THE ASHBURTON HOUNDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1620, 27 July 1887, Page 3

THE ASHBURTON HOUNDS.

From June 21st to 9th July scarcely a meet was attended with anything but bad weather. However, Mr Bowyer on every occasion put m an appearance, and gave these who attended these meets all the sport obtainable under tbe circumstances. On Bth inßt, at Elgin, one very nice run of 25 zninntes secured to revive tbe spirits of the score or so of followers who. out. Several short runs during the rest of the afternoon brought the day to a close. The next meet on July 13th was at Mr Stitt'a, Winchmore. All who were present, were most hospitably ent- rtamed by the worthy master, and punctua'ly to time the hounds threw off opposite the bouse. Puss led them a grand chase of some 6 miles, and was eventually lost m the riverbed! hares being very plentiful m that part of the property. Several shorter tuns appeared to be much enjoyed by the followers, some 30 or 40 m number, and another hare was all but killed when it reaohtd the corner of the riverbed and was lost. But for a kill the sport was very good, and the hounds worked very spiritedly throughout. At Methven on 16th inst. the members m that district were treated to a splendid afternoon's sport, the pack running almost continuously from 12.80 till nearly 6 o'clock, but unfortunately changed hares several times. The weather was good, and the toentheld well. Several spills occurred, but no serious consequences resnlted. The Lauriiton meet on Saturday, 23rd Inst., was very poorly attended, no doubt owing to a number of the regular hunters being engaged m the steeplechases to be held on sth August, but the sport shewn by the little pack was about the best this lesson. Only two hares were seen durlnc; the afternoon, ard both were found at the same time The pack were at once I eet going, and after a splendid run of exactly forty minutes (over some really splendid fences bnt for the height of the wire) ran Into pues on the plough. Mewrs Upton and Russell invited all to Sherwood, where justice was done to all the good things provided before returning home. This being the last meet on the card for the season, it was decided to arrange a couple of bye days at Elgin, and Mr G. H. Aalington'e, Methven, on 30th instant, which will bring the season to a close Mr Jno. Rutherford, however, has kindly consulted to give us a day with his hounds at Tinwald, on Tpepday, JKh, August. His kindness will, we are sure, be much appreciated by the lovers of all sport m the district. All members are particularly requested to attend the annual dinner on the evening of the 9th August, th.c day Mr Rutherford's hounds visit us.