SUMMER SPORT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 228, 25 August 1938, Page 12

SUMMER SPORT

MANAWATU CLUB. COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW. “The past season in so far as sports clubs are concerned was an excellent one, the weather, with the exception of of the Easter holidays, being the best experienced for some years,” states the annual report of the president of the Manawatu Bowling, Croquet and Tennis Club (Mr H. G. Mills). “The members took full advantage of these conditions and experienced good greens and games over 1 a period of almost seven months,” the report proceeds. “The membership in the croquet section (37 financial) and the bowling section (82 financial) is a record. The club is very happy in extending a welcome to those new members, all of whom are displaying a fine club spirit and assisting in any way possible. The membership in the tennis section shows a decrease, but with improvements which have been carried out to the courts, it is anticipated that the membership will show a marked increase during the coming season. During last winter and again this winter many improvements were carried out to the grounds, and in the erection of shelters and improvements to the pavilion; much of this work was carried out by working flees and the club’s best thanks are due to those members who so willingly gave their help. “The club is now in Ahe fortunate position of having two full-sized bowling greens, four croquet courts, and eight tennis courts. Representatives from our club met members from Northern, Takaro, and Terrace End to discuss the desirability of uniform subscriptions. The subscriptions suggested are : Bowlers £3 ss, croquet £2 15s, tennis, men, £2 7s, ladies, £1 10s, junior, £1 6s, family ticket, £6 ss, all less 5s rebate if paid fly November 30. These subscriptions have been agreed to at a special meeting of the clubs, and require to be confirmed at the annual general meeting. With the extra expense now involved in running a combined club, these rates of subscription must be considered most reasonable. “For some years the club lias been paying an annual rental to the City Council, which has maintained the grounds. The club’s thanks are due to the council for the generous manner in which it has assisted. At the close of last season we received notice from the council to the effect that the club would be required to take over the maintenance of the grounds. After a number of special meetings, the club decided to take over control and to accept the council’s offer of a £75 subsidy to assist in the maintenance. To make a success of running the club it will be necessary to have the full co-operation and assistance of all members, and if this support is forthcoming the club’s success is assured.** “During the year various competitions were held (more especially with new members) and these were hard fought and created a good deal of interest. Tile club’s thanks are due to the donors of various trophies for these competitions; the hon. secretary (Mr D. Smillie) for his efficient work, to the auditor (Mr E. Persson), to the section secretaries, to the green supervisor (Mr J. B. Gerrand), to tile members of the various committees, and to the Press for their generous reports of the club’s activities. Special thanks are given to the ladies’ tea committee under the able supervision of Mrs L. J. Oliver, who carried out the arrangements in a creditable manner.' “During the winter a series of card parties was held in the club’s pavilion, and these have to some extent assisted the finances, but these parties require more support, especially from thfe bowling section. A special effort is now being made to again increase the membership, and prospective members can bo assured of a ready welcome and an enjoyable time on our various greens.” BOWLING REPORT. “Our new members were very enthusiastic in their attendance, and we have quite a number of promising playel’s amongst them,” states the report for the bowling section, presented by Mi W. Bates. “The club competitions were well patronised. Sixteen members entered for the club championship singles, the winner being Mr G. Corbridge, the runner-up Mr A. E.. Shand. Twentyfour players entered for the pairs, won by Messrs F. King and H. Christmas, the runners-up being Messrs G. Corbridge and C. Velvin. The champion rinks competition was won by Messrs F. King (skip), F. Gilberd, A. 0. Oxenham, and A. F. Shand. This rink also reached the finals in the centre championship. A colts championship was keenly contested, Mr W. Winks being the winner and the run-ner-up Mr L. Carter. Prizes were donated by Messrs A. E. Shand and H. Christ mas." The second colts competition with four prizes was won by Mr L. Sinclair, a prize donated by Messrs Jackson and Son, bowls; second, Mr G. F. Melton (bowls donated by Mr A. F. Wimsett), third, Mr B. Lett (measure presented by Mr J. Mason); fourth, Mr F. Brown (measure presented by Mr F. King). Messrs King (skip) _ and J. Mason obtained third position in the New Year pairs. Five rinks entered for tiie Easter . tournament. Mr Gilberd’s rink reached the second round in the post-section play. Mr' King’s rink reached the quarter-finals.” CROQUET SECTION.

In a report on the croquet activities Miss J- Gaustad states“ Owing to our having only three playing areas for the greater wart of the season, ‘doublebanking’ was the order of the day and wo now possess three sets of doublebanking balls. We welcomed quite a number of new players and hope to see them again next season. It has been unfortunate that so many of our members, particularly in the A section, have been on the sick list. To them we offer our sympathy, with the sincere wish that they will be fully restored to health. The Manawatu tournament was- held in perfect weather and we congratulate Mrs Mills, who won the B championship singles, and Mrs Leeson, winner of the C handicap singles. Our representative in the C section, Mrs Northey, was successful in winning the silver button and 'to her We offer our congratulations. The Wilson Cup was won by Mrs Radford and the Spinley Mallet by Mrs Turner. The Brighton Mallets are hel d''by Mesdames Christmas and Houghton and the Bennett Buttons by Mesdames Murphy and Turner. A mixed doubles competition was held for a prize kindly donated by Mr Mills. In the A section Mrs Radford was fif-st and Mrs Mills second. In the 11 section Mrs Leeson was first and Mrs Northey second. Several gala days were much enjoyed by members, half-hour croquet being played. We wish to thank Mrs Robertson for seeing to the catering and Airs Corbridge and Mrs Currin for running the games.” TENNIS ACTIVITIES.

“Although the weather for the past season was good there were poor attendances at the courts, owing to the members being able to visit beaches, etc. The condition of the courts was poor, but as they are being returfed should be in first-class order next year,” states the tennis section’s report, presented by Mr J. Mullins. “Although neither of the teams won

their grades in the competitions they both performed very creditably. In the club championships Aliss Watcnorn wan the Worrall Cup, while Miss Bennett won the trophy donated bv Messrs C-ollinson and Son, Ltd., for the run-ner-up: The Ladies’- Handicap Cup was won by Aliss L. Oliver. The men’s championship was won by Mr J. Mullins and Air S. I. McKenzie won a trophy also donated by Messrs Collinson and Son for the runner-up. The Mems Handicap Cup was not finished, Turner and Air AlcKenzie to play offi The club owes its thunks to Messrs Collinson and Son for trophies. Jhe committee has reason to believe that there will be a much more successful season this year.” y