WITH THE HOUNDS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 206, 23 June 1914, Page 3

WITH THE HOUNDS.

Hunting at Waiuku. A good day with the hounds was enjoyed on Thursday, 18th inst. The meet was at Mr R. Penwick's and quite a large number had assembled by 11.30 a.m. to witness the throwoff. The hounds had not been hunting more thin ten minutes when a fine hare was found which made straight for Mr Storey's bush, and a stiff boundary fence brought most of the followers of the pack to a halt, thare being a barb wire a few inches above the top rail. A few of those who were exceptionally wellmounted were not to be stopped by such an obstacle, and some excellent jumping was witnessed. This run lasted fully an hour, as the hare, after going through the bush, doubled back over practically the same ground. Ihe hounds never lost scent from stait to finish and they killed in Mr S. Biddle's paddock. The huntsman now thought the hounds had earned a rest, and rightly eo. He called the pack together and gave a few words of deserved praise, and in a very short time they were on the move again. Another good hare was so:n found, this time on Mr Storey's land. Alter a short run the hare got into very rough country, and was lost. It was now decided to try fresh ground, and the pack moved off for Mr Joseph Barriball's Eden Hill farm. The hounds were not long in finding, and "puss" led away through Mr Storey's farm into Mr Biddle's bush. Here again there was some good jumpiug. A wire fence covered by furze made a gcod obstacle for many of the followers, and one local laciy in particular, on a beautiful black mare, was amongst the first to negotiate this big fence. After running about a mile the hounds lost scent, as the hare had taken to the swamp.

It was now about 3 p.m. and bv .kind invitation of Mr Joseph Barriball the followers made for Eden Hill, where afternoon lea was provided, and although by this time there were seventy or eighty persons present ( an unusually large following) there was ample for all. and to spare, much to the credit and foresight of the Misses Barriball. After havicg partaken of refreshments, which are always relished to the fullest after a run with the hounds, the Master, Mr R. 1. Rcid, in a few well-chosen remarks thanked Mr, Mrs and the Misses Barriball for their extreme kindness.

After three hearty cheers for their hostess the hunters were aqain mounted and moved off for Mr Arthur Hull's farm. After hunting for 'soma lifteen minutes two hares were found. The one which made through Mr Waller's farm was followed, and a sharp run resulted. "Puss"' was lost for a short time, but was soon seen doubling back for Mr Hull's huah from whence it came. Thi3 time the hounds were left considerably behind, but the scent being good they followed until "puss" was forced to run again through Mr Walli9' property, but was evcnually lost. It was now decided to once more try Mr Joseph Barnball's for a run, but night was drawing nigh and before a lind could be made it was decided to call in the pack. Many expressed themselves to be more than satiatied with the afternoon's sport. During the latter part of the day there were many spills, the ground being slippery, but as usual ro one was hurt A pleasing feature during the afternoon was the attendance of many who had driven out to witness Hie sport. Amorgst those driving wtre:Mr Eher Barriball ard lady friend. Mr James Cribble and hdy friend, M r S Farmenter and Miss Barriball Mr and Mrs A. M. Barriball, Mr and Mrs T. McDonald, Misses Sedgwick, Mrs E. Henry ard family, Mr L May and Mr J. N. Houghton, .. ,1 n Vinlrurrl