ARAMOHO CROQUET CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 247, 18 October 1937, Page 2

ARAMOHO CROQUET CLUB

OPENING OE NEW GROUNDS The official opening of the Aramoho Croquet Club's new grounds was performed by the Mayor (Mr. W. J. Rogers) on Saturday afternoon. Favoured with lovely weather there was a large number of members and visitors present, who were received by Mrs. Bevege, the president of the club. After welcoming all present, Mrs. Bevege said it was just six months ago since they had commenced on the new grounds which were then in a very rough state. Before taking up the new position they played on lawns which were part of the Aramoho School grounds and as the club grew they decided to acquire lawns of their own and obtained the section facing London Street. Mrs. Bevege mentioned that all the work had been done by voluntary labour, some doing more than their share. In six months the section had been transformed into a most promising looking croquet grounds, with full lawns surrounded with a protecting fence of closely packed manuka which later will make a line foundation for climbing shrubs, etc. The entrance is similarly arranged and with a pavilion well equipped with cupboards, the whole is a credit to the club. Mrs. Bevege extended thanks to all who had done so much, with a special word of thanks to Mr. Downey and Mr. Garner, who had had their coats off every day working hard in the interests of the club. Site explained that everything had been done without assistance.

Mr. Rogers, in declaring the lawns open, said the ladies had again demonstrated that they could manage their own organisation. All would agree with him the club had reached a stage of progress. He expressed admiration for tile civic sense of the community and said that the grounds showed evidence of the true spirit of co-operation and he congratulated them on their practical faith. The club was stepping off on what will prove a successful venture. Mr. Rogers wished them the best of luck, a happy and successful season and also conveyed the sincere congratulation of his fellow city councillors.

Mrs. Rogers then hit the first ball through the hoop. She was presented with a bouquet of lovely flowers by Mrs. Bevege. A delicious afternoon tea, in charge of Mrs. Trussell (convener) and helpers, was served. Apologies were received from Mrs. A. Crawford, president of the Croquet Association, Mesdames Remington, Hickman, Currin and Mr. Downey. Games and competitions were enjoyed and winners being as follows: Crazy hoops, Mr. Ogier; skittles, Mrs. Perry; basin, Mr. McClymont; ladder, Jack McChesney; golf croquet, Mr. Noble. Other competitions won were: Cake, Mrs. Ogier; picture, Mrs. Fromont; cushion, Mrs. Brider. Among the large number present were Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. McClymont, Mr. and Mrs. Jannings, Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Ogier, Mesdames N. Lynch, Uttley, P. S. Whitlock, Bassett-Smith, J. Pilkington, Gardner, G. P. Williamson, Haines, Noble, Brown (2), Brider, Chapman, A. Munro, Bamber, NichoL son, Rush, E. Taylor, Omrod, Perry, Woods, Stowers, Holmes, H. Lowe, Benson, Walker, J. E. Walker, Kendall, J. Brass, Gifford, Mclntyre, Hallam, Burrell, A. E. Halligan, J. D. Crowley, Gray, McChesney, Law, Grant, Gillet, Hedgeman, Hicks, Robertson, Stevenson, Burr, Firth, Fromont, Downey. Garfath, Beard, Burns, Gurr, Small, Ginn; Misses Whitlock, Hicks, Bevege, Adams, Hedgeman, McLeod; Messrs. Jarvie’ Shields.