MUNICIPAL TENNIS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8897, 23 November 1914, Page 6

MUNICIPAL TENNIS

AN IMPORTANT MOVE OPENING OF NEW COURTS AT DAY’S BAY. Unpropitious weather conditions prevailed for the official Opening of the municipal lawn tennis courts at Day’s Bay on Saturday afternoon. At the invitation of the Wellington Provincial Lawn Tennis Association, a fair number of enthusiasts travelled over and a pleasant afternoon was spent, the rain holding off sufficiently long for some games to be played. Some importance was .attached to the occasion in that the courts were the first municipally-owned ones to be opened in New Zealand. This fact was emphasised by the Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke), who, in declaring the courts open for play,' stated that the buying of Day’s Bay by the council would mean not only the pleasure of the residents upon that side of the harbour, but also a draw to those whose business kept them within the confines of the city. He complimented those ladies and gentlemen who had canvassed for funds for the purchase of the Bay, and referred to the generosity of Mrs Williams, who had come to their aid with a considerable sum of money. He also thanked the Government for its share in the purchase of the grounds. Its help had been of grea/t assistance to the council. The Mayor then declared the courts open, and engaged in a contest with Councillor Frost. -. The president of the association (Mr H. M. Gore) then called for cheers for Mr and Mrs Luke. The latter was unavoidably detained in town through business connected with the Belgian fuM. . After a few showers earlier m the day, the greens looked remarkably well. There are four courts of three greens each, thus allowing of 48 persons playing at the same time. Tennis players present gave it as their opinion that the courts were very fast, and should prove a real boon to local tennis players, who are badly’ in want of more courts. _

The first game played after the official opening was a men’s doubles between the Hon. Air Herdman and Councillor Buddie and Mr W. Organ (Mayor of Eastbourne) and Mr Birkett. The game was interesting. Mr Herdman and his partner proved too good for the other pair, and won 6—l.

During the afternoon those present were entertained at afternoon tea by the City Council.