SEASON OPENED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 303, 5 October 1935, Page 6

SEASON OPENED

ASHBURTON CROQUET CLUB.

A PLEASANT GATHERING. The weather was fine, but a strong north-west wind was blowing, this afternoon, when the Ashburton Croquet Club’s season, was formally opened by the president (Mrs A. Lane). Lady Nosworthy (patroness of the club), the Mayor (Mr H. Woods) and several members of the Waireka Croquet Club and also of the Ashburton Bowling Club were among those present. The lawns were in good order, and their condition afforded evidence of much attention since last season. There was a .large attendance of members and their friends. ..

Mrs Lane thanked the members for having re-elected her to the office of president, and assured them that she would da all ii* her power in the interests of the club and in the interests of the good old game of croquet. Mr Woods said ho sincerely hoped it would he a long time before any suggestion was made.to shift the Croquet Club to any other part of the Domain. The sports grounds in the Domain were one of the finest sights one could wish to see. Mr Woods expressed the hope that the club would have a successful season. If it bad to curtail its membership, he did not think it would be any disadvantage; perhaps it would be an advantage toi some other club. Lady Nosworthy then sent the first ball through the loop. A dainty afternoon tea was served by the president. Senior and junior breaks 1 were played, also senior and junior stroke competitions.

ALLENTON SPORTS CLUB LAWNS IN SPLENDID ORDER-. The activities of the Allenton Sports Club, which includes the playing of croquet, tennis and bowls, began this afternoon, when the season was declared open by tlie president (Mr E. C. Bathurst). The weather was brilliantly fine, and there was a large attendance of members and friends. The lawns were in splendid order. Mr Bathurst congratulated the club on its continued success and on the condition of the playing fields. He hoped the season would he a pleasant one for all concerned.

Afternoon tea was provided by the patron (Mr A. Walker) and Mrs Walker, and friendly games were played during the afternoon. On the tennis courts, Mr R. 0. Bathurst (captain of the tennis section) put the first ball oyer the net; and on the croquet lawns, Mrs E. S. Chambers (captain of the section) sent the first ball through, the hoop. Honours on the bowling greens were given to Mesdames A. Walker and E. C. Bathurst.