Croquet Notes

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 63, 16 March 1933, Page 18

Croquet Notes

By "Concentrate'

Champion of Champions.

This event will commence on Monday next at Lower Hutt. Several of the clubs have yet to send in entries, but those received to date include ten in the A grade, twelve in the intermediate, and ten in the B grade.

Interelub Matches.

There are still a few interelub matches to be played in the A grade, but the intermediate and B grades have been completed with the following results:—lntermediate: Kelburn 544, Seatoun 539, Hataitaa- 528, Waimarie 514, Wellington 487. B grade: Kelburn G4l, Hataitai 618, Waimarie 615, Ngaio 606.

Pollock Stars.

The Wellington Club, represented by Mesdames Caldow and Manton, are the next on the list of challengers for the Stars, and the game will be played on the Hataitai lawns tomorrow afternoon. The next challengers will be the Woburn Club, and this will complete the round for this season.

Karori Club,

A farewell afternoon was given last Saturday to Mrs. Campbell, of Stawell, Victoria, who is returning to Australia by the Wanganella this week. Mrs. Campbell has been a frequent visitor to the Karori Club, and in presenting her with a bouquet in the club colours, the president (Mrs. F. Johnson) spoke of the pleasure it had given members to have had Mrs. Campbell in their midst. After wishing the guest of honour a pleasant trip, Mrs. Johnson made presentations to the following winners of competitions held during the afternoon: —Mrs. Ho well, angles; Mrs. Bradnock, French; Mrs. Smith, golf; Bryden, peg.

The following players will represent the club in the champion of champions contest next week:—Mrs. Flint (A grade), Mrs. Swiney (intermediate), Mrs. Bradnock, sen. (B grade). The Hamilton Vase was won by Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. Flint is the winner of the Johnson Memorial Bowl.

Island Bay Clul:,

The following are the winners of various events played for during .the season: —B championship, Mrs. Coe; handicap singles, Mrs. Coe; Kodgers Brooches, Mesdames Manttan and Coe. During the season enjoyable friendly matches were played against members from the Hutt, Wellington, Plimmerton, Karori, and Mt. Victoria Clubs. Wellington Club.

The winners of the Crosby Cup were Mrs. Crosby and Miss Whiting, and the winner of the B grade championship was Mrs. Thornton, Mrs. Baker being runner-up. .

Taranaki Tournament.

The ninth' annual tournament held under the auspices of the Taranaki Association concluded this week. The lawns of the New Plymouth, Fitzroy, Central, Pukekura, and North End clubs (twelve lawns in all) were commissioned at the commencement of tho tourney, but towards the closing stages the outlying lawns were abandoned, and play was confined exclusively to tho New Plymouth Club greens. These three greens, although not in such excellent condition as those of other clubs' lawns, were nevertheless superior to any in the Wellington city area, the only fault being troublesome indentations made by ants. These insects are a source of concern to greenkeepers in the New Plymouth district. Apart from this nuisance' the surface generally was excellent. Most of the' greens are beautifully, situated,, being, surrounded -by native" btfsh with wonderful views of land and seascape scenery. The entries for the tournament exceeded expectations, being greater than for ; many years, and this fact must have been very 'gratifying' to <the management. The catering arrangements were excellently carried out. . Unfortunately the handicap events were limited to two hours and a half. This did not meet with general approval, and it . was realised that the shortened game,, commencing at -third or fifth hoop, with bisques reduced accordingly, was a better method, and one which, jf. necessary, will bo followed at future tournaments. . '■:;:'

