PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 626, 22 April 1921, Page 6

PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB.

RAPID DEVELOPMENT. / FOUNDATION OF THE PACK. (Continued.) Only six and a half couple 'of hounds were used on the first formal hunt, tow of which showed themselves capital workers. Altogether about twenty hares were viewed during the first day. It is worthy to note that the huntsman rode .a horse called Rainbow, a bay, which carried him during the whole time he acted as huntsman and is known to members of the club to have been a noble animal. When the Pakuranga Hunt Cup was instituted at the end of the season there was not a very keen contest as the day was wet. Of the three starters Mr Perkins’ Rustic was the winner. A hunt dinner was given at Looms’ Hotel, Panmure, and those who were present aver it was one of U'e cheeriest dinners ever ffeid in New Zealand. These dinners were held every year for some time, but have now been discontinued as they became too large, no less than 140 sitting ‘at Rogers’ Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, in 1879.

Mr McLaughlin, Master. i ' f \ Mr Robt. McLean not caring to continue the mastership in 1875, Mr Wm. McLaughlin was unanimously elected master No better choice could have been made, for his whole heart was in it, and he at once set about estabreally good pack by careful breeding. He built kennels at his home at his own expense and during the hunting season the hounds were kept a fortnight at Mr McLaughlin’s and a fortnight at Pigeon Mountain alternately, and in this way both sides of the country were hunted. In 1875 the first litter of hound puppies was whelped at Puhi Nui. These puppies were by Trumpeter and Venom, both of which were imported. They were good hounds, Venom being being an exceptionally fine bitch, and she really laid the foundation of the capital pack now owned by the Pakuranga Hunt. Many interesting things took place during Mr McLaughlin’s long and admirable mastership. In 1875 he invited members to the first hunt breakfast held in New Zealand. This took place at Puhi Nui at nine o’clock in the morning, and hunting was started soon afterwards, as the meets wdre always fixed for ten o’clock. The Pack Grows. In 1876 the pack had grown to a respectable size, for at the opening meet the huntsman had no less than sixteen couple out and four more were left in kennel. Although they were- rather small they hunted well and old followers of the Pakurangi hounds will remember how Joe Roberts used to trust Trueboy, Sjnoker and Vanish, and will picture to them-' selves his keen face listening for whimper from one of these three, when hounds were drawing for their hare. He knew it was all right if they opened, for they were very steady. In 1877 the green hunt coat was first seen in the field, all members wearing it by resolution of the club. Mr Louis son, well known to old Aucklanders, promised a gold mounted riding whip to the first person up at the death in the opening meet, and there was great ■ excitement amongst horsemen and specators as to who should be the proud possessor of the , coveted whip. Immediately hounds were moved off to draw, those who were not riding climbed Puhi Nui Mountain and were rewarded'by seeing an excellent run. Hounds found almost at once and, running a big ring round the mountain, killed their hare in full view of everyone. The master, Mr McLaughlin, was up first and won the whip. He rode a bay horse called Drummer, the first horse he had and a splendid jumper. The First Huntswoman.

Drummer also had the distinction of carrying the first lady to really ■follow the • Pakurang-a hounds. This lady was Miss Nicholl, Mr McLaughlin's sister-in-law, who later went to Queensland. She always rode remarkably straight and was worthy of holding this pride ,of place. - The members and farmers in 1878 made a presentation, to Mr McLaughlin, in recognition of his services to the hunt and hospitality to followers of the hounds. V