WAIKATO HUNT CLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3092, 10 May 1892, Page 2

WAIKATO HUNT CLUB.

FIRST MEET 01' TIIE SEASOX. The first meet of the Waikato Hunt Olub took place yesterday. The rendezvous, as already advertised, was at the Tamahero cross roads. There were about forty horseman present, with an additional sprinkling of the fair sex. Amongst those present were: 'ihe Master (Mr Bullock-Webster) on Blue Pet-r, Mr W. M. Douglas on Opawa, Mr Pickering nn a bay mare, Mr Thornton on an Ingomar mare. Mr Cussen on The Brewer, Mr Fletcher on a Merrylegs mare. MrTurnbull on Costley, Mr Windsor on Orange Lightning, Mr Rathborne on Master, Mr Johnson on Ginger, Mr Wyatt on a bay cob, Mr John Main on Highflyer, Mr H. Weal on Jangler and saver.il other gentlemen on good steeds. The first throw off was in a paddock belonging to Mr R. Cowley, and after half-an-hour's good run the hare got away into the Taraahere bush. The next hare was found on the late Mr Seymour's property, but the titrae being too plentiful she was soon lost. The hounds were then taken on to the Brunt wood Estate and several good runs took place, although in every case " puss " managed to gat away. The usual number of spills took place, but fortunately without any serious accident, although at the last jump it looked rather awkward for the rider of Orange Liphtning. The horse, on landing, fell back into the ditch, and both horse and rider were jambed, three or four stalwart hunters, however, came to the rescue, and getting hold of the horse's tail and the rider's feet, both were safely extricated. A few drops of Glenlivet, only a few, soon brought back the roses to the rider's pallid cheek, A considerable mead of praise is due to the master fur tho trouble and expense he has gone to in forming the pack ; also to the squire of Bruntwood for the indefatigable manner in which he has been working in putting up jumps, etc.; neither must Mr Pickering be forgetten in the same line. In fact through the exertions of these two gentlemen Waikato can boast of as good a hunting district as can be tound in the North Island, Mr Douglas himself having erected over twenty good jumps on his property. Considering that both the horses and men were a little green on the opening day, and the new pack of hounds making their debut for the first time, the pleasant day's outing and the capital sport afforded augurs well for the future of the club. We must not forget to mention that Mr Douglas entertained the members of the hunt in his usual well-known hospitable manner.