FOX AT HUNT DINNER.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9442, 12 May 1909, Page 3

FOX AT HUNT DINNER.

The tables were turned in a double sense when an old fox jumped through the ooffee-room window at Laker’s Hotel, Redhill, on the evening of March 12feh, right on to the table around which a party of huntsmen were dining. From being hunted, Master Reynard became the huntsman, and in the melee which followed his sudden and unexpected appearance champagne bottles, flower vases, and wine glasses were scattered i» all directions consequent upon the overturning of the dining table. A party of huntsmen from the Rugby Beagles had been hunting in the Redhill district, and were entertaining Mr H. Boileao, the Master of the Old Surrey Foxhounds, and soma “other hunting friends to .dinner. The chorus to “John Peel’’ was in full swing when through fthe open window dashed the fox. The sporting instincts of the company wee immediately arroused. “Tally ho,” “Gone away,” resounded thorugh the room, the small dimensions of which gave the animal little chance of exhibiting bis customary slimness. Bat his sharp teeth stood him in good stead, and several members of the company and a waiter were bitten in the improvised chase. The fox for a time, indeed, held 'more than his own. Chairs were mounted by the astonished huntsmen, tables were overturned, glasses were smashed and wine spilled in ’all directions. Eventually, after a short but exciting “run,” the animal was cornered, bagged, and released —possibly to renew the acquaintance under more traditional conditions.