LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21007, 19 October 1931, Page 10

LAWN TENNIS.

OPENING OF THE SEASON.

FUNCTIONS AT VARIOUS CLUBS. Further opening ceremonies were held by various city and suburban lawn tennis clubs on Saturday afternoon, the weather being good and tho courts in splendid order. Representatives of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association were in attendance at some of the functions. The large gatherings of players make certain of a successful season. GRAFTON CLUB. The Graftgn Lawn Tennis Club, whose courts are situated on the property of the Auckland Bowling Club, held its official opening on Saturday afternoon, there being a large number of members and visitors from other clubs. Mr. A. G. Graham, president of the Auckland Bowling Club, declared the 6eason open for play, Miss C. Stubbs, secretary of the tennis club, playing the first ball over the net. The courts were in splendid order, and the friendly games were much enjoyed. Mr. Graham entertained the members and their friends at afternoon tea. BIRKENHEAD AND NORTHCOTE. The Birkenhead and Northcote Tennis Club's courts were officially opened for the season on Saturday afternoon, the president. Mr. L. S. Maxwell, officiating. The first ball was played over the net by Miss M. Lockie. The Mayor of Northcote, Mr. K. Martin, who extended a welcome to the visitors, mentioned that the tennis ground was the joint property of the Birkenhead and Northcote Boroughs, the residents of which combined in most of their sports, and this was responsible for the development of good feeling between the two districts. BIRKDALE CLUB. The Birkdalo Tennis Club's courts in the John G. Kay Park were officially opened for the season on Saturday afternoon by the Mayor of Birkenhead, Mr. J. P. McPhail, the first ball being served over the net by the Mayoress, Mrs. McPhail. The Mayor commented upon the ideal situation of the grounds, on the highest level above the eea on the North Shore, and the glorious views that were presented on all sides. The club was congratulated on the provision of the .new commodious pavilion and accessories, and on having joined the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association, and entering the competitions under its auspices. r The president, Mr. W. Garrett, and Mr. R. R. Hayman. a member of the Birkenhead Parks Committee, also addressed the gathering. KITCHENER PARK CLUB. The official opening of the Kitchener Park Tennis Club was held at the courts in Milford on Saturday afternoon. Mr. J. Williamson, patron of the club, officiated. Ha spoke of the splendid co-operaticn of the members in the district in their work for the club, which had resulted in the erection of a pavilion last year. Other speakers were Algie, vice-president, Mr. Cr. C. Malcolm, president of the club, and Mr. Colegrove. Progressive doubles were played during the afternoon.

N GAT A RING A CLUB. There was a large gathering of members and friends at the opening of the Ngataringa Tennis Club's seaeon, held in ideal weather on Saturday. The courts were in excellent condition. Mr. C. M. Browne welcomed new members and wished the club success in the coming year. He said the club owed a debt of gratitude to the Devonport Borough Council for its practical assistance in the improvement of the courts. After Mrs. W. Darroch had hit the first ball the courts were declared open, and a pleasant afternoon's tennis was enjoyed. WHITIORA CLUB. [FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] HAMILTON, Sunday. There was a good attendant of members nt the official opening of the Whitiora Old Pupils' Tennis Club yesterday afternoon. In declaring the courts open. Mr. F. W. Hare, headmaster of the "Whitiora School and a vice-president of the club, said the organisation had come through a period of difficult times with remarkable success. M ATA MAT A Y. HINUERA. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] MATAMATA. Saturday. The Mafamnta tennis team beat. Hinuera to-day in the Keane Banner competition, for senior teams, under the auspices of the Waikato East Association. Matamata won 17 Bets and Hinuera 2 sets.