THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 474, 15 August 1899, Page 2

THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

Ok Saturday the meet was at Pukekura, which always denotes a large gathering of Cambridge inhabitants, for not only is the country a good hunting one, but the hospitality of many of the settlers is well known to be of a lavish and hearty kind that brooks no denial. Saturday morning was as near perfect as it is possible to be—bright sunshine, with a mild and gentle zephyr that betokened Spring is at hand, and the earth was sufficiently damp to carry the scent well. The meet was at the junction of the roads just beyond Mr Reynolds' pretty residence at Trecarne, but not many were up to time ; however, later in the day I noticed the following enjoying the sport: MiBrowne (Huntsman) on Princess, Mr ■ Wyatt (Whip) on Captain, Mrs Martyn on Topsy, Mrs Thornton on Fidget, Mrs Pilling on Kimberley, Mrs Brown on Joker, Miss Banks on Te Aupu, Miss F. Hicks on Gyp, Miss R. Hicks on Ida, Miss Reynolds on a bay, Messrs T. A. Hicks on ToKooti, J. Comer on Magpie, W. Comer on Kingsman, Holdeu on Cannon, S. Banks on Loppy, E. Walker on Cragsman, W. T. Carr on a bay colt, J. Callaghan on Jacynth, Mumford on Broker, R. Hannon on Snider, N. Banks on Ptarmigan, J. Fisher on Cantab, R. Fisher on Tui, W. Wallace on Mountain Maid, G, Niekle on Levanter, and many others. In buggies were Mrs Hine, Mr and Mrs B. Couper, Dr. and Mrs Roberts, H. Kerr and T. Hartly, and the old veteran " Ned " Hewitt, who looked fit and well. After waiting some few moments at the meeting spot, to get a few of the laggards in tow, the hounds were taken into Mr Comer's laud when a hare was soon found, but she proved too cunning for after taking the field at a rattling pace into Mr Hicks' avenue, and up to the southern end of it all trace of her was lost. A move was then made to the Eastern end of the avenue where Mr T. W. Hick's residence, is situated. Visitors are always given a hearty welcome at " Trelawney " when unexpected ; but when it is known their friends will give them a call Mr and Mrs Hicks kill the fatted calf and make every preparation to entertain their visitors. On Saturday a grand repast was laid out on a table under the trees for the gentlemen, and the ladies were equally well treated in the house. The aforesaid table was artfully placed near to the shed containing Mr Hicks' well-known store of cider, aad .that, together with a good brand of whisky, helped to liquidate the thirst that some of the huntera acquired by the excellent sport they met with. If there is one' place in the world where a good run with the hounds may be witnessed without the trouble of following them, it is at Trelawney; and another important faetor is also provided, namely, a hare that runs a course that keeps her and her followers well in sight of the pedestrians. Knowing this, many who went out in buggies left their vehicles at the house and journeyed—about 100 yards—to a spur at the back of the residence which overlooks the orchard and also the flats alongthebankof the Waikato. At the foot of this spur is a piece of swampy ground, and immediately on the hounds being put into it a hare was on foot, and away she went for a lower flat near to the river closely followed by the hounds. In a few seconds she appeared on an upper flat again, having gained considerably upon her pursuers. It was very interesting to see the artful little dodges she tried to baffle the hounds, but they were in good form and followed the scent as true as could be. Puss eventually came back to her old form in the swamp, but on hearing the hounds close at hand she started on the same course again, but this time accompanied by another hare that also got up out of the swamp. It really seems as if these " Trelawney " hares had an arrangement to run a certain course when they are started from the swamp, for these two hares went together on the old track for a considerable distance, then hare No. 1 took a fresh line while No. 2 went the old track and returned to the swamp. The hounds fortunately stuck to No. 1, and she took them a long round, after which she came close by the house into the orchard. She was much winded by this time and sorely needed a rest. She slipped back towards the swamp once more, but turned short and squatted alongside some fern, not above 10 yards from the spectators. After a spell she was again roused by the hounds and gave another pretty run in full view of all, and once more she returned to head quarters in the swamp, going into a furze bush. Running over the same ground so many times, and as the water in the swamp made the scent difficult to follow, the hounds could not find the gallant hare, and the spectators wisely refused to poiut out the spot where she lay. After the hounds had been withdrawn some distance and the hare had had breathing time, she was roused once more when she made for the orchard, and luckily transferred her followers to a mate that led them a merry spin across the level land in the direction of Mr Vosper's. Then she returned and eventually met her end down near the river. Another onslaught was then made upon the good things provided by Mr and Mrs Hicks, which ended with the chorus " For They are Jolly Good Fellows." Later in the day Mr Reynold's farm was visited and another good run wae had, which resulted in a kill, after which everyone returned home thoroughly satisfied with the sport they had.