NORTH TARANAKI HUNT CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8172, 3 August 1906, Page 2

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT CLUB.

THE FIRST "MEET." Although a postponement of any function is generally considered to be detrimental to its ultimata success, the North Taranaki Hunt Club's meet on Thursday must bo an exception to this rule, for, favored with glorious weather and a large attendance of both huntsmen and visitors, the members of the Club have every reason to congratulate themselves on the success of the meet Horses, horsemen and vehicles of every description were to bo seen on the toads adjacent to the hunt. The day's proceedings opened with a reception to the visitors at Sentry Hill, after which an adjournment was made to Mrs Sampson's house, where a splendid luncheon had been provided, and many complimentary remarks were passed on Mrs Sampson's generous hospitality. Alter ample justice )} id been done to the good things pro T viled, the huntsman and the whip moved oil with a larcc pack of hounds. The first hare, was started on Mr Council's farm, aud the held were scon in full cry. A good run ensued, but the quarry eventually got away m some furze bushes, Other hares were soon put up, but the hounds were bullied through the hares continually crossing the s'fut. The huntsman liually called off.

An adjournment was made to Messrs Wrs'cin Pros,' farm, where a drag hunt was held. This consisted of dragging a defunct hare over a certain course, alter winch the limuds and huntsmen followed on in full view of the visitors. As the ourse iududctl a ..fair number of fences, so.ne interesting sport was witnessed by the spectators.

At the close of this, the huntsman's horn was sounded, and the numbers adjourned for refreshments. The wire fences which abound in tins part of the country are not conducive to good hunting; noverthc!cs< there were some fine exhibitions of jumping. Several spills occurred, but horses and riders escaped without injury. The huntsman (Mr Budge Gordon) had a splendid mounl which cleared all ihe ohsiades wilboui anv : apparent cll'.irl. I'apl.. Mitclieli (the whip) was also ■.imilariy mounted, but Ihe performance which appeared to c\cite most interest was Hut of Master t'ei'cy Sole, who, mounted on a small pony, followed the hounds from start to linish and gave a splendid exhibition of jumping. Another youthful member was Master llastie, who stuck at nothing. The ladies who negotiated the fences were Mrs Taiiulou, the Misses Street, Miss Arrow and the Misses Sole.

11 iintsnieu from various parts of the province wore present. The \yaimalo I'laiiiß and llaivera contingunr, who were all splendidly moulded, consisted of Messrs Gordon, Mitchell, K U. Haslie (Deputy Master), A. d. flnslie, Mcl.dowie, Foreman, (■ reaves and Clements. Others riding were—Messrs Halcnmbe, »jlw;iv. Stanley, LuigsUfl'. If. Alalthews, C.ive Matthews, Curtliew, I'olton, Davcv, Aliybut'ii, Howe, Weal ley, Howe, Skeltoii, Hurkucss, Wheel, Davy, Poison, Scandolbiirg, Harper, Lcppcr, K". AYebsier, (J. A. Hewlett, Cullield, Oinglcy. .1. Taylor, 11. land, Slaudhurst, d. Council, .1. Hawkins, .1. Smith and Dr. Newelt. Also Airs llussell, Airs Alontefoire and Mi<s Solway, In (he evening a dance was held in the Pell Block J tall, which was a sueI'essful conclusion to a mosl enjoyable day.

The Secretary (Air K. P. Webster) cerlainly descnos a word of praise lor the success of the day s proceedings.