TENNIS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17774, 10 October 1927, Page 5

TENNIS.

SEVERAL CLUBS OPEN EOR SEASON. l.'lie tennis season in Timaru opened in earnest on Saturday, when lour clubs had their official opening day. Brilliant sunshine reigned in the morning, but towards afternoon, the sky clouded ad remained so for the afternoon. There was an absence of cold, however, and at every club there was a large muster. In practically all the clubs this season, many new names are on the membership list. Many learners have joined up, and in each club provision has been made for tuition. Timaru. St. John’s, V.M.C.A. and Highfield had their openings on Saturday, and at each club there was a large attendance of members and visitors. TIMARU. One of the largest musters ever present on an opening day was witnessed at. the Timaru courts. Air G. hi. R. Ulrich (president of the club), in declaring the courts open, congratulated members on the enthusiasm shown last year, and hoped that this would be maintained for the coming season. tie said the appearance of the courts and their surroundings was a credit- to the club. .Many interesting games were played during the afternoon, and enjoyable afternoon tea was provided. Included in the visitors was Air J. Seay (United Club. Christchurch), who ranks amongst the finest players in the Dominion. Y.M.C.A. The president (Mr M. Oram) officially opened the season at V.M.C.A. courts, and in so doing congratulated members on winning the B. and C. grade championships last season. He hoped that members would still be as enthusiastic as ever, and that the com mg season woul j be one of the- most successful ill the history of the club. Air A. L. Gee (deputy-Mayor) also spoke, congratulating the club on the success last year. Me said that although lie was not a tennis player, he took an interest in the game, and was very pleased that he had been elected a vice-president ot the club. He hoped the courts this year would be well patronised. 'the ladies provided a delightful after- j noun tea. i

ST. JOHN’S. All courts were kept going throughout the afternoon at St. John’s, where tlierc was an exceptionally large gathering of tennis enthusiasts and spectators. The courts which have recently been top-dressed are looking very well, and are not nearly so soft as was tho ease last year. . , Rev. Rather Peoples officially opened the courts, and in so doing, said lie hoped members would spend many ait enjoyable hour there. tenuis ranked as one ot the most populat games, and without doubt was one of tho most enjovable. Mr W. Alinohan (president of the club), also spoke, expressing the hope that members would take the game seriously and play it in the best of spirit. Visitors and members were treated to enjoyable afternoon tea by the lady members of the club. HTGHFIELD. Set amidst pleasant surroundings, the High field tennis courts presented an animated sight on Saturday afternoon, when fine weather favoured the official opening ceremony for the season. There vas a good muster of 'members and friends, and all present entered thoroughly into the enjoyment of the pr'-r'erdings. Air W. S. Long, president, congratulated members on the improvements effected at the courts. The membership was now strong, and tho club was entering its fourth year with the purpose! of making it- even more successful than last year. Air G. T. Dawson said it gave him

great pleasure to be present. lli-e spirit prevailing among members augured well for the club s success, which be hoped would continue. The Rev. A. Begg, m performing the opening ceremony, thanked the club tor its invitation to bo present, and wished the club every success during the season and then declared the courts open for 1 Afternoon tea, supplied by lady supporters of the club, was then handed round, after which friendly games were played.