On the whole play was not of an outstanding nature. Several of the lower bisque players did not play to form, and, although break play was con; stantly seen on the lawns, the finishes were not spectacular. One of the Wellington players, Mrs. Mouat, played consistently well throughout, but in the finals of the ladies' championship with Mrs. Henderson failed to play up to-the standard of previous games. Mrs. Man N ton, also of Wellington, reached the semi-finals of the second life, and- in the game with Mrs.- Mouat' commenced well, reaching rover hoop with both balls in quick time. Her opponent, who was playing strongly, carried her clip also to rover, and on Mrs. Manton breaking at that hoop Mrs. Mouat seized the opportunity to peel and peg out one of her opponent's balls. At this stage Mrs. Mouat had the backward ball on 2 back, but although Mrs. Manton had several good opportunities, her long shooting was faulty, and Mrs. Mouat finished 26-24. In the finals of this life Mrs. Mouat had to meet Mrs. Caldow (Wellington), and in the finals of the first life the former player was, to meet Mrs. Henderson (Wellington). As-Mrs. Caldow had won the open event and the championship doubles with Captain Hartnell, however, she defaulted to Mrs. Mouat, who in turn defaulted to Mrs. Henderson, winch enabled these two players to play off in the finals. In the first game of the rubber Mrs. Henderson took charge early, going from No. 1 to 4 back, and later with the second ball to No. 5, where she broke. Mrs. Mouat was missing short shots, and failed to make good, use of any opportunity that came her way, Mrs. Henderson winning^ by a margin of 17 points. In the second game neither player played with confidence, and, although at one stage Mrs. Henderson had a good lead, and appeared to be winning'by a substantial number of points, her, opponent gradually made- headway, but too late to gain a victory, the game ending 26-20. In the finals of the handicap singles, which was fought out between Mrs. McKay (2) Hawera, and Miss Washer (5), Okoiawa, play was excellent. The latter player, whose croquet experience extends over a period of three years only, was playing with confidence. Her shooting and judgment were excellent, and with a .little more tournament experience she should come to the fore in the croquet world. Her opponent, a strong player of 2 bisques, although making a round break to rover hoop with one ball, was unable to concede 3 bisques to Miss Washer,, the game ending 26-20. The finals of the.championship doubles was played off between Mrs. Caldow and Captain Hartnell, and Mesdames Brown and McKay (New Plymouth). In and out play continued throughout, no brilliant breaks being accomplished, and it was not until the final stages of the game that excitement became intense. In attempting to peg out, Mrs. Brown missed, but pegged out her own ball, leaving her partner's ball some distance from the peg. Captain Hartnell joined up with his partner's ball, but missed the shot Mrs. McKay also failed to hit the peg' Captain Hartnell then attempted to make rover, but failed, leaving a good shot for his opponent, who missed Captain Hartnell then finished, he and

his partner winning by the small margin of one point. The following arc the results of the various events:—Open championship, Mrs. W. E. Caldow (Wellington); runner-up. Mr. A. J. Gibbs (Alton). Ladies'*championshipj Mrs. D. C. Henderson (Wellington); runner-up, Mrs. Mouat (Waimarie, Lower Hutt). Championship doubles, Mrs. Caldow and Captain Hartneli (New Plymouth); rnnners-up, Mesdames Brown and McKay (New Plymouth) Handicap doubles, Misses Beal and Washer (New Plymouth); runners-up, Mesdames Henderson (Wellington) and Codcl (New Plymouth). Handicap singles, A grade, Miss Washer; runnerup, Mrs. McKay. Handicap singles B grade, Miss Thomas; runner-up Mrs Hodder.'

At the conclusion of the tournament presentations were made to Captain Hartnell and Mrs. Clark in appreciation of the able manner in which they had managed the tournament.

Otago Tournament.

The Otago croquet tornamem was concluded on Saturday last in perfect weather. At the conclusion of the play, the president (Mrs. A. J. Bnggs) presented the prizes, and thanked all competitors, especially the visitors, for helping to make the tournament such an outstanding success. It was the fourth tournament to be held in Otago, and each year they became more popular, said the president. In presenting the cup for the open championship to Mrs. W. Corbett, Mrs. Briggs said that the winning of the championship was no mean achievement, as Mr. A. G. Hart (Timaru), who had just won the South Canterbury championship had been a worthy opponent. This is the fourth occasion on which Mrs. Corbett has won the event.

The.prizes were presented as follows: Otago Open Championship.—Mrs. W. Corbett (Opoho); runner-up, Mr. A G Hart (Timaru).

A Grade Handicap Singles.—Mrs. Telfer (Gore); runner-up, Mrs. Cowper (Christchurch).

A Grade Championship Doubles.—

Posterity to tramps has cas' The goKFlaced garments of the past; And words which once spread wings of flame On modern ears fall trite and tame. The Wheels of Progress onward urge, Of worthless dregs the world to purge; And now wise folks for colds assure With treasured' Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.—Advt.

