COURSING CLUB.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1614, 23 April 1879, Page 2

COURSING CLUB.

A meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Coursing Club was helciat the Shades at 5 p.m.; Mr W. 11. Browne was in the chair. Mr Browne said that he was under the impression that the entry for the Birthday Stakes should close some time in May. He had dona so, as it was not possible for the owners of dogs to nominate them until they had been tried, and the season had only opened on the Ist Mav. Mr Walker was opposed to the nominations being opened until May, because a dog might be in training and then be thrown out, because the stake was a limited one. In an unlimited stake, of course the dog might be entered a day or so before the meeting. He could not see any advantage in the course proposed. Mr Porter could see nothing to be gained by the postponement of taking the entries. Mr Walker did not see that they should extend the entries to allow other people to enter dogs. Mr Browne pointed out that the “ Lyttelton Times” had made a mistake in the day of nomination in a local paragraph. Mr Walker would like to say that the programme having been published, the owners of dogs should take their entries from that. Mr Anson moved—“ That the date of the entries be kept at the date already published.”

Mr Miles seconded the motion. Mr Deacon moved as an amendment —“ That as some mistake appears to exist as to the date of closing entries the present entries be taken, and that further entries for all events be extended till Friday next at 5 p.m.’ Mr Hill seconded the amendment. Mr Chatters moved as a further amendment — “ That the nominations be received fourteen days before the date of the stakes.” The amendment was not seconded. The amendment of Mr Deacon was then put and agreed to. . Mr Walker said that in accordance with instructions he had telegraphed to Mr Lloyd offering terms for the coursing season, which had been accepted by him. The terms were <£GO for the season, to cover everything. Mr J. F. Reed, of Oamaru, was elected as a member of the Club. It was resolved that the secretary advertise for competent slippers for the season. Mr Walker said that as regarded the North and South Park Mr Porter had secured Mr Elder’s consent to having the South Park. Mr Mitchell would, doubtless, also give permission. He might say that there was a petition going in to the Acclimatisation Society, asking for leave to he given to shoot hares. He thought a resolution ought to go from the committee on the matter.

Mr Browne said that if the permission were granted there would be no coursing, as hares wore very scarce. If they allowed this to go there would not bo a hare left. It might be said why should coursing people have the privilege and not persons who shot. Well, he would only point out that in not one in twenty courses was a hare hilled. Mr Anson moved—'“ That this meeting having heard that a petition has been lodged with the Acclimatisation Society, asking that holders of game licenses should be allowed to shoot hares, respectfully urge upon the Council the necessity of refusing such permission, on the ground that at present hares are not numerous enough to be shot,” Mr Walker seconded the motion, which wa agreed to. Mr Browne said it was now his pleasing duty to present Mr Anson, the late secretary, with a souvenir of the esteem and regard which they entertained for him, and also as a recognition of the efforts of Mr Anson in the interests of the club. He had now much pleasure in presenting Mr Anson with a token of the high opinion of the members of the club for his efforts in the cause of coursing. Mr Brown then presented Mr Anson with a very handsome solid silver drinking cup. The front of the cup is ornamented with two prettily executed wreaths of ferns, enclosing the following inscription, “ H. V. Anson, from a few members of the Coursing Club.” Under the inscription is a wreath of flowers. Mr Anson briefly responded, thanking those present for the very handsome gift, and disclaiming any very great share in the work of the club, which was more justly due to Mr W. G. Walker. The meeting then terminated.