Croquet Notes

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 81, 6 April 1933, Page 20

Croquet Notes

By "Concentrate"

Closing of Season. , Much to the regret of many the 1932-33 season lias now come to a close, ;uid as far as Wellington is concerned the season has been a particularly successful one. The interclub matches have been got off with dispatch. In not a single instance was it necessary to postpone the Tuesday's play on account of wet weather, and this constitutes a record for Wellington. The Pollock Stars, McKenzio Cups, and Association Ferns competitions' have been keenly contested, and the Wellington tournament and champion of champions event were both much enjoyed by participants and onlookers. The AVellington Association is particularly fortunate in having as its secretary such a capable person as Mrs. Earl McKonzie, who has not only an abundance of knowledge pertaining to croquet matters, but has had man;- years experience as a manager of tournaments. It is a matter for regret that the lawns in Wellington have not been given as much attention as is reg tired to keep a lawn in excellent order, but it is hoped that with the increased charge levied by the council more time and care will be given to> the greens, particularly during the recess period. Pollock Stars. The last challenge of the season for the Pollock Stars was played o^ the Wellington Club's lawns when the challengers (Mesdamcs Monks and Oleland) were defeated by the holders (Mesdames Caldow and Manton), the winners having a margir of 22 points to their credit. The game was played in record time. The Wellington Club will now hold the Stars until next seaeon. Eastbourne Club. A delightful afternoon was given recently by members of 'the Eastbourne Club, when the guests of honour were Mesdames Palmer and Wise, the holders of the Association Perns. Several competitions were held, and a delicious afternoon tea Was served in the spacious pavilion adjoining the greens. During the afternoon, tho president, Mrs. Richards, presented each guest with a replica of the Ferns. Tho guests of honour were also the recipients of charming bouquets. The Ferns will now bo held by the Eastbourne Club until next season. The handicap singles competition held throughout the season was won by Mrs. Palmer. Wellington Club. The official break-up of the Wellington Club was held last week when there was a record attendance of members. A novel feature of the was that fancy-dress costumes were- worn by most of those present. Several novelty competitions were introduced, and these wero much enjoyed. During the afternoon Mrs. W. Boberts (president) was presented with a charming bouquet by Mrs. A. Eamsay (vicepresident) on behalf of tho committee, and opportunity was also taken to make presentations to Miss Bates (lion, secretary), Mrs. Shelly (hon. treasurer), and Mrs. Caldow (captain). In the course- of her remarks Mrs. Boberts congratulated the winners of the A grade interclub shield, and also the holders of the Pollock Stars. The. winners of the competitions were: —Mrs. Henderson, French;. Mrs. Mitchell, two-ball break; Mrs. Robinson, golf; Mesdames King and Newton, hurry skurry; Mrs. Clark, best fancy dress. Following closely on the heels of the break-up of tho season members gathered together to do honour to the winners of the principal events held during the season, tho guests being Mesdames Henderson, Manton, Mitchell, Caldow, Deare, and Thornton. These ladies' entered the pavilion under an archway of mallets, and each was presented with an artistic bouquet of sweets made by Mrs. Lambourne. Later they were subjected to a mock crowning ceremony, Mrs. W. Roberts making an excellent master of arts in gown and cap. Mrs. Roberts later congratulated Mrs. Caldow on her many wins during the season, an also made eulogistic references to Mesdames Henderson, Manton, Deare, and Thornton. She said she hoped that the club would long remain in tho prominent position it now held. Tho following won the various competitions held during the afternoon:—Mrs. Henderson, putting; Mrs. O'Connor, angles; Mrs. Boocock, golf; Mrs. W. H. Smith, ladder. Kelburn Club. The championship doubles of the Kelburn Club have been won by Mesdames Watkin and Chetwin. Several of the other events are still unfinished, On Saturday the club members intend entertaining the McKenzie Cup holders, the winners of the B shield, and the runners-up of the A shield. Mesdames Ilsley and Taylor (holders of the Mcr Kenzie cups) have resisted eleven challenges, and they are to be congratulated on their consistent form throughout the season. Both players are good long shooters, and have an excellent stylo of play. With a little more experience they should do well in the higher grades. Karori Club. The official closing of the Karori Club and presentation of trophies won during the season took place last Friday. There was a good attendance of members and honorary members. Mr. B. G. H. Burn (patron) and Mrs. Burn, Mrs. ' Fletcher (Ashburton), and Mr. F. Dryden were also present.' Mrs. F. Johnson (president) thanked the members for their help and loyal support during the year. Mr. Burn, in his usual happy vein, congratulated the winners as he handed them their trophies, and wished them future success. The following is the list of winners:— The Lady Johnston Memorial Challenge Bowl, presented by Mrs. Arthur Duncan at beginning of season, Mrs. E. -Flint; A championship, Mrs. E. Flint; runner-up, Mrs. F. Dryden. Intermediate championship. Mrs. E. Swiney; runner-up, Mrs. Steel. B championship, Mrs. Bradnock, jun,; runner-up, Mrs. Mahoney. Hamilton Vase, Mrs. Lewis. Handicap singles, B grade, Mrs. Mahoney. Consolation, intermediate grade, Mrs. Dwyer (presented by Miss Saunders). Consolation, B grade, Mrs. Harper (presented by Mrs. Mahoney). Highest break, B grade, Mrs. Howell (presented by Mrs. Steel). A very pleasant sports afternoon was hold recently on the Karori lawns when thcro was a good assembly of members. Tho, following proved tho winners of competitions held during the afternoon: —Mrs. Kecnan, golf; Mrs. Rrydon, runner-up; Mrs. Kearney, peg; Mrs. Lewis, angles; Mrs. Swiney, trench; Mrs. Johnson, runner-up. Hataitai Club. The members and honorary members of the Hataitai Municipal Club enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon last Friday, the occasion being the presentation of prizes won during the season. Although an uncomfortable northerly wind was blowing, competitions were held on the lawns, tho winners being Mrs. Adams, french; Mrs. Wellings, peg; Mrs. Marsden, golf; Mrs. Thornton, honorary members competition. A flag, presented by Mrs. Thomas (president), was unfurled and hoisted, after which the members partook of a delicious afternoon tea, during which tho president congratulated Mrs. Richardson on winning the B champion of champions event. On behalf of the club she presented Mrs. Richardson with a handsome sandwich basket. Presentation? were also made to Mesdamea Scott, Brice, and Chambers. The following is the list of winners of club events held during the season:. —A champion,

