THE WEEKLY SUPPLEMENT AND ADVERTISER
for Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Hurlford

February 10th 1888

Harriers – A correspondant writes :-

The fist appearance of the Kilmarnock Harriers Club in our district took place last Saturday from the Cross Keys, Newmilns. The sport, familiar though it is to many, is new here. When it became known that such a run was to take place, people asked one another what sort of sport this is. Misled very likely by curiosity, a few of our worthy folks without examining the word, jumped to the conclusion that the Harriers were a lot of performing acrobats. “Dinna mak’ ony mistak’ ” says one to the other “ Look out for Yourselves, with the result that they acquired a love for the sport, although old and stiff. Long before the time of starting was announced, our Cross was largely taken advantage of, and in all the spectators would number between five and six hundreds awaiting the appearance f the pack. The frost of the previous days had given place to weather of a mild description, leaving the ground in splendid condition for cross-country running. Before starting, I had the pleasure of securing the names of the team from the worthy secretary of the club. The hares were James Bryce and John McBurney and the pack made up of as follows – A.Ewing (pace), A.D.Henderson, T.Good, J.Q.McPherson, J.Paterson, D.Burns, J.Rankin, J.Anderson, and Wm.Sims (whip). At 3.45 p.m. the hares with five minutes start, left Newmilns by the way of the High Street, straight across some heavy meadow land past Dalwhatswood farm. The trail was next laid to the wood on the left of Gowanbank, then through the fields till they reached Burn Road, they turned to the left, passing through the pretty village of Darvel; turning right, the hares meandered into Lanfine Holms, making straight for the bridge on the road; this brought them on to the main road, where a straight run for half a mile was enjoyed, then the hares took to crossing the river, which was freezing, much to the amusement of the spectators on the other side; the cry at this point being deafening by the youngsters crying “ Here’s the Harriers ” and the following is the order that the men arrived at the hospitable little hostelry, John McBurney first, James Bryce second, A.Ewing third, D.Burns fourth, the remainder being close behind. The village turned out to see the pack come in, when there was intense excitement caused as the hares appeared at the top of the village, closely followed by the young unwashed. This ended a most exciting run, covering closely on six miles in 35 minutes. Seldom have the hounds followed such a difficult line in the same manner, reflecting the greatest credit on the popular and energetic secretary Mr John McBurney, who was indefatigable in looking after the comfort and pleasure of the merry crowd. It was through his efforts that the club visited Newmilns, where we hope to have the pleasure of seeing the club again, before the season closes. The village from 7 till 10 o’clock was all astirred, and the topic of the visit that the old Reformers never saw the likes of before, and highly appreciated the abilities of the Sons of Killie. –

“ TWANKY RUNS ” [ I am informed on good authority that an attempt is very soon to be made to establish a Harriers Club in Newmilns. The success of a similar club in Kilmarnock has spurred him on to this step, and he is further of the opinion that something of the kind is actually necessary. Mr McBurney has proved himself to be a most ardent advocate for athletic exercises, has had vast experience at this work, as the esteem in which he is held in the county districts conclusively proves. I wish you Jack every success in your undertaking.]