Taylor's, only to dodge along a hawthorn fence to the railway line. Now we all thought she really was going into the township, but after working half a dozen little sections, through back yards, round several roads, she careered along past the domain, close to Mr Richardson's, and sought shelter in a bole in a ploughed paddock. Her rest was very short, however, as hounds soon had her going again at a hot pace, but a sheep dog jealously guarding bis owner's garden suddenly

turned puss from her course, and she was unfortunately lost in the vicinity of the railway line. Hounds tried several places to find her again, but were baffled. By now the master thought we and our horses bad had quite enough for one day. and had the hounds called off, and we separated, after a splendid day's hunting. A word of praise is due to the huntsman (C. Selby) for the splendid condition his hounds were in. and the way he handled them, giving us all a merry time to follow him sometimes. The following riders and horses were out: The master (Mr Bullock-Webster), on Paleface; Messrs. C. Selby (huntsman), on Makeshift: C. Ashwin, on Lieutenant; R. McMeekan, on Zeehan; J. Richardson, on Dusky Jock; R. Dodd, on Fairy; Dr. Roberts, on Bismarck; A. Gane, on Madge; R. Hannon. on Harry; A. Hine, on a bay; R. Eyre, on Hector; and several others; also Mrs Gane on Reckless; Mrs Dodd, on Nip: Miss Ward, on Newboy; Mrs Martin, on Banshee; Miss Pickering, on Yorky; Miss Care, on a grey; Miss Hunt, on a bay; ana other ladies. Driving were Mr Gibbons and party of ladies; Mrs WynnBrown. Mrs Hine, Mr Boston Cooper and wife. ® ® ® PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB. The Pakuranga hounds met on Wednesday at Panmure. and the day proved one of the most enjoyable this season. Hounds were thrown off on Mr Bailey's farm, and after working awhile a good hare was forced to view, giving followers a short but merry run until she was lost. Another was unearthed In the vicinity, but after r short run escaped. The piece de resistance was to come, as a splendid hare was put up ob the same estate, making a strong pace Ln the direction of the Panmure Road, across difficult and trappy country, many of the Jumps having broad ditches in front. Crossing several properties, puss ran Into Messrs Nathan's farm and oct again into adjoining propery. where she escaped apfgether. Thia was a run of several miles, and a number of followers came to grief, two being leaded in the ditch on their backs. It was certainly the best run of the season. Amongst those riding consistently to the front were Messrs Adams, on a fine bay; Tonks, on Lepperton; Ben Myers, on Rally; and Ralph. Jun. Shorter runs were enjoyed as the afternoon wore on. In the last of which the hounds were rewarded with a kill. Mrs Crowe had a rather nasty fall, her horse Dick rolling right over her. but fortunately she escaped with a few bruises. Amongst others following were Mesdames Moody, on Mick; Crowe, on Dick; Misses N. Gorrie. on Jimmy; Leece, on a bay; George and Wynyerd; Messrs Ralph, sen., master, on Peter Simple: Waller, on Cragsman; Crowther, Seceombe, and Carmens, on Tip.

Fine weather was experienced for the meet of the Pakuranga Hunt Club on Saturday, and a goodly number of members were out. Scent was not good on account of the extent of the ploughed land operated over, and it was some time before a hare was started. Followers had fair sport for a time, when puss escaped. Taking an active part were Mesdames Moody (on Mick), Kelly (on Steeltrap), Crowe (on Dick), Misses Gorrie Ton Jim), N. Gorrie (on Starlight), Harris, O. Buckland, Roberts (on Mollybawk), Messrs. Burns, Waller (on Cragsman). Ralph, jun., Crowther, Purchas (on Neck or Nothing), B. Lewis (on Tip), and Ben Myers (on Rally). Driving were the master (Mr J. G. Ralph) and Mrs Ralph. The hounds meet next Saturday at Mount Albert.