TENNIS AND CROQUET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 November 1924, Page 7

TENNIS AND CROQUET.

HAWERA CLUB. OPENING OF SEASON. The pretty and picturesque courts of the Hawera Club were en fete on Saturday, when the formal opening of the season took place. There was a very large attendance of players and friends, including visitors from the Park Club and from Eltham, Patea, Stratford and other district clubs. The weather conditions were ideal, warm sunshine and little wind, and this, combined with excellent arrangements and much interesting play, made the afternoon most enjoyable and thoroughly successful in every way. Advantage " was taken of the opportunity to make a presentation to Mr N. H. C, Caplen. an enthusiastic player, who has been secretary for many years and given yeoman service to the club and to the "game generally in Hawera and Taranaki. In making the presentation, Mr G. J. Bayley stressed the great and unfailing interest taken by Mr Caplen in the club and the game, and the value of his work during the years in which he had been connected with the club. He said Mr Caplen had been one of the oldest administrative officers of the club for many years, and before he took over the secretaryship had been first lieutenant to Mr A. "W. Webster. It was, he added, mainly to the good work of these two gentlemen that the club owed the fact that they had the fine freehold property on which they were now located. Mr Caplen had decided, as all knew, to go off the executive of the club, and the members considered it was only their duy, as it was also their pleasure, to acknowledge the deep debt of gratitude they owed to Mr Caplen for his long and valuable services''', to the club. A pretty bouquet was also presented each to Mrs N. Caplen and Mrs G. J. Bayley. Mr Bayley then formally declared the season open and the Courts, ready, for play, and wished all members a happy and useful season. General play was then begun and continued all "the afternoon, all thoroughly enjoying the day’s outing.

On the croquet lawns there was a large number of players, who took part in an interesting tournament. The members afterwards held a meeting, at whicli it was resolved to arrange for the Taranaki tournament this season. The prospects are that this will he a great success.

A dainty afternoon tea was provided by the ladies and much appreciated by all present. The'afternoon was in every way a great success.