BEAUFORT HUNT: PAST AND PRESENT. Gl 



that His Grace has said with regard to Colonel Henry to-day. I 

 have been asked, as chairman of the Beaufort Hunt Committee, to 

 say a few words to-day on this very interesting occasion, an occasion 

 I venture to say which is almost without precedent in the annals of 

 any hunt in England. Colonel Henry has for 24 years voluntarily 

 and without reward of any kind furthered the interests of the Beaufort 

 Hunt. In times of great changes, in times of almost unspeakable 

 difficulties, in times of severe agricultuial depression. Colonel Henry 

 has done what he could in the interests of sport, and ho has promoted 

 in this country a feeling with I'egard to that sport which shows our 

 country is indeed a very happy one. He has removed many diffi- 

 culties which might have been of sinister importance, by, to use the 

 words in the address, " his continual courtesy, his great tact, and 

 his genial and kind manner." (Hear, hear.) I venture to say I 

 voice the opinion not only of the Committee of the Hunt, but every- 

 body connected with this Hunt, when I say that we owe to Colonel 

 Henry a debt of great and unpayable gratitude. (Hear, hear.) On 

 behalf of everybody who has subscribed to this beautiful picture 

 and this lovely album I venture to endorse the words that the Duke 

 has already said, and wish Colonel and I\Irs. Henry good health, 

 prosperity, and happiness, and in the name of all for whom I am 

 speaking I trust that they may be spared for many years to enjoy 

 those greatest blessings life can possibly give. (Applause.) 



Colonel Henry, in reply, said : My Lord Duke, Sir Audley Neeld, 

 ladies and gentlemen, I need hardly tell you I find it very difficult 

 to find words to express my gratitude for what you have all done 

 for me. I confess I was surprised when I heard such a thing was 

 intended, and more astonished when I heard of the number of people 

 who had been kind enough to subscribe, and who have come here 

 to-day to assist at the presentation. I am more particularly pleased 

 to find by looking at the list of subscribers that my friends amongst 

 the farmers have responded so well in supporting the presentation. 

 (Hear, hear.) I confess when I undertook the secretaryship of the 

 Hunt the first thing I thought of was the consideration that must be 

 shown to the farming interest in the country. Farmers and fox- 

 hunting go hand in hajid together, and good will must be shown on 

 both sides. (Applause.) I am sure in this country the example 

 shown by His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, and the good will he 

 shows to the farmers on every possible occasion, is well known to us 

 — (hear, hear) — and I can assure you that during my term of office 

 of 24 years, when I have consulted His Grace about the payment of 

 damage the advice His Grace has always given has been to act 

 generously in the matter of any serious damage. (Hear, hear.) 

 We are delighted to see His Grace here to-day. During the past 15 

 or 16 years of my term of office, in furthering the good will that 

 ought to exist between foxhunting and farmers, I was al)ly supported 

 by one whom we are also glad to see here to-day. I was aided and 