Mrs. Thomas; runner-up, Mrs. Mocller; A handicap singles, Mrs. Moeller; runner-up, Mrs. Brightiug; C.D.S. Memorial Bowl, Mrs. Wellings; intermediate champion, Mrs. Woodham; runner-up, Mrs. Chisholm; handicap singles (intermediate grade), Mrs. Cadwallader; B championship, Mrs. Richardson; runner-up, Mrs. Cadwallader; B handicap singles, Mrs. M. Scott; runner-up, Mrs. Harlan. Dannevirke beats Manawatu. A team from the Dannevirke Croquet Club visited the Manawatu Croquet Club recently, and engaged in a number of friendly matches. Dannevirko scored ISO points and Manawatu 170 points. The results of the matches were as follows, Dannevirke players being mentioned first:— Singles: Mrs. Glass beat Mrs. Spring, 26-17; Mrs. Burkinshaw lost to Mrs. Spinley, 12-26; Mrs. Williams lost to Mrs. Sears, 21-26; Mrs Wright beat Mrs. Fuller, 26-12; Mrs. Bingham beat Mrs. Bruce, 26-23. Doubles: Mesdames Glass and Burkinshaw beat Mesdames Spring and Spinley, 26-23; Mesdames Eaton and Sharpley lost to Mesdames Fuller and Glendinning 17-26; Mesdames Bingham and Williams beat Mesdames Sears and Bruce, 26-17. Kathleen Norris. It is interesting to read that the popular American writer, Kathleen Norris, is an enthusiastic croquet player. In the grounds of her Californian home, up in the mountains near Saratoga, is a "greensward fitted with electric projectors so. that jnere nightfall shali not cut short the delightful animosities of that game." It has been said "that your first impression of her would need readjustment if you were to see her playing croquet, tortavring her anxious partner., and infuriating her painstaking opponents by making each shot in a most lackadaisical mannei', but even so, managing never by any chance to miss the ball she was aiming at, There are one or two men in America who are as good croquet players as Kathleen Norris, but in the real clinches of this malignant sport, no woman can Some anywhere near her. New Croquet Club. A new croquet club has been formed in Suva, and although the present mem-

bership is small, the interested few are an enthusiastic band of workers. Last year two New Zealand ladies visited Fiji, and were very helpful with advice which was much appreciated. The secretary (Mrs. Small) has intimated that players calling at Suva will be most welcome on the green. Personals. Mrs. Israel (Kelburn Club) has re-1 turned from a trip to Nelson. Mrs. Swiney (Karori) is shortly leaving on a visit to the Nelson district. Mrs. Christie (Kelburn) has returned from the south.