THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1591, 25 June 1903, Page 2

THE WAIKATO HOUNDS.

Yhstebdas the meet was at the National Hotel, Cambridge, where Host Smith had prepared a most recherche luncheon, to whioo all the members were invited. Owing to the wretchedly wet night and the heavy nhowers that fell during the morning, the attendance was not anything like what it would have been had the weather been fine; but those who were present thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and did ample justice to the comestibles provided. At the conclusion of the luncheon, Mr Wynno Brown, aoting-master in the absence of Mr Norman Banks, askod all to rise and drink the health of their host and hostess. He said they did not see much of them in the field, but their hearts were evidently with the followers of the hounds; and he trusted they might be long spared to receive the visits of the members of the Hunt at their popular hotel. The toast was heartily drunk, musical honours being given in conueution therewith.—MrHine said they must also drink success to Mr Ernie Smith, the son of those who had just been toasted ; and this was also duly honoured.—Mr Ernie Smith responded on behalf of his parents, and said they were sorry the woather had prevented so many from being present. It afforded them pleasure to entertain the members of the hunt, and he trusted all had enjoyed themselves.—Mr Hine then waxed eloquent in giving a little advice to followers of the houuds, as to their duties in the field ; and he specially mentioned shutting gatos and riding over young grass or crops as being matters that should receive special attention.— Cigars were then lighted, after which the order 'to horse' was given. A move was then made in the direction of ' Bardowie,' and as the cavalcade moved off we noticed the following :—The Huntsman Soout; the whip on Joker; Mrs Hine on Starlight; Mrs Gane ou Dolly Grey; Miss Ward on Kitty ; Miss Hicks on Nelly ; Messrs W. Brown on Dick ; J. Graham on Trooper; C. Ashwin on Black Dust ; O. Lake on Hori ; J. Like on Volunteer; J. Major on A.B. ; E. Smith on Sir Walter ; J. Richardson on Hailstorm ; R. Dodd on Fairy ; R. Teddy on Monnt Zeoban ; J. Banks on Kaffir ; A. Williams on Rex; W. Taylor on Gleninniß; W. Morrison on Molly ; Mr and Mrs Lewis ; and driving were Mr and Mrs Couper, Mr N. and Miss Banks, Mr Hine and Miss Williams. The thrpw off was in one of Mr Taylor's paddocks, but this and several others proved blank, and at last a hare was started near Mr Hiae's, but the Bcent lay badly, and she was soon lost. As it was evident little could be done in hunting hares, for the wind rose and the rain came down in torrents, Mr Hine suggested that the hounds should |be fastened up at his place, and they should have a scamper across country—a sort of ' follow my leader'—ana finish up- at Bardowie. The suggestion was at ooce accepted, and Messrs Selby and Richardson setting the pace, a kind of steeplechase was indulged in for about two and a-half miles. We heard so many contradictory reports as to who was up at the finish that we refrain from mentioning any names.