NORTH TARANAKI HUNT.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1918, Page 7

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT.

ANNUAL MEETING, 'The annual meeting of the North Taranaki Hunt was held at the Soldiers' Club, New Plymouth, on Saturday, when Mr. B. H. Ohaney, deputy master, presider over a, fair attendance of members.

REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. Tho twelfth annual report congratulated members on having liad a successful season, notwithstanding the war. Unfortunately, the racing permit issued to the Hunt wa9 cancelled for the duration of the war; consequently the Hunt was now hack on its old footing financially. During the currency of the permit the expenses of the Hunt were increased considerably in anticipation of the totalisator returns,- with the result that the balance-sheet this j*ear showed a debit balance of about £2G. The membership at present was about 70, of whom 12 were on active service. Tho committee deeply regretted to report that two members, . Messrs S. Paul and S. West, had during the year made the great sacrifice for their country, while another membsr, Mr. G. Webster, had returned invalided. Again tho Hunt had the pleasure of hunting over some entirely new country, for which they were under a great obligation to the farmers. The committee thanked the farmers for the use of their lands and their kindness to the HuntOwing to Mr. Rooke having to go into camp, the committee appointed Mr. Mason as huntsman, and though working at great disadvantage he carried out his duties successfully. Thanks were again due to Mr. A. T. Moore for his valuable advice re hounds' kennel. Members would have to seriously consider the advisability of carrying on hunting this season. Tho committer, understood that hunts throughout the Dominion were making conditional arrangements. The balance-sheet showed that receipts had totalled £2,% 17s ad, the principal items being subscriptions £9O 15s fld, entry fees point to point £3, interest £2 18s Gd, Loan and Mortgage. Agency Co. deposit £ 109, New Plymouth Savings Bank deposit £52 15s lid. The expenditure amounted to £274 10s Id, the principal items being salaries £162 2s, insurance ,'£7 Is, kennels £C 0a 7d, rent £32 10s, prizes point to point £ 13.' Assets showed a credit of £93-9s 4d over liabilities.

Tli# report and balance-sheet were adopted. HUNTSMAN'S REPORT.

Mr. Edward Mason, huntsman, reported that lie had 8J couple of hounds and 55 pups bred from the progeny of the Rangitikei mating. The old hounds were getting past usefulness in most casesThe youilg hounds reared by the late huntsman were naturally inexperienced.. He suggested that the Hunt procure a pure-bred bitch, say from the South Island, so that a completely new and pure strain should he introduced into the pack. TMg should b« done at once. He suggested that the new kennel committee consist of . members who could visit the kennels periodically. The water supply had proved very unsatisfactory, and during the summer he had had to draw water from the river. The house, ground, and kennels were all in good order. The hounds were now in hunting condition, ready to take the field any day. ,

The incoming committee wep recommended to carry out the huntsman's suggestion. , <

OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follow: Patron, Hon. O. Samuel, ML.C. (re-elected); president, Mr. A, Alexander (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs Newton King, E, W. Wheatley, Harper Lepper, C. Topliss (re-elected), P. H. Sampson, L. A. Nolan, Thomas Buchanan, A. W. Budge; master, Mr. A. H. Halcombe (re-elected); deputy masters, Messrs B. 11. Chancy (re-elect-ed), fieo. Foreman, and J. Cole ; secre-

t-irv and treasurer, E. L. Humphries (reelected) ; hon- auditor, C. Webster (reelected) ; committee, Messrs W- C. Weston, R, l-t. Pepperell, W. T. Hookhani, A. Wood, P. Sampson, E. A. Pepperell, P. A. Openshaw, W. dames, A. McLellan, A. Cole, G, N. Skelton, and C. Topliss; hon. 6urgeons, Drs. Wylie, Fookes (re-elected) and Leatham; hon. veterinary surgeon, Mr. E. Mason (re-elected). Mr. E. Mason was re-appointed huntsman conditionally on hunting being continued. Conditions regarding the appointment of whip were referred to a sub-committee consisting of the chairman, Mr. Buchanan, and the secretary.

„ GENERAL. Misses Taylor (2) and Mr. Max Lepper were elected a.s members. It was resolved to place on record the club's appreciation of the services of the late Messrs S. Paul and S. AVest, and to forward letters of sympathy to their relatives. , A sub-committee consisting of the chairman. Messrs A. H. iTalbombe, W- T. Frookham, and the secretary was set up to interview farmers and arrange a programme for the seawm, the understanding being that only " a limited number of meets would be held. Votes of thanks were accorded the outgoing officers and the chairman.