BOWLING AND CROQUET CLUBS.

Waipa Post, Volume IV, Issue 151, 4 October 1912, Page 2

BOWLING AND CROQUET CLUBS.

OPENING DAY.

It is not often that human beings are gratified by getting exactly what they want, but so far as the weather was concerned Wednesday last may be taken as an exception to the rule. With the truly fearful experiences of continued wind and rain that we have had to ptit up with during

the last month, and the lowering aspect of the sky on Tuesday, it seemed as if the temerity of the clubs in choosing such an early opening clay would be rewarded with another objectionable specimen of Mr Bates' "assorted climates," but the unexpected happened, and the weather for the opening of the 1912-13 season of the Bowling and Croquet Clubs will be long remembered as having been what may be truly classified as "ideal." Needless to relate that under the circumstances advantage was taken on all sides of the kind invitations issued by the clubs, and a gathering quite eclipsing all previous records, including as it did visitors from all .parts or the Waikato, was to be seen on the greens in the course of the afternoon. Mr A. Wallace, the popular president of the Bowling Club, in a short speech, expressed his pleasure at being called on to perform the opening ceremony. He was particularly gratified to see so many present, and felt that the large and increasing membership of the club served to show that bowling was about to occupy as a game in Te Awamutu the leading position it undoubtedly deserves. Mr Wallace apologised for the scanty accommodation offered by the present pavilion, but stated that this was a matter which the club intended to rectify at once, and he hoped to see extensive alterations carried out at an early date. Mrs Wallace then threw the first jack and the green was declared open for play. On behalf of the Croquet Club, Mr von Sturmer, after apologising for the absence of Mr W. Taylor, who had been asked to open the croquet lawns, but was unavoidably detained in Auckland, stated that the croquet club, though a young one, was making good progress, thanks to the very great assistance it had received from the Bowling Club members, particularly in the person of Mr White, to whom the present splendid condition of the lawns was in a great measure due. The president (Mrs von Sturmer) then played the first stroke, and the lawns were declared open for use. Play continued until dark on both the bowling green and croquet lawns, no less than six full rinks being occupied on the former. Tea was served by the ladies throughout the afternoon, and the utmost credit is due to those responsible for the successful carrying out of this most essential part of the entertainment. Altogether a most enjoyable afternoon was spent, and the 2nd of October will live in the minds of those present as quite one of the best "opening" days ever held in Te Awamutu.