Hunting at Kakaramea

Patea Mail, 21 August 1880, Page 3

Hunting at Kakaramea

(F R0 M 0u R CORKES PON DE N T.)

Wednesday morning broke showery. At 2 o’clock I was agreeably surprised to sec an immense gathering at the Wharnclift'e Hotel. Sportsmen and would-be sportsmen from all the country round were present. Buggies and traps of all descriptions lined the road. Time being called, a start was made for the field, and in a short time the music of the hounds was heard in Mcßae’s paddock. “ Tally ho !” was the cry, and away they went; but the first fence proved a stopper to many, and great was the consternation when gates were found locked and keys lost, convincing those who meant to see the finish that they would have to do so in a sportsmanlike manner. Messrs Gower and Corlctt were the first over, and smoothed the way somewhat for the others. Ilearnc and Kennedy’s fields were next crossed with very few horsemen well up with the hounds ; and the first run finished on the hill at the back of Mr Ginger’s house. A halt was called for’ about half-au-hour, and the second run commenced in Hcarnc and Kennedy’s DO acres. The line of scent lay through this and Mr Ginger’s land, thence through Hearno and Ken - nedy’s home paddocks, across the road into Powd roll’s racecourse, and through his fields into the road again. In this, as n the first run, Mr Gower cleared the ‘ checks”in fine stjdc.. While crossing from Mr Ginger’s into the road the huntsman, Mr Mclvor, got his first spill, leaving his horse in the ditch, and taking Hiroki from Mr Bradley, who was on the road. This was a small affair compared to the second “ come to grief ” which he experienced in front of Mr Powdrell’s house. When dragged from under his horse, which had fallen on him, it was feared he was dangerously hurt. This proved not to be so ; and after a short rest he was able to mount and ride off. The last fence was taken in . splendid fashion by Mr Gower on Sunray and Mr Corlett on War Eagle, exactly together, followed closely by Mr F. Bailey on Gazelle. The rest wore hero, there, and everywhere. The principal mounts besides those already mentioned were Mr Byrne on a black marc, Mr Mcßae on No Name, Mr Tcnnent on a good looking bay, Mr C. Brewc r on Bobby, Mr B. Corrigan on a grey pony, Mr F. McCarthy on a “ rale bit of blood.” Mr Buckthought and all the Woodvillc men had good carriers.

It is to be hoped we shall not always be beholden to our neighbors, and that th e day is not far distant when there will be one or more packs of hounds belonging to the County.