NORTH TARANAKI HUNT.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 August 1917, Page 6

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT.

The last meet of the North Tarauaki hounds for this 'eason took place on Thursday at Ferngrove, Urenui, the home of the popular master Mr. A. H. Halcombe. Never in the history of the hunt flub did hunting enthusiasts ever meet under more favorable or happy auspices. The weather was perfect, and there was a record gathering, including a goodly number in khaki, prominent amongst whim were the members of the Military Anneal and Medical Boards. I'ront It o'clock a.m. onwards motor cars and givs and equestrians began to arrive, ami a bounteous hunt breakfast was begun at 12 noon, alter which opportunity was taken by the visitors of strolling around the large and beautifully kept lawns and flower beds, where the profusion of spring flowers, the beauty of the ".ingss and native bush that shelters, the home<rfcad, and the charming ocean view was a Right not easily forgotten. I'ite sound of tho horn, however, was a sign.V for "eyes front,'' arid Huntsman E. Mnson. accompanied by Deputy-Master 1!. If. Chancy, the "spotted beauties,'' and the followers were fieen to be moving off in easy haml-gaiiop over some solidlyeivctod "fences" down Mr. Halcombe's fj'oirc paddock, and away they sped on to Mr. Bert Sheard's, and, while the spectators proceeded 011 a, high knoll, the hounds found near the back. Pussy was at once seen to great advantage, with the hounds in full cry. for she took a linj towards the high ground, and h?.d to uake a detour to pass around the gathering of spectators. Some splendid jumping over wire fences, ditch and bank wii.ii gorse on top, was seen. On went the chase, accompanied by the shrill mush- of eight and a liftlf couples of well-conditioned hounds, right back to Fernjiove, 110 check taking place until the hnre safely eluded her pursuers 111 a deep gorge :.t the back of the old kennels. On returning to Mr. Sheard's .iiwin. two shorter rims were enjoyed, but hares being rather made it difficult /or hounds and huntsman, arid here special word of praise is due to Mr. E. Ma.-.on for the able msr.riir in vhii-h he, as one new to the game, hunted his hounds, lie is a hard and fearless rider and sportsman, possessed of an inliercnt love for hounds and hrmting. The afternoon was now waning, and a return was made to Ferngrove, where a dainty nnd apprising afternoon tea was laid out in the dining room, 011 the verandahs, and on the front lawn. After full justice had been done to this, and before tiie visitors dispersed, Deputy Master

1!. if. Chancy, on behalf of the club and visitors, expressed great pleasure at seeing Mr. Ilalcombe well on the way to complete recovery from his recent illness, imd also conveyed to tiie popular master a unanimous widi and hope from the North Taranaki Hunt Club that he would be spared in health for manv veals to continue the mastership. Ho also cordially thanked the host and Mr. Sheard and neighboi'ough farmers for the prvilege of that dav's hunting. Mr. flalcornbe, in reply, said it was one of tiie pleasures of his life'to entertain the hunt, especially in bis office as master, to welcome and entertain his fellow farmers, their wives and families, to whom the Hunt Club was much indebted.