DURIE HILL CROQUET CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 241, 11 October 1937, Page 2

DURIE HILL CROQUET CLUB

OPENING OF NEW GROUNDS MANY VISITORS PRESENT Although the weather was distinctly unfavourable on Saturday morning, dampening the hopes of the members of the Durie Hill Croquet Club, conditions improved enough to attract a very large gathering to the official opening of the new lawns. A southerly wind compelled the wearing of furs and warm coats, but the sun was kind enough to shed a blessing just once before the opening speeches ended. The greens and newly-erected pavilion presented a pleasing picture, and, judging by the obvious keenness of the members, the coming season promises to be a very successful one. The club members were untiring in their efforts to make the occasion the pleasurable event it was. On arrival the guests, including representatives of other clubs, and a party from Marton, were welcomed by Mrs Jannings, vice-president, who is fulfilling the duties of the president, Miss Hamilton, during her absence in England.

The grounds were opened by Mr J. D. Crowley, who deputised for the Mayor. Other speakers were Mrs W. J. Polson, Mrs Alec Crawford (president of the Wanganui Croquet Association), Mr Harrison (secretary of the Croquet Association) and Mr Ogier. After the speeches, Mrs J. D. Crowley hit off the first ball. Mrs Jannings then presented posies to Mrs Crowley and Mrs Crawford. Competitions held during the afternoon were much enjoyed by all Those in charge of the games and competitions were Mr La Roche (novelty), Mr Ogier (skittles), Mrs Morgan (golf croquet), Mr Dixon (hitting the peg). The ladies of the club had prepared a bountiful tea with a variety of savouries, sandwiches and delicious cakes, and with the ever-welcome cup of hot tea were greatly appreciated by those present. In charge of the tea were M'esdames La Roche, Bourgeois, Barstow and Dixon, who had made excellent arrangements in the pavilion for the quick serving of tea to the visitors, and were assisted by a bevy of helpers, all lending their cheerful help and willing hands to make the occasion a memorable one.

The winners of the competitions were as follows: Golf croquet, Mrs Haligan and Mr Harrison tied, Mrs Halligan then winning; French croquet, Mesdames Brown and True tied, the latter winning; skittles, Mr Alabaster; hitting pegs, Mrs True. The Christmas cake competition was won by Mrs J. Brass; Mr L. Follett’s competition, Mrs Connell; box of chocolate competition, Mrs Uttley.

Visitors from Marton who came up for the opening, including Mr and Mrs Williams, Mr and Mrs True, Mr and Mrs Wysocki, Miss Quittenden, Mr and Mrs Shields, Mesdames McIndoe, Hempieman and Barton. Among those present were Mr and Mrs Jannings, Mr and Mrs Walker, Mr and Mrs Fieldes, Mr and Mrs Bevege, Mr and Mrs Wansbrough, Mr and Mrs D. G. Strachan, Mr and Mrs Petrie, Mr and Mrs A. E. Halligan, Mr and Mrs W. J. Stone, Mr and Mrs Hansel, Mr and Mrs V. Cooke, Mr and Mrs J. Miller, Mr and Mrs Welsh, Mrs and Miss Hirams, Mr and Mrs Alabaster, Mr and Mrs Dixon, Mr and Mrs Bourgeois, Mr and Mrs Ogier, Mr and Mrs McClymont, Mr and Mrs La Roche, Mr and Mrs Lyth, Mr and Mrs Hughes; Mesdames N. Lynch, Uttley, A. Munro, Follett, H. Watkins (New Plymouth), Currin, J. Butcher, G. P. Williamson, A. Taylor, J. H. Newsome, S. Robinson, T. M. Bamber, Chapman, Haines, Brider, Byers, Barclay, French, Hanks, J. Brass, H. Price, Wood, Remington, Goodyer, Perry, E. Taylor, E. Walpole, Ross, Ralph, Firth, Bassett-Smith, Redpath, Orchard, Drake, Andrews, Flintoff, Brown, Bradshaw, Lind, Browne, BramwelJ, Clark, Holroyd, G. S. Simpson, Cotterill, Downey, Riley, Trownson, Steivers; Misses Hudson-Davis, Taylor, Jannings, Walker, Speagell, La Roche, Wight (2); Messrs F. Harrison, Powle, Dixon, Shield, E. Murch, Dixon.