CROQUET.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 43, 20 January 1926, Page 7

CROQUET.

NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION.

EXECUTIVE’S REPORT,

The sixth annual report o.f the executive of the New Zealand Croquet Association states (inter alia) as follows: —In reviewing the past year’s work the executivo has pleasure in reporting a further increased membership, which now totals over 3000, and we are also glad to report that three new associations liavo been formed, viz., West Coast, Nelson and Southland. Three new clubs havo also joined up in Hawke’s Bay—Napier, Fort Ahuriri and Wairero (all of Napier—and it is regrettable that wo so far cannot get an enthusiast to take up the formation of an association in this district where so many of our leadng players preside. The last Dominion championships were held at the United Club’s lawns, church, on January 20th, 1925, when for the first time there was a large entry of gentlemen players and. nearly all the leading players took part. It is pleasing to report that, for the first time, all the Annuals were disposed of and it would havo taken another 300 to supply the demand. It may not bo out ot* placo liero to snow the strides the game has made in the Dominion, to quote from tho English Croquet Gazette of sth December, 1925, the following:—“A perusal of the N.Z. Croquet Annual, 1925-26, has almost mado us envious, with the total of individual membership exceeding that of our own association by at least 800. Tho population of the Dominion, by the way, is scarcely one-thirtieth of our ov'n. Wo remember, of course, the splendid efforts of Dr.’ Edward Whitaker, who sot tho balls rolling to some purpose in Now Zealand in 1912, and we heartily congratulate both him and tho president, Mr R. Caughley, tho hon. secretary, Mr C. A. E. Ferguson, and others responsible for tho healthy state of affairs with which their labours have been rewarded.” It is with deepest regret tho council records tho death of Mr P. A. Laurie,

which took place on tho 25 th May last. Mr Laurie was for many years secretary of tho United Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club in Christchurch, and for a number of years held the croquet championship of that club. As a secretary he had few equals and the leading position which his club now occupies ill the Dominion is largely duo to his enerr an'd enthusiasm. The council .has also to deplore tho sad loss sustained during the past season in tho deceaso of Mrs G. E. Richardson, who was one of our leading players. Mrs Richardson was a regular competitor at the championship tournaments since their inception, a thorough sport, who by her quiet and gentle personality mado herself a favourite with all players. Slio will be greatly missed from tho competitions.