WILLSRER BAY.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVI, Issue 46, 19 November 1909, Page 5

WILLSRER BAY.

OPENING TENNIS COURT. ■ The newly-laid tennis court in a' corner of the Recreation Ground at Wiilshcr Bay was formally opened by the President of the Club, Mr R. S. Black, of Dunedin, on Wednesday afternoon. The weather was line, and there was a good gathering of people from the various places around, including visitors from Roniahapa, Balclutha, and Kaitangata, fully 75 being present altogether. Mr i. 11. Wylie was present as a mefliber of the Domain Board, and Me James Campbell, president of tho Caledonian Society, represented that, body. Punctually at the appointed hour (3 o'clock) Mr Black made his opening speech. He thanked the members of the club for the honour they had done him in asking him to perform the opening function. The district was a very pretty one, and it was a delightful sight to see the crowds there at New Year time. It would increase in attractiveness, and the new court would assist materially to that end. The people there could pride themselves in thut they had a tennis court that would compare favourably with most country towns, and was a great deal better than others of similar size. The game of tenuis provided healthy pastime, and made for physical development, ajid also encouraged application-'and the cultivation of good temper. Those who said it was an easy, lazy game had better try it and see how they got on at it. They would find they would get plenty of exercise at it if they were to do any good. New Zealanders were famed as champions at athletics, and they have now the world's champion tennis player in Mr Wilding, of Christchurch. He would now declare the court open, and request the secretary. Miss Jeannie Graham, who had done so much for

the club, and Miss Flo. Guest to play the'first game. This was playeJ, and alf'irded an interesting game. Thereafter tiiere were other singles, and full sets, those present taking great interest in the game. the ladies of

the club provided a delightful supply oi lefreshments, and. vied with each other in seeing that everyone was attended to. Mr MeGuffog. jun., brewed a line cup of tea. Mr Espie, Kaitangata, took two groups of tho gathering. The proceedings closed abunt half-past five, everyone having spent a very pleasant afternoon. A mild shower of ram fell towards tho

The court is an' asphalt one, laid out f.n the banks of the Kororo

crock- at the upper corner of tho ground. it was put down by Mr Tomkin's, of Balclutha, who has made a very good job. It is a full-sized rourt, the asphalt being extended 10 feet at each end. The court is surrounded by a netting fence 12ft high, and Mw-:e.'< it and the asphalt there is a < :•■(■ grassy sward right round. 1'"- "o--'t, , far, amounts to over £4O. aid v. he,, everything is finished the ;'. ure wiii be about £SO. Tho whole of the money, with the exception of about £lO yet to raise, has

been provided by means of concerts am! members' subscriptions. There 1* 11 general annual member's subscription, and also reduced subs for a week or a month for visitors. The

officebearers of the club arc—President. Mr It. S. Black : vice-president, Mr I). B. Sievwright ; treasurer, Mr A. K. Campbell ; secretary, Miss J. (indium : committee—Misses' K. Graham and Marion Campbell, Messrs H. KiiiL, T. Potiki, and W. Dabinett.

Jh'.v have to be congratulated on the successful result of their efforts.