THE FAKURANGA HOUNDS AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1579, 17 August 1882, Page 2

THE FAKURANGA HOUNDS AT CAMBRIDGE.

Two years have now elapsed since the sporting talent of Waikato have had an opportunity of following the hounfls ' across county, or of hearing the musical sound of the huntsman's bugle in their midst, and considering the apathy which has been manifested in sporting circles since the last meet, many have been under the impression, and indeed naturally, that the hunting element was becoming extinct in Waikato altogether. But the proceedings of the past few days have amply deinonstiated that this is not altogether the case, and that there are still some amongst us who are determined that the good old English sport will not be allowed to pass into the category of things that have been. Some few weeks ago Mr J. S. Buckland, on ascertaining the minds of a few old"sports" of the district, communicated with the Pakuranga Hunt Club, asking to have the hounds sent up to Waikato for a few clays' hunting, and guaranteeing the club a suitable compensation if they consented. The representations made weie available, and the hounds arrived in Waikato on Monday evening last in charge of Mr T. Brown, the well-known huntsman, and Mr C. Goodman, the whip. They proceeded to Cambridge, where the hounds were lodged by Mr K. Carter for the ' night. The meet took place at Mr E. Hewitt's Criterion Hotel, on Tuesday morning, where an excellent free lunch was provided. The hunters, who numbered about sixty, all well mounted, pro- ] ceeded to Mr Buckland's farm at Gwynnelands, where the thiow off was made. Mr Buckland acted as master. The gathering was a fairly representative one amongst those present being Messrs Grice, Parker, Parks, Paton, Carter, Kirkwood, Hewitt, Laing, Allwright, Allwill, Forrest, Cotton, Clark,. A. B. Stubbing, Moon, Hitchman, Turner, and ; Capt. Daly, together with strangers. A have was soon started, and after a few minutes chase, found its way into the scrub near the river and disappeared. Another start was made, and after a run of about twenty minutes through the racecourse and other paddocks, the hare was brought to earth in open ground on the farm of Mr Clark. Mr Hewitt was first in at the death. Several hares were afterwards raised which somewhat bewildered the hunters, some running in different directions, and, as the scent was bad, no other deaths followed. The hounds then found their way into the property of Messrs Forrest and Stubbing, but the scent was fruitless, notwithstanding that a number of hares were started during the round. There were a few spills made throughout the diiy, but none of a serious character. The only bad feature of the day was that there were too many wire fences in the road that could not be negotiated, but all seemed very satisfied with their day's hunting. The hounds will meet at the schoolhouse, Hautapu, to-day, and y drag hunt will come off at Cambridge on Saturday. The hounds will stay at Rotorangi station on Sunday nisjht, and a throw off will be made on Mr C. J. Storey's property at Rangiaohia on Monday.