TENNIS OPENS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20540, 5 October 1936, Page 3

TENNIS OPENS

PLAY OF LOCAL CLUBS Under ideal weather conditions, and with a complete absence of the strong westerly wind which was evident throughout the morning, the official opening of the tennis season in Temuka as far as three clubs were concerned, was held on Saturday. With no sun and a light breeze from the east, conditions were all that could be desired for the commencement of what promises to be a bright and prosperous season. In each of the three instances, attendances were larger than those of previous years, owing, perhaps, to the many visitors from kindred club>. Keen enthusiasm was shown by every player participating in the informal games that took place during the afternoon. Attention given to most of the tennis courts and croquet grounds by way of top-dressing during the winter months, has borne good results for ir most cases they have been turned out in splendid order. Temuka Club The Temuka Tennis and Croquet Club held its opening in the Domain where mixed doubles were played by the tennis members, while the croquet players held a series of competitions. Following afternoon tea, served and

provided by members of the club, under the supervision of Mrs W. H. McMillan, the president (Mr J. T. Smart) welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs A. W. Buzan* on behalf of the club. In declaring the season open, Mr Buzan thanked the club for its invitation to be present. According to the ladies, the croquet lawns were in first class order. When in Rangiora recently Mr Buzan said that he had seen an experiment being tried on a tennis court. If successful it might be advisable for the Temuka Club to experiment on their courts which were not in the best order. As a member of the Domain Board, he would do his utmost to bring about an improvement. To all visitors, he extended a welcome and hoped thtat everyone would enjoy himself during the afternoon. A tribute to the long association and great work of M'r W. Pearse, who had retired from the position of club captain, was paid by Mr G. Simpson, the new captain. Results of the croquet games were: Rings (Mrs Scrimshaw’s trophy), Miss H. Bremner; golf croquet (Mrs Smart’s trophy), Mrs Scrimshaw; clock (Miss Manson’s trophy). Mrs W. H. Kirk. Presbyterian Club Including several representatives of neighbouring clubs, the Temuka Presbyterian Tennis and Croquet Club enjoyed a most successful opening day. The tennis courts proved exceptionally fast and the lawns were in good order. Indicating that prospects for the season were bright, the president (Mr A. J. Davey) said that the club possessed a strong membership of keen, young players. He thanked players from kindred clubs for assembling in such large numbers to give the Presbyterian Club a sound beginning. On behalf of the visiting clubs. Mrs Pearce, Winchester, responded. Anglican Club Although St. Peter’s Anglican Tennis Club has lost four or five of its prominent members through removals from the district, several young and promising members have joined said the Rev. L. A. Barnes, the president, in officially opening the season. He eulogised the interest taken by members in the club’s welfare, and wished all concerned a happy and prosperous term. After having been recently topdressed, the courts were playing in good style, thus inducing competitors to do their best in all competitions and give the club sufficient stimulus to complete a beneficial and satisfactory season. Mrs Barnes hit the first ball over the net, and friendly matches followed.