ASHBURTON HUNT CLUB

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1306, 4 August 1886, Page 2

ASHBURTON HUNT CLUB

FARMERS’ DINNER,

The annual Farmers’ Dinner in connection with tho Ash burton County Hunt Club was held at the Commercial Hotel last evening. The committee, departing from the usual absurd practice, ordered dinner at a reasonable hour, 6 p.m,, and shortly after that time about fifty guests assembled at the table. The Master, Mr Matthew Stitt, occupied the chair, and His Worship tho Mayor filled the vicechair. The menu was all that could be desired by the most epicurean diner, but, owing doubtless to the unadvoidable absence of Mr Whittle, the attendance was loss complete than we have been accustomed to at this popular hostelry. Amp’e justice having been done to the material part of the •entertainment, the table was cleared, and the Chairman gave the usual loyal toasts, which were received with the greatest cordiality. Tho Vice-Chairman proposed—“ His Excellency tho Groverno-,” and the toast was appropriately received. Mr W. 11. Zouch proposed “ The General Assembly ” —Mr R. Patton, of Methven, responded. Mr C, W. Purnell proposed—‘ The Borough and County Councils ” —His Worship the Mayor and Mr F. Raine respondtd, Tho Vice-Chairman proposed—“ The Army, Navy,- and Volunteers.”—Corporal Coward responded. Tho Chairman proposed—“ Our Guests, the farmers ” Mr btitt said he was quite sure this toast would bo received with the utmost enthusiasm. He was sorry not to see a larger attendance of his farming friends, as tho Club was particularly anxious that all those gen lomen to whom it was so much indebted should understand that fieir kindness was sincerely and deeply appreciated. No one but a farmer could undeistand to the fu I extent how much the Club owed to the landowners. Tim hounds and a whole army of horsemen, some of them with a wonderful proclivity fop making gaps, galloped over fences and fallow to their hearts’ content ; a great deal of damage was done, and yet there was never a claim for compensation, not even a murmur j from the owners affected. He felt ho could say nothing that would adequately express tho Club’s indebtedness to the farmers of the county, but he could assure those gentlemen that their kindness and sportsmanlike generosity .were held in very high esteem by tho whole of the members. The farmer’s lot had not been a conspicuously happy one durin' the last two or t'Tee years, but there was reasonable ground on which to expect an early improvement, and he hoped next season to see every farmer in the county an active member of tho Club. Those formers who could not attend themselves could send their sons or daughters to represent them in the field, and he was quite sure he could promise from the Hunt Club a hearty welcome —Tho toast was drunk witl

musical honors, followed by repeated cheers for “The farmers, their wives, and little ones.”

Messrs 0. Martin, R. Millar, P. Weldon, and F. Foster ackuowleded the toast.

Mr Alington proposed—” The Master.” Mr Aliogton said it was quite unneessary to tell a single individual in the county that Mr Matthew Stitt was the best

colonist, the moat thorough gentleman, and facile princeps of sportsmen, in the whole district. His energy in the interest of true manly sport was simp y unbounded, and the excellent relations existing between tbe farmers and the Hunt Club

were almost entirely due to the welldeserved popularity and gentlemanly bearing of tho Master. In the field Mr

Stitt shone, as he did everywhere else A perfect horseman, ha rode to hounds ju a manner they all could envy, but imperfectly imitate. The sportsmen who followed Mr Stitt would find no skirting and no gaps, and if they kept tbe brown borge in view they would always bo doge

to the hounds.—The toast was drunk with 1 musical honors and prolonged cheering for the Master and “ the brown horse.” Mr Patterson proposed—“ The DeputyMaster,” stating that Mr Upton was u worthy lieutenant to the popular Master —Mr Dptoa responded Mr Ronsa proposed—" The Committee.”—Mess's 8. Saunders and C. Wroughton responded. Mr C. Strachey proposed—“ Other British Sports.”—Mr J, . Quane responded. Mr O. Jephson proposed—“ The disabled, the men who have seen both sides of hunting.”—Messrs Bowyer and Bunting responded. Mr Bowyer said he was sorry the moat worthy of the disabled, Dr Leahy, was prevented by one of those unfortunate incidents of the hunting field from being present there that evening. (Loud applause ) Mr Upton proposed The Huntsman and his hounds.” Mr Haseltiue proposed —“ The Ladies.” Messrs R. Hart, Wynn-Williams, and J. A. Matheson responded. Mr Merewether proposed—" The Press ” —Messrs Saunders, Paul, and Dunn responded. “ Our Host” brought the toast list to a close, and a very enjoyable evening was terminated by the company singing | “Auldlang syne,”