BADMINTON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 5

BADMINTON.

OPENING OF SEASON. SHIELD PRESENTED TO NORTHERN CLU'B. With the approach of the long muter nig-hts attention is now being turned to Badminton and the various clubs are busy having their annual meetings and opening nights, preparatory to settling down lor the coming season which promises to be a busy one for affiliated clubs in Auckland. Reports so far are that a new club haa been formed at Papatoetoe, while the Rev. and Mrs. Wilkes, who were at Morrinsville last year, are busy organising the game an Northcote, where they are now stationed. A party of some of the leading players are to give an exhibition over the water on Monday night. Morrinsville are unfortunate in having lost such enthusiasts as Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes, who will be remembered for the assistance they gave at the championships last season, and for the large party of competitors they brought down from the Waikato centre. Un-der the leadership of Mr. Mrs. Wilkes, who is a member of the New Zealand Council, the game at Northcote is sure to become popular. Shield for Northern Club. The Northern Club has been presented with a shield by Mr. H. Morpeth, tobe known as the "Dart Shield." It will be remembered that Mr. and Mrs. Dart were the founders of the game in Auckland and that they left for Australia during last season. Seen by a member of the Nortbem Club while in 'Sydney recently Mr. Dart said he would like to return to New Zealand. As this club does not meet until Monday, it has not been decided what the shield will be used for, but a good suggestion heard by the writer was that it would pro'bably be handed over for inter-cluh competition. Talking of inter-club competition.', when the executive was moved to Wangamii last year, a committee consisting of Messrs. R. R. Bell, W. Languth. J. Paul, K. Wilson and Griffiths, was appointed to draw up the requirements of the game in Auckland, so that a controlling body could be set up and to submit some to the New Zealand Council. This is now in process and as soon as finality is reached a programme of inter-club matches for affiliated clubs will be arranged. As in all other sports several local clubs are having changes in their membership this year through players changing over and departing for other lands. The most notable loss is that of T. Kelly, of the Auckland Club, who left for Ireland a fewweeks ago, and who will probably not return. This club will have additional strength, however, in Miss A. Ellett, of the Northern Club, who won the New Zealand singles championship last year, and her brother. I. Ellett. who have changed over. Other losses to the Northern Club will be the Misses K. and M. Waters who are also joining the Auckland Club, and C. Ellett who will be away all the season on an extended tour of England and the Continent, wLth L. Montgomerie also of this club. Another menrber in A. Paine lyw also gone to England, so that the strength of this club will be seriously depleted Ifcfs year. As the Northerns have not met yet it is not known what their strength will be, but it is a pity to see all the best players going to the one club, especially if there is to be an organised inter-club competition. Otahuhu Presbyterians opened on Tuesday night, but there was not a very enthusistic attendance. This club has some promising material, especially in Miss M. McLaughlan and the Rev. Elliffe and P. Gardiner, but their progress is hampered by- the small hall in which they play. secretary. Mr. R. Dickie, is now in Waitara, where he is organising a club. Mangere opened last night with a good attendance, but will be without J. Solomon this year. This player was their champion last year and will probably link up with the Northerns when they get going. Game in Other Centres. Judging from reports from Whakatane. Morrinsville and Helensville the game is making good progress in these centres, while i in a letter from'Wanganui to an Auckland friend, the president of the New Zealand Council, Archdt-acon Meredith, mentions that new clubs have been formed at Palmerston North and Masterton. while there is a possibility of a second one being formed at the latter place. There is also a possibility of clubs bfing formed at Greytown, Marton and Hawera and at New Plymouth-, which is very gratifying to note, and which should ensure the next Dominion, championships at Wanganui being a success." St. Aidan's Club. The St. Aidan"s Badminton Clufo held their annual meeting last night, the Rev. H. A. Coleman presiding over a good attendance. The annual report showed that the club had enjoyed a successful season last year. It was decided to commence thi3 year's session on Monday next, the club nights to be Mondays and Thursdays and Saturday afternoons. The following officers were PlectPd for the ensuing year: President, Rev. H. A. Colem.m: clob captain. Mr. Rowen Bell; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. Eastbury : committee Miss P. Reid and Mr. M. R. Wood, president, cantain and secretary ; hon. auditor, Mr. J. Short.