KAPONGA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 December 1924, Page 8

KAPONGA.

CROQUET CLUB. SEASON’S PLAY OPENED. Accepting the invitation of the Kaponga Croquet Club, a large gathering of friends and members assembled at the official opening of the season’s play held on Tnursday afternoon at the x-esidence of Airs Bennie, senr. The lawns were in excellent order, and with the ideal weather prevailing afforded greatly appreciated conditions for play. In formally declaring the courts open, the president (Mrs W. E. Hollard) extended a cordial welcome to all in attendance, and expressed the wish that the season would prove enjoyable to players and successful to the club. Looking to the future, the president hoped tnat in the following season courts would be available on the grounds occupied by the Bowling Club, the members of which had kindly signified their intention of co-operating with the Croquet Club. Airs Hollard suitably intimated the club’s appreciation of the courtesy extended by Mrs Bennie in permitting the use of her lawns, and called upon the vice-presi-dent (Airs R. E. Williams) to drive the first ball. Play opened with a golf croquet tourney which attracted numerous entrants, providing keen competition. Aleeting in the final, Airs Hollard and Mrs W., Hislop contested an even game, concluding in a draw, 5 all. The play-off again found the pair difficult to separate, the scores being 6 all on the approach to the last peg, which in an interesting finish was secured by Mrs Hollard: Both the winner and runner-up received merited applause. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in a series of friendly matches entertaining to both players and spectators, all of whom were greatly pleased with the enjoyable commence-, ment of the season’s play. CATHOLIC TENNIS CLUB. SEASON OPENING. The season’s play under the auspices of the Kaponga Catholic Tennis Club was opened under favourable conditions at the club courts on Thursday afternoon. A representative number of members and their guests were present and, unhampered by the restrictions of the eonventional opening day tournaments, spent an enjoyable afternoon’s play in a quick succession of six up friendly sets. The honours of the opening set of* the season were secured by Miss K. Carey and Mr B. Hammersley, who, after contesting a very even issue with Mrs P. O’Dowd and Father N. Moore, secured the verdict by the narrow margin of one game, the scores being 6 —5. Afternoon tea was served bv the lady members, to whom an enthusiastic vote of thanks was accorded on the motion of Father Aloore. Play was continued till late in the afternoon, and afforded keen pleasure to all participants. ANNUAL MEETING, The first annual meeting of the club was held last week. Father N. Aloore occupied the chair. The hon. secretary, Mr T. Hammersley, presenting a verbal report, intimated that the club had received an encouraging support, and for its initial year could record a most satisfactory season. The courts had been well patronised by 1 members and their friends, and since the inaugural meeting in December, 1923, the membership had increased, the • present number being 38. Considering its big number of young players, the club had given creditable performances when contesting inter-club matches. Three matches against Eltham Convent had been won, and in one unfinished match with Te Ngutu the club had held the advantage when play was discontinued. Two interesting matches had been lost to Kaponga B. -Thanks were due to the ladies for their hoshitalitv in providing refreshments for members * of visiting teams a 6 well as club members and their friends on ordinary club days. In conclusion, the secretary expressed the hope that membership would increase and that all present members would be able to take an active pait in the play duiing the coming season. The balance-sheet, .disclosing a small credit, was adopted. Officers were elected as follow: Patron, Mr C. P. Crowley; president, Air D. P. F. Alalone; vice-presidents, Messrs Jas. Alalone, Jas. Kissick, J. O’Donoghue. S. Lissaman and G. Powell; club captain, Mr D. Fitzgerald ; vice-captain, Air Jack Kissick; hon .secretary and treasurer, Air T. Hammefsley; committee, Mesdames W. B. Pearon, H. Stanners, D Fitzgerald, Jas. Kissick. P. O’Dowd. Afisses K. Carey, AI. Hammersley and H. Powell. It_ wae decided that subscription fees be is 6d for ladies and 15s for gentlemen. reducible to 5s and 10s respectively if paid by January I.