Gala Day

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7179, 28 March 1930, Page 11

Gala Day

MANAWATU CROQUET ASSOCIATION. PRESENTATION OF BANNER. The Northern croquet greens presented an animated scene yesterday when a gala day was held by the New Zealand Croquet Council in glorious weath'er. Vmitors wore present from Woodville, Feilding, Ashhurst and Kimbolton. Competition games were played during the afternoon, and afternoon tea was served on flower bedecked tables, by the tea committee and club helpers. The banner for intor-club matchos, presented by the Manawatu Croquet Association, went to the Oroua (Feilding) Club with 371 points. Runnersup, Terrace End, with 361 points. Silver buttons, donated by the New Zealand Croquet Council, were won as follow: —A section: Mrs. Healey (Woodville). B section: Mrs. Parkes (Ashhurst). C section: Mrs. Benfell (Manawatu). ~?** Mr. Phil. Larcomb, president of the Northern Tennis, Croquet and Bowling Club, was introduced to the gathering by the acting secretary, Mrs. W. R. Mayes. In presenting the prizes to the various winners, Mr. Larcomb said that croquet had altered considerably in the last few years. Sixty or 70 years ago women played in hooped and crinoline skirts, in a wild sort of way. Games of all kinds had become so popular in later years that competition was keen, and to-day instead of merely having women competing against each other, men who had worked the game down to a fine art, came from England every year to compete with Australia and Now Zealand’s crack players. There were between 4000 and 5000 croquet players iu the Dominion to-day, said Mr. Larcomb, and clubs all fostered a sporting spirit among their members. Everybody could not be a winner but the losers displayed. just as much enthusiasm as those who had gained the highest marks and the spirit of goodfellowship prevailed everywhere. Mr. Larcomb concluded by wishing the players a happy and prosperous time. Mrs. Spence, president of the Oroua Club, received the banner on behalf of her club.

The winners of the afternoon competitions were presented, with dainty trophies donated by the Northern Club. Winners were; —Golf: Mrs. Lyall (Takaro); Tings: Mrs. O&kley (Feilding); French: Mrs. Paterson (Northern); pegs: Mes Heine (Terrace End); Hurry, Scurry: Mesdames T. Simpson and Cook (Northern). The Corbridgo stars are being competed for to-day.