CROQUET

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 7, 3 October 1929, Page 15

CROQUET

FOUR-INCH HOOPS (By “Rover.”) There have been lengthy discussions in England recently regarding the advisability or otherwise of beginners learning to play croquet on small lawns, and with four-inch hoops. One prominent player says: “There Is no doubt at all that a great deal of the game cau be learnt on a small lawn. I do not think I should ever have taken It up had I not lirst learnt it as I did—on a small lawn. I certainly consider that 3Jin. hoops frighten beginners, who are often put off the game by the difficulty In getting through them, and clubs, especially the larger ones, might try these hoops, on one or more of these lawns, and also as an experiment, divide up a full-sized lawn In two halves by putting a boundary wire across the middle and have 4-ineh hoops for the use of beginners. It is necessary to walk before one runs, and a half-sized lawn with 4-inch hoops would start the walking.’ Mrs. R. J. Beaton is a great believer in the use of the smaller lawn as an expedient for encouraging beginners and less experienced players in the game. Her own croquet was learnt in this way, and many other players of long standing must owe their Introduction to the game to the fact that they started wisely under favourable conditions. Mrs. Beaton suggests that instead of altering the size of the hoops, that all games In clubs for what we term B players should be played on half-sized lawns, with the handicap adjusted accordingly. This would help the beginner enormously, as where all beginners fail is in the long split shots necessary for a break, with the result they do not try a break, but play the hoop by hoop game. Also, having to hit hard, before they are able to do so properly, rutns their style. Nearly every minus player, if asked, will probably be found to have learnt to play on small courts. The only disadvantage of four-inch hoops is that, when the novice changes from 4 to 32 he will Imagine them much harder. Small courts will help him to learn to play breaks, and good finishes, and playing afterwards on a large court will present no difficulty. Pegging Out.

No pegglng-out law (No. 88B), which was in force some years ago, and was subsequently repealed, has now been restored, and the new rule reads as follows: “The striker cannot peg out a ball other than his own unless his ball be a rover at the commencement of the stroke. Should the striker roquet a rover on to the winning peg that ball shall be deemed to be pegged out, and ’ the turn shall at once Ce The reinstating of this law causes two laws to contradict one another Law 11), without reservation, reads: “The striker, when he has roqueted a ball, shall take croquet by placing his ball or causing it to be placed by his partner, in contact with the ball roqueted, and with that ball only. In making the stroke he must move br shake the croqueted ball or a ball in contact with it other than his own ball." ■ Had the laws committee, when revising the rules, made provision for Law 19 and Law 38 to work in unison by inserting In the former the words, "Excepting when pegging out,” It would have made the position definitely clearer.

Walmarle Clnb. The weather was fine nut cold on Saturday when the Walmarle Club, Riddlford Park, opened for the coming season. The croquet lawns were not used but Interesting competitions were played on the green adjoining them. The guests were received by the president, Sirs. H. Savage, and she received many congratulations on the extensive additions which have been made to the pavilion during the recess, and for which the club has worked most enthusiastically. The. furnishings have been carried out in blue and gold, which also harmonises with the floor coverings. The season was declared open by Sir Alexander Roberts, who hit the first ball of the season through the hoops. Amongst those present were Lady Roberts, Mcsdamcs IV. S. Austin, E. Johnson, R. Leech, RhodesWilliams, E. McKenzie, and officers of the Wellington Croquet Association. A large number of visitors and members were present, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. Delicious tea was served by the club, and various competitions were held, the winners being Mesdames Wild, Glover, McKenzie, Lewis, Mcllvrlde, Eddie, Alexander, Allen and Mrs. Pole. A pleasant Interlude during the afternoon's proceedings was the presentation to Mrs. E. Johnson of the silver medal donated by the English Council to the Wellington Association, and won by her In the competition. Mrs. VV. ,S. Austin, president, congratulated Mrs. Johnson on her prowess and hoped, the winning of the silver medal was . only a forerunner to a future time when she would secure the gold medaL Seatonn Clnb. The Seatoun Club was favoured with glorious weather for their opening day on Tuesday, when a large number of enthusiasts patd a Visit to the seaside club. Mrs. Neilsen, president, received the visitors and later introduced Mrs. Parsons, the patroness, who has presented to the club a handsome silver trophy for competition in challenge matches. Apologies for absence Were received from Mrs. W. McGirr and Mrs. Rhodes-Williams. Interesting competitions were played during the afternoon and were won by Mesdames Meek, ladder: McKelvie, angles; Pritchard, trench; Smith, darts; Croskery, golf. The pavilion was artistically decorated in green and gold, the club colours, and the tea tables were also arranged with similar decorations. A dainty afternoon tea was served and much enjoyment was expressed at the delightful musical Items given by Mesdames Coventry (2) and Mrs. King. Bouquets were presented to Mesdames Neilsen, Parsons and Page. The absence of Mrs. McGirr was much regretted, It being the first occasion since the foundation of the club, when she was not present, and much sympathy was expressed to her In the Illness of her husband. Mr. W. McGirr.

