HUNTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1921, Page 3

HUNTING.

NORTH TARANAKI CLUB. THE OPENING MEET. The opening meet of the North Taranaki Hunt Club took place yesterday afternoon at Mr. Frank Sampson’s, Sentry Hill, and a very enjoyable afternoon’s sport was provided. The weather was almost ideal for an outing, to the country, and consequently a very large number of enthusisasts assembled, and were accorded a very cordial welcome bj’ Mr. and Mrs. Sampson.

The master. of the hunt (Mr. A. H. Halcombe) verj’ thoughtfully put on a "curtain raiser” by arranging a really good hard run for all qualifying horses, and te saw to it that every’ horse of this description took the field. Other well-known hunters also competed, with the result that a splendid display of good jumping at racing speed was enjoyed by spectators. Huntsman Les. Pepperell, in his scarlet coat, green cap, etc., mounted on a magnificent big black hunter, led the field without faulter, fall, or baulk.

The hounds were then thrown off adjacent io the homestead, and some very good work by the pack was noted in their search for a hare, which, after some little delay, was found quite close to the spectators. She took a line to the north, crossed a field of young grass, which followers had to go around, and sped on to the road bridge near the flour mill. She then doubled back up the road and made for the Maungaraka, but took cover in big gorse and fern, and thus eluded her pursuers. Some very solid and difficult jumping had to be done here, but horses and riders in most cases, were equal to it. Hounds were then taken across the main road, and tried most of the fields and gullies within bounds, but drew a' blank. Owing to the keen, chilly wind that prevailed, it was evident hares were taking their daytime leisure in large and dense cover, for none could be found. It was then decided to adjourn to the homestead, where huntsmen and spectators were entertained to afternoon tea. Ti e master expressed the sincere thanks of the club to the Messrs, and Mesdames Sampson for their continued interest in the hunt, and their unbounded hospitality, and Mr. Sampson suitably responded. A meet will be held to-<morrow at Mr. Tim Skelton’s, at Motonui.