THE HUNT CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 376, 27 March 1902, Page 4

THE HUNT CLUB.

A meeting of the Poverty Bay Hunt Club was held yesterday, Mr T. Holden presiding. There wero also present: Messrs W. F. Sinclair, Oliver Evans, F. S. Desßavres, F. Ehodes, J. A. Harding, Lucas, McLean, E. Sherratt, C. JDunlop, W. Acland Hood, and Bellerby. The Chairman said tho meeting was called mainly on aepount of Mr Hutchinson resigning the position of master, and to decide whether hunting should be carried on this year. Mr W. Hutchinson in his letter hoped that his decision would not inconvenience the Club. His sympathy was with hunting, and he hoped to have a good many runs with the Club as a member. It was stated that Mr J. Malone had agreed to take up his position on the same terms as last year. Mr Desßarres thought that there should bo nothing to hinder hunting being carried on. One year they had only got .£l7 from the Gisborne Eacing Club, last year they got £25, and now they were getting £3O.

In reply to questions, the secretary (Mr J. M. Cumming) stated that there were thirty members, and the club would start the year with £ls to credit.

Mr Sherratt said that unless they got a master it was no good commencing this year. Last season after the hunt meeting, with the exception of Mr Walter Hutchinson, no one could bo depended on to turn out constantly. Mr McLean said after the races the weather had not been favorable.

Mr Harding said they should do tlioir utmost to keep the sport going. If they could not get a master at once, they should adjourn the meeting for a time. They had started the sport twelve or fourteen years ago, and gone to the trouble of purchasing hares. It would be a reflection on the district in which they lived if hunting ceased to exist in Poverty Bay. He was not prepared to take the position of master, as ho had made other arrangements. Mr Hood considered tho master should have complete control of the hounds. Mr Ehodes said half of the hounds were old and worn out. The master of the Aucklaud Club had offered to make him a present of two pairs of hounds, and Auckland bad others which could be obtained at a nominal price, Mr Sherratt said perhaps Mr Ormond would bring his hounds to hunt in the district.

Mr Desßarres thought that if hunting were not started this year the Eacing Club would have to alter its programme. Mr McLean said, the Club being in a good financial 'position, he would move that the hounds be carried on as they were last year. Mr 0. Evans seconded the motion.

Mr Sherratt considered that if they were to continue there must be a master appointed before anything else was decided, He moved that an appointment be made, or if that were impossible that the hounds be sold and the proceeds used to purchase new auimals when hunting was resumed. Mr Hood seconded tho amendment.

After further discussion, Mr Hardiug was persuaded to accept the position of master, Messrs Cyril White and J. McLean acting as deputy-masters.

In accepting the position of master, Mr Harding said he did so to be of all the assistance he could in tiding the club over the difficulty they were in, but he did not want to go on with hunting if the season was not likely to be a success. He thought piembers should not say they were going to hunt in the coming season if they did not take up the sport with spirit. On the motion of Mr Ebodcs, who offered to take charge of the hounds in the meantime, it was decided to call for tenders to close at the meeting to be held on Wednesday ne'st at 2 p.m,