BADMINTON

Southland Times, Issue 22914, 12 June 1936, Page 11

BADMINTON

VISIT OF WORLD’S CHAMPION.

Zealandia Hall has been the scene of much activity since Wednesday, for a team of carpenters and electricians has been preparing for the badminton exhibitions on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. Tiers of seating capable of accommodating 800 spectators and powerful lighting over the special court have been installed. The appearance of J. F. Devlin, the world’s foremost badminton player, is eagerly awaited. Invercargill is fortunate in that New Zealand’s foremost players will be here to engage in contest with the visitor. Jack Neale, national singles champion, Ron Hull, doubles champion, and Pat Wilson, former title-holder, are appearing on each programme and all are young, active, and enthusiastic players. In the northern centres the exhibitions have been the means of introducing this fast, exciting and scientific game to many who had not previously seen badminton played. On Monday evening on the special court Devlin will give a lecture on the game and illustrate it with personal demon ■ strations and blackboard diagrams. His lectures in the north have aroused great interest and their value has been very favourably commented oh. The Southland Badminton Association is hoping that the visit of the four champions will greatly improve the standard of the game and introduce it to many more Southland people. The box plan for the three demonstrations is open at Patrick’s Sports Depot.