CROQUET

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 46, 23 January 1936, Page 2

CROQUET

' DOMINION TITLES. PLAY COMMENCES. An entry- was made this morning upon play in the New Zealand croquet championship tournament,- the official opening ceremony being held at the Manawatu Croquet Club’s greens in the presence of a large gathering. The president of the New Zealand Croquet Council, Captain E. L. Hartnell, who was introduced by the .tournament manager, Mrs W. R. Mayes, said, in opening, that unfortunately the tournament had commenced under a cloud of great sorrow. But we, as a nation, he continued, prided ourselves that we were able to hide our sorrows with a smile, and the tournament would “carry- on” in that spirit. It gave him great pleasure to be associated with the opening ceremony, both as a member of the New Zealand Croquet Council, and as a competitor. It was gratifying that the Mayor (Mr A. E. ALansford) had found time to attend in his multitude of duties. In conclusion, Captain Hartnell expressed appreciation of the work done bv Mesdames Mayes and S. J. Parkes (assistant tournament manager) and other local officials and workers in preparing for the tournament. First saying that he was deeply indebted to the members of the New Zealand Croquet Council for tlie invitation to declare the tournament open, Air Alanstord commented that unfortunately the holding of the tournament had coincided with a most eventful time for the Empire, but lie was confident that it would be liis late Majesty’s wish, were he able to express it, that such fixtures should continue. The subjects of the Empire knew that their late King had played the game and fulfilled his mission to the nation. He had now gone to the Great Architect above.

To the visitors to the citv Air Mansford extended ii very hearty welcome. The croquet players in the citv were indebted to Dr. "Whittaker, when he was in Palme:ston North, for the knowledge of the finer points of the game. It was only when one saw croquet played as it should be one realised what was in the game. Those who were interested in the progress of croquet would be very gratified to see the increase in the number of players. In croquet many- found a game which did not make the greater demands of more strenuous sports; it allowed men and women to meet in games but. above all, it was a recreation, and all must have recreation if we were to enjoy the best of health. In conclusion, the Mayor expressed the hope that visitors to the citv would find time to visit its beauty spots and local players would he pleased to show them about. He hoped that the visitors would depart with very happy memories of the tournament.

Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Airs Rhodes-Wil-li~ —S end Mrs Ham Won The first results to hand are:— MEN’S CHAM PIONSHIP. First Life. F. C. Bryan beat H. P. Stratton, 26—11; H. A. Penn beat 11. AY. AlcCreath, 26—12; F. L. Hartnell beat A. G. F. Boss. 26—8; W. Tye beat E. W. Veitch, 26—15. LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP. First Life. Airs Lowery beat Airs- Acheson, 26—7; Airs Gamhrill beat Airs Bartlett, 26—16; Airs Henderson beat Airs Parker Hill, 26—2 ; Airs A. S. Clark beat Airs Bryan, 26—17; Mrs Palmer beat Airs Dukes, 26—8; Airs Caldow beat Ah's Thomson. 26—5; Airs Pitchaitlily beat Airs Mount, 26—15.