GISBORNE LAWN TENNIS CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 538, 4 October 1902, Page 3

GISBORNE LAWN TENNIS CLUB.

PRESENTATION TO DR. J. CRAIG

A pleasing ceremony took place in the club room of tho Masonic Hotel last evening, when tho membors of the Gisborne Lawn Tennis Club made a presentation to their late president, Dr. Craig, on the ovo of his departure for Auckland. Mr E. H. Mann presided, and amongst those prosent woro Messrs Barlow, L. Maude, W. Coloman, C. Buscke, J. Nolan, G. K. Pasley, A. Coleman, B. Barton, W. McCrodie, A. S. Seymour, H. E. Hill, Iveson, Butler, E. Matthews, H. Watson, and Rev. Fathor O'Connor. Tho presentation took tho form of a handsomo silver kettle, with tho following inscription : —“ Presented to Dr. J. Craig, President 1900-1902, by tho members of tho Gisborno Tennis Club.” Tho Chairman, in making the presentation, said that he was voicing the feolings of members in stating that they deeply regretted Dr. Craig’s departure from tho district. Dr. Craig had been a splendid President, and had stirrod up tho dead bones of tennis a couplo of years ago. Mr Maun made praiseworthy reference to tho services Dr Craig had rondored in promoting a district championship competition, tho groat success of which was directly to bo attributed to his efforts. They all wished him every success in his new sphore. Mr H. Watson, one of the oldest membors of tho Club, endorsed tho Chairman’s remarks, and referred to tho fact that Dr Craig had not only worked hard in improving tho Club's lawns, but had made a privato lawn, to which members were always welcome. Ho was sure they would all miss Dr Craig. Mr W. J. Barlow said Dr Craig was tbo best President ho had come across, and had beon tho means of infusing a doal of lifo into tho Gisborne Club. He felt that they wero losing a great friend, as well as a keen supporter of tho game. Mr G. K. Padey added his expression of regret at tho departure of Dr Craig, who had been a hard worker on behalf of the Club. Dr Craig had been responsible for tho great improvement to. the Clubs lawns, and had endeared himself to all tho members. He wished Dr and Mrs Craig overy success in their new sphere of

Messrs E. G. Matthews and O. H. Butler also added a few wordr.-. Tho hoalth of Dr Craig was drunk with musical honors. Dr Craig, in replying, thanked tho members for tho kind remarks that they bad made in regard to himself, which ho said were altogether undorserved. Ho had taken a keen interest in tennis, and had always been pleased to do what ho could on behalf of tho Club. When ho first mooted the question of presenting a Champion Cup for competition, it was stated that it was only making a gift of it to a local player, but, strange to relate, a knight from the South in tho person of Mr Barlow had come along, and won the much-coveted trophy. It did a good deal of good to get fresh blood into tho Club, ind as far as he could judge tho young players, ho was of opinion that during the coming season tho contest for tho championship would bo a keen one. Whenever ne heard the little kettle boil, it would remiud him of the Gisborne Tennis Club. He "thanked them for tho kindness that they had at all times shown towards him. (Applause.) 1 "She Health c£ tbs Gisborne Lawn

Tennis Club ” was proposed by Dr Craig, tbe toast being coupled with the names of Messrs Barlow and Seymour, both of whom made excellent speeches in responding. The proceedings were brought to a close with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.”