NORTH TARANAKI HUNT.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 May 1917, Page 8

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT.

THE OPENING MEET. The North Taranaki Hunt inaugurated the season yesterday with a meet at the homestead of the vice-president, Mr. G. Clifford, of "Racelands," Lepperton. The weather was ideal for hunting, being a calm dull day. There.was a good attendance of followers and spectators, many of whom arrived in motor cars from New Plymouth an.l the surrounding districts. Members of tlie> Hunt were entertained to luncheon by Mr. and Mis. Clifford, after which the throw-off took place. Considering that it was early in the season, the hounds were in good fettle and trailed well. Tiiev soon found, but wefe checked in a gully. A little later tlicy found in the gully, and bunny dashed through the spectators with the pack in full cry. A run followed through the turnips, across Mr. Sampson's pad-' deck, and along the main road to near the railway bridge, when the hare crossed the railway line, finally being run to earth and killed in the shingle pit after a run of about two mile 3. Captain Joll, who is home from the front on leave, and was mounted on Alpha, was in at the death, securing the "pad." The huntsman, the whip and deputy master (L. Jennins) were also close handy. The hounds were thrown off on Mr. E. Hcllier's property, but did not find again.

The master, Mr. A. H. Halcombe, was mounted on L.irakau; Deputy-masters B. H. Chaney 011 Warhead, and L. C. Jenmn-, on Reynardcau. Tlie huntsman, E. .T. Rook on Billy and Black .Task; .the whip, L. Payne on Toilet. Among the followers were Les. O'Neill on Mae, J. Northcott on Pehoi, McLennan on Speedwell Mac, Captain Joll on Alpha, and Master Rose on Red Hazard.

On returning to the home-stead the members of the Hunt and -visitors were hospitably entertained to afternoon tea by Mr. and Mrs. Clifford, who quickly made every one feel at home. Before dispersing, the master, on behalf of the members of the Hunt and the visitors, returned thanks for the treatment received. All the members, he said, naturally felt that they could not take the same interest in hunting during the war. When the question of hunting this season came up, it was felt that it would be advisable to ascertain the views of the farmers, and this was done. Everyone, he said, had his own particular sport, and, as far as he could see, sports still went on. Hunting was an old and harmJoss sport. Moreover, the Hunt had to pay its huntsman, keep its pack and train its puppies, so that he did not think i'E advisable to stop for a season. He did not think that any of their many members now at the front wished them to stop; in fact, he was sure many were thinking of them that day. He had many enquiries regarding the Hunt from mem. bers at the front. He expressed his pleasure at seeing Captain Joll back again uninjured, and ready to go again if necessary. The Hunt was fairly well represented at the front, and if the time 1 came when they were wanted, those following the hounds that day would be ■ willing to do their duty. At his call three j cheers were given Mr. and Mrs. Clifford, i and also the neighboring farmers over ' -whose properties they had been privileged to hunt, and the speaker stressed : the point tliat it was a privilege, and urged members to always show their ap- ' "preciation by keeping off young crops, ' and doing all they could to save work after the hunt. The next meet will take place at Mr. J. B. Mabin's property, Onaero, on Thursday.