HUNTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1917, Page 7

HUNTING.

NORTH TARANAKI HOUNDS. The North Taranaki Hounds met at Messrs. Skelton and Edwin's properties, Motonui, on Thursday afternoon. There was a large muster, and favored with glorious weather a most enjoyable aftercoon "was spent. Messrs Skelton and Edwin had gone to a great deal of trouble in sparring their properties, which embrace some really- excellent hunting country, all well provided with jumps.

The hofmds threw off soon after V o'clock, but for the time being failed to find. Followers, however, had a good deal of jumping. Returning to tlis house, a jumping competition, which had been arranged for the entertainment of the huntsmen and spectators, was decided. There were seventeen starters, and Messrs Cooper and Williams, of the Military. Appeal Board, acted as judges. Mr. A. Lash's Red Gauntlet was placed first, Payne's Rangi second, and Woods' Patvonal* third, the decisions giving entire satisfaction. Subsequently the hounds threw oil at the back of the farm, and after a while a hare was driven from cover and gave the pack a good chase. The company later returned to the homestead, where afternoon tea was dispensed by the hosts and hostesses. Messr* Cooper and Williams subsequently announced their decisions in the jumping competition, and the former, in presenting Mr. Lash with the gold medal donated by Messrs Skelton and Edwin, congratulated the Hunt on the appearance and the stamp of the horses generally, remarking that he felt sure if the I'fovernment could only see ihe excellent olas3' of horses which V.ad been following the hounds that day Hunt Clubs would not have been.cut out.

Mr. B. H. Ohaney, deputy master, thanked Messrs Skelton and Edwin lot their hospitality and for their kindness in allowing the use of th» : .; properties. Mr. Chaney also took the opportunity of thanking Messrs Cooper and Williams for acting as judges of the jumping competition. The meet concluded with cheers for Messrs. Skelton • and Edwin.

Subsequently a special meeting of the club was held, at which regulations for the conduct of race meetings were passed.