HOUNDS AT SCHOOL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19980, 4 July 1939, Page 6

HOUNDS AT SCHOOL

SCHOLARS INTERESTED ADDRESS ON HUNTING MANY QUESTIONS ASKED An incident of the visit of the Poverty Bay Hunt Club's, pack to the ftuatoria district during the latter part ot last week was a short halt the- Ruafroria Native School, made on the invitation of the headmaster, Mr. J. MafFen, when the 200 children were given an- opportunity of seeing the hounds and of hearing something of the' spirit o.f hunting.

The headmaster, and the chairman of the school committee, Mr. J. Penfold, met hunt officials and extended a welcome to the school, the pupils of which were addressed' briefly byMr. H. H. Dods, master of hounds.

Mr. Dods described the training of hounds and the background of the sport, his remarks being followed with close attention by the children, whose keen anticipation of the visit and interest in the subject were reflected in ,a number of questions showing an, intelligent grasp of what they had heard.

Songs and hakas were given bv the pupils of the school, and later the l-ady members of the hunt were escorted through the school by Mrs. MafFen. They were much impressed by the many -interesting features of school work, and by the excellent garden attached to the school. The whole atmosphere of the school bespoke efficiency and tidiness, reflecting much credit on the headimaslte-r and his staff. The thanks of the visitors .for the entertainment afforded them was expressed by Mr. Dods before the hounds moved on.