NORTH TARANAKI HUNT CLUB

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 223, 26 October 1909, Page 4

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS. The animal meeting of the North Taranaki Hunt was held at Now Plymouth on Saturday, Mr. A. Cliff presiding. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. 'Die annual report was read by the secretary (Mr. A. L. Humphries) as follows:—Jin presenting the fourth annual report and balance-sheet the committee has much pleasure in congratulating members on the splendid results obtained during the past season. The hunting throughout was' excellent, both the hounds and the members' horses showing a marked improvement on previous years, a fact which speaks well for the future of the club. The committee would recommend that members take into serious consideration the advisability of appearing at all meets in the uniform of the cluh. This, while giving the hunt a. better standing-, would be an inex- | pensive matter to members if an order I were given to one lirm for a number of uniforms'.

The annual race meet ing, which was held on September !)th, was an unqnalied success, the jumping being of a very high standard, and the meeting altogether much enjoyed by all those present. The prolits on this occasion, however, were not as large as those of last meeting, but the reason is easily explained by the fact that .CIS more prize money was given away, and, unfortunately, owing to the Auckland boat not being able to cross the bar at the usual time, some half-dozen bookmakers were prevented from being present, which was a loss to the hunt of at least £25. iu spite of this, however, the meeting showed a profit of i'2ll, and the hunt, got a".i advertisement which should be of great value to all future meetings. Tho ball held on the night of the race meeting was the lirst venture of this description undertaken by the hunt., and judging by the complimentary remarks of those present there is every reason to feel proud of our initial venture hi this direction. Reference to the balance-sheet will show that the expenses of the hunt are becoming heavier each year, and tlie time has now arrived when the members must take into serious consideration the advisability of raising the annual subscription. It is with much reluctance that the committee makes this suggestion, but it must be apparent to all that if the hunt is to maintain its high standing the position of huntsman must, be made a remunerative one.

It is with much regret that tlie commiltec lias to report the resignation of Mr. P. Solo as huntsman. Enough cannot be said of the splendid work done by him in connection with the training of the hounds, and his loss' to the hunt is one that will be much felt. In conclusion the committee would like to thank all those who have assisted the hunt during the year, and especially those settlers who have so generously given the use of their properties and also provided, at no little inconvenience to themselves, luncheons' and afternoon teas.

Special thanks are also due to the members of the ladies' committee of the ball, to whom the success of this function was mainly due, and also to those who so generously donated towards the supper.

The hunt is als'o under a deep obligation to the Taranaki Jockey Club, who so generously granted the free use ot their racecourse and buildings for our annual race meeting, to all those who assisted at the meeting, and to the Licensed Victualler*' Association for previding the stakes for the Licensed Victuallers' Handicap; also to the local press' for the publicity given to all matters in connection with hunting. The balance-sheet: showed that the

vear was commenced with a credit of '.-ClOl 5s l'ld. and at the end of the season it stood at Clffil Hi-' lid. The report and balance-sheet were approved. HUNTS' rONTERKNTK. The chairman presented an exhaustive report dealing with the proceedings at the Hunts' Conference, at which gathering he acted as delegate. On the motion of Mr. llaleonibc. a heartv vote of thanks was accorded Mr. CHIT.'

hoi:n t d SHOW. C'orrcsponTlencc waJ read relative 1o a proposal to hold an annual show of sire hounds in Wellington, under the allspices of the Hunts Association. The chairman explained that it was proposed to offer a challenge cup to he •onipi'leil for annually by sire hounds, ivith the object of improving the dogs ipelonginir to the various packs. life had. on' behalf of the local hunt, expressed its' approval of the scheme, anil had also suggested that an additional class be provided for hitches.

The chairman's action was continued. FU'XTIOX OF OFFKJKIIS. Ollice-bearers were elected as follows: President, llr. S. McOuiuiicss (re-elect-cd); vice-presidents. Mcss'rs. W. ISirdling. K F. Blundell, A. Alexander, W. C. Malnne.F. Watson, F. Sahvay. J. 11. (juilliam; lion. surgeon, 111'. l>atliani; In ,1. veterinarian. Mr. P. 11. Ract; masler. Mr. A. TT. flaleonibe (re-elected): deputy master. Mr. .1. Wilkie; committee, Messrs. X. Hill. A. It. .Street, 11. f.Vorge, P. Sampson, J. IS. Maliin, 10. ■lillinn, W. .1. Kose, f„ .Tennins, 11. Matthews. C. X. Skclloii. <!. Foreman. W. Cole, IV If. Chancy. V. Street; lion, auditor. Mr. A. Bewley: lion, secretary and treasurer. Mr. A. If. Humphries. An honorarium of CIS l-'is was yolcil to the secrelary for .his services last, year. An lionornriiiin of X."i fa was jiiKsed to the whip. Mr. A. 11. Street.

MISCKLLAXKUUS. (leneral regret, was expressed at the resignation of the huntsman, Mr. I'. Sole, and .Mr. Fagan was deputed to wait on Mr. Sole to endeavor to persuade him to reconsider his decision. It was decided to purchase a suitable memento to the value of Co iis to he presented to Mr. V. Sole for his' past services.

I A hearty vote, of thanks was accorded to Mr. (ius Sole for his services as deputy-master, also to the farmers for allowing the members to limit over their (properties, and to the officers and all •Vho had assisted the hunt during the oast scas'on. \ It was decided that the huntsman for \\f coming season lie paid Cl2O for his scVvices, .the. huntsman to provide his owVi 'whip. 'hie subscription was lixed at C2 2s foiAactive inenilicrs. CI Is for honorary members, and ."is for lady members', active or Winorarv. A Vote of thanks to the, chairman concluded the meeting.