THE NORTH N.Z. COURSING CLUB

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 943, 2 April 1908, Page 6

THE NORTH N.Z. COURSING CLUB

With the days closing in and the winter drawing on apace the coursing season will soon be here. This is one of the very oldest sports in existence, being held in high favoui’ in the days of the Roman Empire, when the rules were not altogether dissimilar to those now in vogue. All through the long centuries in England it has held sway and now is a popular winter pastime, the meetings being attended by everyone from the King downward. Although it is booming in Australia and in the South, yet in Auckland not a great deal of headway has been made of late years. This is somewhat remarkable, because the meetings at Middlemore Park are always well managed, while as the hares run strongly and generally escape the sport is exciting. It had been intended to open the season this month, but owing to the weather in the South having been against the trapping of hares and theix’ satisfactory shipment, the North New Zealand Coursing Club have decided to put it off until May. At this meeting two stakes will be decided —the North New Zealand Challenge Stakes and the Maiden Stakes. For the Challenge Stakes the following owners have taken out nominations: —F. Bakei' (2), A. J. Searle (2), Martin Tayloi’ (2), Tapper Brothers, W. H. Morton, J. Harper, P. Gordon, C. George, E. J. Honiss, W. T. Knight, R. J. Elliott, S. Barnes, J. Witheradge, jun., Parkes and Porter, A. Gordon, J. Smith, F. Mcßeynolds, P. Russell, T. Crisp, and V. P. Hansen one each. The Maiden Stakes attracted an entry of 29, as follows: —F. Baker (3), Martin Taylor (2), C. Charlton (2), J. Sheran, A. Byron, J. Gilbert, A. J. Searle, J. Porter, A. Sparkes, W. Hunt, M. Freney, J. R. Baker, A.. Menzies, D. Howard, F. Mcßeyolds, J. Homan, P. Gillespie, G. Mills, J. Bowden, F.

Donaldson, N. Hunter, J. Quinlan, Tapper Brothers, A. D. Macready, S. Barnes, J. McNaughton one each. With 52 dogs engaged some fine trials should result.