Mesdames T. M. Macdonald and Buckland; runners-up, Mesdames Telfer and McLead.

A Grade Handicap Doubles.—Mrs. Curie and Miss Perrin (Invercargill); runuers-up, Mesdames Cole aud Millin (Opoho).

After the presentation of prizes, Mrs. Briggs entertained players and spectators at afternoon tea.

Gold and Silver Medals.

The gold medal this year was won by Mrs. Corbett, who with Mrs. Gambrill. had two losses only. As the latter player defaulted to Mrs. Corbett, however, this medal was unfortunately won by default. The following is the table of wins and losses: —

Wins. Losses.

Mrs. Corbett 7 2 Mrs. Gambrill 7 2 Mrs. Buchler 6 3 Mr. A. G. Hart 6 3 Mrs. Horn 5 4 Mrs. T. J. Wilson . 4 5 Mrs. Christopher . 3 6 Mis. T. M. McDonald 3 6" Mrs. J. Nichol 3 6 Mrs. Halliday 1 8 Hawke's Bay Tournament.

This popular tournament has now concluded, and like all the other association tournaments has been a great success. The entries were large and competition was keen. Hawke's Bay can boast a fair number of scratch and minus players, and as a result some good games were : witnessed. In the open event Mrs. Watkins scored a good win over Mr. Stratton, the winner of the New Zealand championship, and who, it will be remembered defeated Mrs. Watkins in the finals at the Bominion tournament recently held, at the Hutt. Several of the results are not yet to hand. In the open championship Mrs. Watkins plays Mrs.. Ball (2 out of 3) and in the ladies' championship Mrs. Watkins meets Mrs. Pitcaithly. In the latter event both ladies have won one game each with a third to play. The championship doubles were won by Mesdames Watkins and Tiffin, with Mrs. Pitcaithly and Mr. Stratton runners-up. The handicap .doubles were won by Mesdames Esson and Tomlinson, Mesdames Walker (Waimarie), and Arkers being runners-up.

South Canterbury Tournament.

The South Canterbury tournament, which was held at Timaru this year, concluded at the week-end, the."results being as follows:—Champion singles, Mr. G. A. Hart; championship doubles, Mrs. W. Taylor and Mr. G. A. Hart; handicap singles, Mr. W. Kirk; association buttons (A grade), Mr. G. A Hart. :

Wanganui News.

A very pleasant gala function took place ou St. John's croquet greens retc.itly when members of the Feilding, Oroua, and St. John's Clubs gathered for friendly contests. The competitions resulted as follows :r^-Ladder, Mrs.

Simpson; consolation, Mrs. Stockwell; clock, Mrs. Tingey; consolation, Mrs. Billing; golf, Mis. Dewe; consolation, Mrs. Hicks.

The Indies of the. home club provided a very dainty afternoon tea, the thanks of the visitors for their hospitality being conveyed to them.

Gala Bay at Palmersron- North.

A most enjoyable gala day ivas held at Northern greens recently, there being a record attendance of players. Despite the unpleasant %yind blowing, some excellent croquet -was witnessed. The following were the prize-winners:— Progressive, Mrs. Reed and Mrs. M. Palmer; French, Miss Read; ladder, Mrs. Mayes; break-laying, Mrs. McMur-' ray; crazy hoops, Mrs. Garner; golf, Mrs. Neilsen. A trophy donated by Mrs. Barker, of Christchurch, was won by Mrs. Aslin.

A Bennett Buttons croquet match

was played on the Takaro greens, when the holders, Jlesdames Field and Burnett, beat Mesdames Lvall and Bennett, 26-9. " '

Mes(lames Tucker and T. Simpson, the holders of the Pollock Stars, retained them by the default of Mesdames Nicholson and Hall, of Levin.

Noel Coward Plays Croquet.

Noel Coward, the noted author and playwright, lives in a picturesque cottage in. Kent, originally built by smugglers three centuries ago. On a velvet green sward in front of this cottage, Mr. Cowara has set out a croquet lawn, and here he indulges in his favourite game, of which he is an expert player. . ■

Candidates for ordination in England as clergymen in the Church of England last year numbered 585; this is the hishest figure since 19J4. "