THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1034, 29 August 1901, Page 2

THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

The Waikato houuda met at the Master’s residence, Hamilton East, yesterday. Beautiful weather was experienced, and the number of visitors present was quite as large, if not larger, than at any previous meet this season. Mr and Mrs Bullock-Webster very kindly entertained everyone at luncheon, and it was highly acceptable to those who had ridden from Whatawhata, Tamabere, Cambridge, and other distant spots. At its conclusion Mr Douglas proposed the health of Mr Webster, and in doing so, referred to the keen interest evinced by Master on all occasions in the welfare of the Club and the way be had kept the pack together for many years past. He concluded by washing that Mr Webster might live long to occupy the position, and called for cheers for , the Master and his wife. Mr Webster briefly replied, thanking so many visitors for attending. It was, be said, a great pleasure to him to see them all present, as it showed that the Club was not going to die out jnst yet awhile. In these days when the Government appeared to want to take everything from the farmer it was comforting to know that Mr Seddon could not rob them of the sporting instincts, which he was pleased to see had taken root in the hearts of many of our young people. He thought he was safe in saying that the Farmers’ Union would instil a little of the hunting spirit into the Hon. Richard before they were done with him ; at least he hoped so.

All were quickly in the saddle and after being marshalled a camera fiend took a couple of shots at the crowd after a lengthy wat for the sun to appear. This ordeal over, the order was given for Newste.ad. The jaunt over was an unpleasant one, clouds ot dust flying and half smothering horses and riders alike. On the journey across an unfortunate accident occurred by which Mrs Masefield, of Auckland, was apparently seriously injured. The lady was sitting on the outside of a dog cart containing three when the horse shied and she was thrown out heavily on the mad, the wheel passing over her body. The sufferer was stunned for some time, and the extent of her injuries has not yet been akcertaiuid. There was a general inquiry for a flask, and the fact that amongst the 50 or 60 horsemen present not a single flask was forthcoming certainly speaks well for the sobriety of the rising generation. On yet another occasion duriug the day the absence of a drop of Usher’s best best was deeply regretted, viz., when one of our best hunting men came to grief. The fences encountered during the afternoon were not large, but of a ‘ trappy ’ nature, and this one was especi ally dangerous. The plough had been freely used on the take-off side, leaving a deep furrow to rise from. It was a fence that demanded care, as to rush it meant certain disaster. Only three horsemen essayed to take it, with the result that one hot-headed horse struck it high and stood on his head on the opposite side. The rider was thrown heavily and stunned for some minutes, but beyond being badly bruised was uninjured. The day’s fuu started badly, and ill - luck seemed to prevail right through, The first run which promised well, was spoilt hy the appearance of a horseman from the'Tauwhare end, who unintentionally turned the hare from the roadway into the ti-tree on Mr Delaney’s side. The horses did not j imp well, in fact there seemed to be a general desire on the part of the riders to save them, more especially those engaged in the Hunt Club Races. Nevertheless some good runs were obtained ; hut want of space prevents our referring to them at any length. It is a pity that this, the first day in Hamilton this year, should not have resulted in a kill.