THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 356, 20 May 1897, Page 7

THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

The opening meet of the season took place at the Kennels, Bruntwood, on Wednesday, sth inst., when nearly a hundred turned out. The day was both too dry and hot, the scent being very bad. The gully near the Kennels was first tried, and puss soon found, giving a good run of nearly two miles through Douglas’ and Ewen’s to the native land, where she was killed. Another hare was soon started, and after a short run was lost. A spell of half an hour was indulged in, as the sun was too strong. In one of the plantations a hare was put up. She ran across only two paddocks, when the hounds killed in the open. A move was then made to Douglas’ run, where a strong hound was found in the turnips, which ran about two miles into the L. and M. Co.’s property, where she dodged the hounds for over an hour. It being late, the hounds were called off and a move made for home, after a good day. A bye meet was held at Tamahere Cross Roads on Saturday, Bth inst., only a few being out, but they had a first-class day’s sport. On Wednesday, 12th inst., the meet was at Pickering’s Corner, and a good field was present. A paddock opposite the homestead was tried, and a good hare made away for Brooklands, up to the gully, then back again in nearly a circle, eventually being killed in the road near Selby’s. Another hare was soon found in Thorpe’s, and after a lot of dodging through cover and gullies, was killed on the Hamilton Road, A try was then made in Main’s, sen., where puss was at once found, and after a good run was killed in the open. As some of us had a distance to ride, a move was made for home. The day was showery and rather cold, but the sport good. Of course the hounds are rather raw at their work, as they have been farmed out during the summer, and some of them have been kept too well, but they are getting into condition and will go well in a short time. The horses are jumping well, in fact better, I think, than ever. We have a new huntsman this season, VTynne Brown, son of our old friend, the veteran Mr Tom Brown, of Pakuranga fame, and there is no doubt he will

be a thorough success with the hounds, being very patient and painstaking with them. The next meets are —Wednesday, May 26th, Pukekura; Wednesday, June 2nd, Gwynnelands. Waikato.