THE PAKURANGA HOUNDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2977, 13 August 1891, Page 2

THE PAKURANGA HOUNDS.

The final meet of the P.ikurang-i Hounds for the season in Waikato took place yesterday at Mr Douglas' residence, Bruntwoori: By no.m fully 120 ladies and gentlemen on horseback and in buggies had assembler). Amongst those following we noticed: Mrs (Jane ,m Lofty, Mr Storey (tho master) on Peter, Messrs 11. BullockWobster on Fresh field, F. Gano on Dainty, L Kenwood on Fisherboy. C. P.owden on Museatello. M. 11. Pickeringon an Anteros colt A. Kelly on Playboy, H. Weal on .tan'glor, F. 'Pilling on Robir, K H. Pilling on Nancy, W. Windsor on Orange Lightning, T. H. Harwell on Mistake, K Buekland on an Ingomar colt, A. H. Storey on Jim. S. Mason on Cocksuro, J. Turnbull on Onslow, W. Tnornton on a brown G. Collins on Mountain Maid, h. Souter on Chiarini, Jos. Barugh on a chestnut, T. N. Allright, W. Scott, R. Hannon, It. Sjieake. and others. Before starting the day's proceedings Mr Dougks invited those present to jiartake of refreshments, where under the trees in front of the house, a sumptuious luncheon was laid nut in good old English style. There was no casual invitation "iven to a few friends and acquaintances, but every one was met by the bust and made most cordially welcome. The worthy squire and his lady were assiduous in' their attentions and they were evidently pleased with the opportunity which the meet afforded for dispensing their hospitality which was done right royally no small undertaking considering the bi» crowd that hid come to take part in tho"day's outing. After the good things provided had been doiio justice to the Huntsman, Mr Tom Brown, again urged upon tho field, not to over ride the hounds. IE they wanted n stueplechase, he added, it would be better to take the dogs home again, but if the horsemen would give the hounds a chance he would show them some sport, The hounds t'hen threw off in a paddock opposite tho dwelling and quickly picking up the scent mado across the road over two nicely trimmed thorn hedges round several paddacks and back over tho road, some beautiful clean jumps being negotiated successfully by a few while a good number turned turtle but without serious results. From this tho hounds again crossed the road into a ploughed paddock over a fence where the followers could either jump the thorn hedge or take tin stiff rails, and it is needlees to say that the hedge seemed tempting to m-ist of thorn, and made, away over several paddocks and on t... the road where a check was made and Mr Douglas again invited the ladies and gentlemen to return to the house and partake of further refreshments, which was accordingly done as it was much too tempting an offer to be refused. Before separating, Mr McMcol thanked Mr and Mrs Douglas, on behalf of those jirosent, for the way in which they had been entertained, and for the cart: and trouble Mr Douglas had gone to in prepiring a course for tho drag. Th-ee cheers were called for, and responded to most heartily Mr Douglas, in acknowledging tho compliment, said ha trusted they would snnn have a pack of hounds of their own in Waikato, and in that case more frequent importunities would be given for inviting them to meet at Bruntwood. Three cheers were then called for the huntsman, Mr Tom Brown, and were heartily given. This gentleman is deservedly held in high esteem by Waikato sportsmeni for his never failing courtesy and faithful discharge of the duties pertaining to his oftico. Mr Brown in replying said that as in all probability there would soon b9 a pack of hounds in Waikato, this would probably be bis last visit, he thanked them for all the kindness and hospitality he had received in Waikato and ended a neat little speech by givinc a few words of advice to the young sports as to their conduct when following tho hound. Those who had driven to the meet then mr.de a move homnwards. As the drau had not boen a very severe one on the hors»», a suggestion was mado that they should try for a haro. After trying Mr Douglas' paddocks, one was stated near to Mr Pickering's, and she led the hounds over Williamson's, Dyke's and Patens, whore some good jnmjw were negotiated. After beating the hare out of somei scrub, she made round in a circle, and led back to the same spot she was started from, and as tho hounds by this time were getting tired, they were called off, and were taken into Hamilton, returning to Auckland by train this morning. This ends the hunting season in Waikato for 1891—a most successsfnl and satisfactory one for nil concerned. It is especially gratifying to think that whilst capital sport has been afforded, it has been fortunately unattended with any serious accident. _^—.—