PAKURANGA HOUNDS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 314, 30 July 1896, Page 7

PAKURANGA HOUNDS.

On Saturday, the 18th inst., the destination of the hounds was changed from Mangere to the estate of Mr W. McLaughlin, Papatoitoi. This change was made on account of the very wet weather which had preceded the meet. The club, fully appreciating the kindness of the farmers in placing their country at its disposal, avoids hunting over country which might be injured by a meet after a heavy rain. Mr McLaughlin, who is always a friend in need to the club, kindly placed his comparatively dry volcanic fields at its disposal. Arrived at the scene of operations, and after having partaken of the well-known hospitality of Mr and Mrs McLaughlin, a move was made to the field at the rear of the homestead. On reaching the clump of ti-tree bounding the creek, “ the doubtful notes preludin’ to a cry ” apprised us that we might soon expect to see some sport. Suddenly out of the cover dashed the stag, the property of the club, which Mr McLaughlin allows to have the run of. his farm. In full cry the pack raced at his heels, and the sight as he bounded down the slopes of the hill was an undeniably beautiful one. Moving leisurely at first, as if he hardly realised the intentions of his pursuers, he. allowed the foremost hounds to get almost on terms with him ; then, evidently realising that danger was behind him, he suddenly increased his pace, and clearing the stone walls,in gallant style, took a line for the further mount. He soon showed that if in condition harriers could not live with him. After travelling a mile or more in a straight line, he changed his plans, and made a circuit in the direction of the homestead. When nearing this, hounds were at fault for a few minutes, and while feathering on tbe scent a hare jumped up under their noses. The stag was seen bounding away in the direction of where found. As, from want of condition, he appeared to be considerably distressed, the Master decided to persevere with the hare, and permit the larger quarrey to escape. All agreed, however, that the nobler animal had given us a very smart and enjoyable run. The rest of the day was spent in chase of the hare put up, but owing to the rocky nature of the country in which she ran, the sport was not of a first-rate character, and was ended without a kill. The pleasure of the- lattei’ part of the day was somewhat marred by an accident to Miss Dunnett, one of the most popular lady followers of the Pakuranga harriers. Through the clumsy fencing over a big stone wall of her recent purchase, she received a very ugly fall, and was considerably cut and shaken. I am glad to hear, however, that Miss Dunnett is progressing as well as can be expected, and hopes to be in the saddle sgain in a few weeks’ time. We had some very fair hunting on Saturday \ last, two of the best runs of the season being

witnessed, but there was only one kill. fences Were very stiff,- aid required jumping. The veteran Huntsman, Mr Selby, distinguished himself by jumping Albion over a stockyard fence, some sft 6in high. Pressure on our space this week precludes the insertion of a more extended report of the day’s enjoyable sport. Full Oby.