WANGANUI CROQUET CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 2

WANGANUI CROQUET CLUB

PROMISING BEGINNING Although the weather was cold, it was fine for the opening of the Wanganui Croquet Club, which took place yesterday, when the lawns presented an animated scene. A large number of members and representatives from other clubs had gathered for the occasion. The greens looked in fine condition and the gardens gave promise of beauty to come. In the attractive pavilion, afternoon tea was invitingly set out, the decoration being of ranunculus, Iceland poppies and spring flowers. The Mayoress (Mrs W. J. Rogers) drove the first ball through the hoops and made a charming little speech for the opening ceremony. She said it gave her great pleasure to be with them for the opening of the seventeenth season. Someone has said

"Every age has its pleasures,” and certainly croquet plays a large part in the pleasures of this age. Mrs Rogers said she was reminded that the first court in Wanganui was opened in 1920, and the Wanganui Club were the pioneers. She referred to the statement made by the association president that there were now 21 lullsized courts, apart from the private courts, in Wanganui. This, she considered, was exceedingly gratifying, and made on® realise how popular the game of croquet had become. It called for much congratulation. Mrs Rogers wished the club a very happy and successful season and said she trusted that the weather would be kinder this summer. She had great pleasure in declaring the season ollicially open. A bouquet of beautiful Iceland poppies was handed to Mrs Rogers, Mrs N. Lynch (president), being given a similar bouquet. Mrs Lynch, in thanking the Mayoress for her presence, welcomed the visitors and members, and said it was a pleasure to meet together again for the opening. The members had been looking forward to the starting of the season to get ready for the Dominion tournament, Last year was so unfavourable for play and all hoped the coming season would be a better one for the players. On behalf of the committee Mrs Lynch voiced thanks to Mr Cox for looking after the lawns; also the greens committee and club committee for their co-operation. She also thanked the club reporters for the line article they had prepared for publication. The hope was expressed that the season would be a great success.

Apologies were received from Mesdames J. McFarlane, Johnstone, Lockett, Carrig, Miss Burgess and Mi F. Harrison. An enjoyable afternoon tea was then served, those in charge being Mesdames G. A. McDougal, Ballingall, H. Rowling and McClymont. A “bring-and-buy” stall, which attracted many purchasers, was managed by Mesdames J. Blennerhassett, Delves and Falconer. Several competions were enjoyed, although the wind was so “unfriendly.” The winners were: Skittles, Mrs H. Price; ringing-the-bell, Mrs Fisher; golf croquet, Mrs Stone; ladder, Mrs Harle; pegging-' out, Mrs Bradshaw; hoops, Mr Jarvie. The competition for the crystal vase was won by Mrs Tycrman.

Among the large number present were: Rev. and Mrs W. Lambert, Mesdames A. Crawford, G. A. McDougal, Blennerhassett, Jannings, Bassett-Smith, Amies, J. Blyth, G. S. Simpson, Dearnley, Langton, J. Brass, Bourgeois, Wansbrough, H. Price, W. J. Stone, Beard, Bamber, J. Butcher, Jarvis, Ginn, Uttley, T. H. Rice, Vincent, Wallace, Orchard, Harle, Firth, H. Holroyd, Delves, Falconer, Ballingall, H. Rowling, Doidge, Remington, Bradshaw, E. Walpole, Ross, A. Walpole, Burns, Currin, I. E. Newton, Seddon, Hunger, Capp, Nelson, Burling, Easton, M. Paul, J. D. Crowley, A. E. Halligan, W. Bassett, Clouston, Triggs, Wilkinson, F. Webb-Jones, Hutchinson, Bevege, Warren, Hansel, Cooke, Taylor, Summerell, F. Moffett, Lewis Bassett, Tyerman, N. Bancks, M. Stevenson, Fisher, C. C. Smith, Gilbert, O’Malley, Bull, Allen, Liggins, J. D. Hammond, Goldstone, D. Thompson (Marton), Wainwright, Goodger, Chapman, A. E. Stone, Finnic, F. McChesney, W. P. Hill, Rayner White, C. N. Johnson, Misses Mackintosh, Notman, Langton, Parkes, Hunger, McDougal, Hiornes (2), Bridge, Duirs, C. Keller (Paeroa); Messrs Jarvie, Shield, Finnie, Rhodes and McClymont.