RANGIORA BOWLING, TENNIS AND CROQUET CLUB.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13935, 18 December 1905, Page 4

RANGIORA BOWLING, TENNIS AND CROQUET CLUB.

The opening of the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club’s new grounds took’place on Saturday afternoon in perfect weather. The grounds, an acre and a quarter in extent,' are situated clcss to the business centre of the town, and are in ©very way excellently adapted to the purposes of the club. They are laid out in a full size eight-rink bowling green, two asphalt and a grass tennis court, and five croquet lawns. This leaves about a quarter of an acre to be brought into use at some future time. There is a very convenient pavilion, with a large billiard room, fitted up in a way that leaves nothing to be desired; and a water service that covers the whole of the ground. Green terraces and tastefully laid-out flower herders complete what will in a short time become one of the beauty spots of the town. The total cost of the property has been about £IOOO, a considerable portion of which was raised by debentures, and the balance by loan. The membership of the club is about 160, and the number is being continually added to. There was an attendance of members and guests at the opening of over 300, and the function passed off most happily. The president of. the club, Mr J. Sansom, opened the proceedings with a short speech, in which he described the steps- taxen to acquire the grounds, and testified to the enthusiasm of the townspeople and others in the project. The Mayor, Mr E. W. Eclph, then, on behalf of the club, presented a handsome silver key to: Mrs Sansom, who opened the* pavilion door and cut a ribbon stretched across the doorway, and after hoisting the flag declared the grounds open. Three cheers were given, and Mr D. Buddo, M.H.R., in a.happy way proposed‘a vote of thanks to the ladies who provided the dub flag and in other ways assisted to make the opening a success. The various games were then started, the who!© of the rinks, courts and lawns being filled with players, amongst whom were representatives from the Christchurch and Kaiapoi Clubs in considerable number. The Rangiora Brass Band played most acceptably. The ladies’ commit tee . provided afternoon tea in abundance, and both players and spectators spent a very pleasant afternoon. Much of the success of the proceedings 1 , and also of the prosperity of the club, is due to an energetic committee having the able services of .Mr A. S. Clarkson aa general secretary.