CROQUET ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23511, 27 May 1938, Page 5

CROQUET ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING

MRS NELSON RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT

The annual meeting of the Otago Croquet Association was held yesterday afternoon. Mrs G Nelson presided. and there were present delegates from the Alexandra, Balclutha, Clyde. Caversham, Leith, Logan Park. Montecillo, Opoho. Punga, St. Clair, Taieri, Tainui and Watea Clubs. An apology was received from the Dalmore Club. ANNUAL REPORT

The annual report stated, inter alia:—

In contrast to the previous season, which was wet and unseasonable, the 1937-38 season was an exceptionally good one, hot summer weather prevailing throughout the six months of play. The interclub matches and all association events were got off according to time table, with only one postponement.

Owing to the South Island championships being played in Dunedin, three senior events from the usual local '•ney were played in conjunction with the South Island tourney in January. This left only two senior events for the February tourney, and the New Zealand Council granted permission to add a Handicap Singles to the A Grade events, The Otago Championship was won by Mr R. W McCreath, with Mrs McLeod, of Gore, runner-up. The Level Singles (McDonald Trophy) went again to a Logan Pafk player, this time the winner being Mrs Rankin, Mrs F. Murray, of Gore, being runner-up. The B Grade Championship which carried with it the Briggs Cup. was won by Mrs F Murray, of Gore, with Mrs Jelley (Cromwell) runner-up.

The association lawns have been in very good order throughout the season, and were favourably commented on by visiting players during the tournaments. Special attention has been given to the top-dressing etc., and this should put the lawns into firstclass condition for next season. The very dry summer experienced this year made the committee keenly aware of the necessity of having the water laid on to the lawns for spraying, etc. This was done at a cost of £4 15s, and this money is considered wejl spent. A small alteration, which has added to the convenience of the pavilion, was effected pust before the tournament in January, namely, the removal of the hand basin from the main room to the cloak room. Early in the season the association had the pleasure of a visit from Mr McCreath, president of the council, and Mrs McCreath, at the conclusion of a Dominion tour. Mr McCreath gave a most instructive address on the game. As a result of the financial success of the gala day, together with the special levy, the association was enabled to pay off the remainder of the debt on the pavilion. The grant from the Mammoth art union will enable special work to be done on the lawns from time to time. PRESIDENT’S REMARKS Moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, Mrs Nelson said these disclosed a very satisfactory state of affairs.. The season just concluded had been a busy one. Three grades of interclub play had been successfully carried through, as well as two tournaments, and there had. also been several social entertainments. The only regret in regard to the intercluta matches was that there had not been time for a second round in the A Grade. The lawns were greatly improved, thanks to the supervision of Mr J. Nichol and the greenkeeper, and it was hoped that now that water had been laid on the improvement would be maintained. In her consideration of the balance sheet, Mrs" Nelson said that the balance of the loan on the pavilion, £55, had been paid off. Useful alterations had been made to the pavilion, water laid on for the lawns, and a new set of balls purchased—altogether a heavy expenditure—and the season had ended with a credit of £24. In conclusion, Mrs Nelson said that the healthy position of the association was due to the excellent work of the executive and the hearty co-operation of all the clubs. Seconding the motion, M|, Nichol said the report and balance sheet were most comprehensive, the executive had given delegates a clear statement of their activities during the year, and had every reason to be pleased with the position disclosed. REFEREE RESIGNS The president, referring to the resignation from office of Mrs W. Cole, owing to her removal from Dunedin, said Mrs Cole had made an excellent referee, and during the past year had given several very helpful lectures and demonstrations which had been appreciated by players of all grades ELECTION OF OFFICERS On the motion of Mrs McDonald, Mrs G. A. Nelson was re-elected president for the ensuing year. Mrs Nelson had piloted the association through a strenuous year, said Mrs McDonald, and had been indefatigable in her efforts to put the association on a sound financial basis. These remarks were endorsed by all delegates present. The election resulted as follows; President, Mrs G. A. Nelson; secretary and treasurer, Mrs J, McDonald: vice-presidents—Mrs W. E. Gibson, Mesdames Millin and McGregor; referee and handicapper. Mr J. Nichol; association reporter. Miss Pilkington; tournament manager, Mrs J. McDonald; auditor, Mr L. Nisbet; Lawns Committee, Mr J Nichol and Mrs McDonald; Match Committee—Mrs Millin, Mrs McClatchy, and Mrs McGregor: Social Committee —Mesdames Gibson. Archer, McNish, Reid, . Munro. Halstead. Newall. McGregor, and Wilson

NOTICE OF MOTION The motion proposed by the Leith Club—“ That the interclub matches consist of Doubles only”—was lost by a large majority.