Sumner Club. Mr. H. J. Williams presided over the annual meeting of the Sumner Croquet Club.. The report and balance-sheet were received and adopted, and showed the finances were In a very satisfactory condition. The following officers were elected: Patron, the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup); president, Miss M. A. Bain; hon. secretary, Mrs, Thompson; hon, treasurer, Mr. F. Mathews; committee, Mesdames G. Smith, L. P. Longuet, E. A. Johnson, Wood, H. D. Bates, and H. Brown, Messrs. F. FChambers and C P. Clayton Later a meeting of the committee was held, and the following recommendation was carried: — “That, for the coming season, each team entered for the various competitions held under the auspices of the Canterbury Croquet Association appoint Its own captain, who will be responsible to the club captain for the members of its own particular team.” Mrs. Hudson Brown was unanimously elected club captain. Mrs. E. A. Smith (Christchurch), who has won the ladies’ championship in the United Club, for three successive years, and therefore becomes the owner of the trophy for that event, has presented It to the Canterbury Association, and it Is in future to be played for as a challenge cup. Play in Melbourne.

Croquet tn Melbourne Is now in full swing. The Melbourne and Auburn Heights Clubs had no official opening, but exhibition games were played by their leading players. The Melbourne tournametn has just concluded, and the one at Auburn Heights commences next week, and North Brighton In November. At the opening of the Gleneres Club, Mr. Glen Roberts, president of the Victorian Association, officiated. There were over 300 guests present, and an exhibition game and demonstrations were played during the afternoon. Mr. C. J. Miller, Australia s champion, opened the Caulfield green, and subsequently lie and Mrs. Miller gave an exhibition. The Victorian Association, which controls the Inter-club matches there, have revised some of their rules governing the matches. Wc, here in Wellington, credit the clubs with the actual scores made by their representatives, but In Victoria each winning club Is credited with 5 points only. Hie losers getting nothing. One of their rules which lias been altered deals with the number of points credited to the winning team, and reads: "In the event of any club withdrawing from the competition all scores against that club will be cancelled, but, in the event of a walkover being given, tour Instead of live points will be awarded the club receiving the W.O. All games are to commence at 12.30, and conclude nt 5.30." It was decided that no pennants should be played for in December, the end of April, or beginning of May. Personals.

Much regret will be felt in croquet circles at the news of the Illness In Masterton of Mrs. 11. Cook, the veteran player of this district. All will wish her a speedy recovery. , Miss Card and Mrs. Barry are visiting Christchurch. Mrs. R. Hope, formerly of the Ngaroma Club, has accepted the secretaryship of the Barrington Club. Christchurch.

Coming Openings. Invitations to their opening ceremonies have been issued as follow: —Kelhuru, October 0; Upper Hutt, October 12; Newtown, October 17: Haeremal, October 10; Wellington, October 15; Woburn, October 12.