KANGIOTU

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 8, 7 December 1935, Page 11

KANGIOTU

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RANGIOTU, Dec. 6. Twenty years have passed since tennis in this district was first organised, when a clay court of an indifferent nature, laid on the western part of the school playground, served the needs of enthusiasts for a number of years. In the off season, however, it became part of the schoolboys’ football area, or was incorporated in the area required by the girds for hockey practices or other school games as the occasion arose. Such a state of affairs did not by >, any means improve the playing conditions of the teiiis court of those days, and the acquisition of a better site was for some years seriously considered. The founders of the club, Messrs \V. Larkin, T. Haynes (Pyko Hoad), T'ari Larkin and L. J. Walker, who was headmaster at the time, worked diligently in their efforts to raise funds and to-foster tennis activities in the locality. The game, however, lapsed for a period owing to luck of membership and support. Nevertheless, in 1926, the present site, which was then a low undulating sandhill section, covered more or loss with lupins and gorse, was secured, resulting in two clay "courts being laid. With the revival of tennis in the district the sum of £3O, which was hold in trust by Mr Walker as secretary of the early committee, was handed over to the newly formed body, an amount which considerably assisted their efforts in their sphere of acivities. Recently the club decided to lay down the two courts in concrete (green), and the opening of the courts last Wednesday marked the completion of the local club’s efforts in their extensive programme of improvements. Ideal summer conditions welcomed the large number of residents and enthusiasts who caine to witness the opening ceremony, which was performed by Mr J. Linklatcr. Visitors from kindred clubs were well represented—-Aokautore, Bunnythorpc, Foxton, Longburn, Oroua Downs, To Arakina, Tiakitaliuna, Terrace End and Northern. The arrangements were in tho capable hands of the president (Mr J. Shaw) and secretary (Mr G. Gurran), assisted by the ladies’ social committee, who entertained all those present to afternoon tea. Mr Shaw (president) cngratulated the assemblage for tlicr excellent attendance, which indicated that they appreciated the 6tcp they had taken in their improvements. Ho called upon Mr Linklatcr to open the courts. Mr Linklatcr in liis opening remarks deemed it an esteemed favour and pleasure in being invited to come amongst them that afternoon. He congratulated the Rangiotu Club on their fine efforts and the great interest taken by all concerned. Ho considered it to be another milestone and forward step in the march of the locality's progress, and that the courts were a. credit and asset to the community in general. It was essential, confirmed the speaker, that country people should he provided with up-to-date facilities in connection with their outdoor games and sports, and he was always very pleased lo encourage any game which was possessed of a clean and healthy atmosphere. Practically every town and village indulged in tennis, and it was becoming a national game. Tennis was played by the ancient Egyptians, and in the fourteenth century was introduced to England, so the sport wo enjoyed to-day was a very ancient one. In conclusion. Mr Linklatcr, wished the club many happy games, and that the success of their activities in the district would continue. Mr Linklatcr then declared the courts open, following which the honoured guest of the afternoon played a rally with the oldest member of the club, Mr W. Larkin. After many futile' attempts at serving, Mr Linklatcr eventually piloted the hall over the net; and the honours of the short, sharp rally which followed foil to Mr Larkin. A gala night'in the form of grand dance was held in the hall, the function being a fitting conclusion to a most pleasant and successful event. There was a large attendance, while splendid dance music was supplied by a professional orchestra. Messrs Burton (Bunnythorpc) and G. Millard (Bainesse) kindly played several extras. A Monte Carlo dance was won by Mrs Bond and Mr H. H. Simmons, while a competition was annexed by Mr Prattle, of l’altnerston North. Mr Shaw thanked the public for their patronage, also the committee and willing helpers for their co-operation and united assistance.