ON THE LAWN

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 2, Issue 8, 1 February 1924, Page 40

ON THE LAWN

Mount Albert is entering a junior team in the interclub matches, and there are now thirteen teams in the B grade and twelve in the A grade. Given good weather, all matches should be finished by the 4th of March. Play is not being postponed for the Rotorua Tournament, as in the previous years. The Devon port Tennis-Croquet Club are having their lawns very much improved, and will be able to have one full-sized court. All interclub players will be rejoiced to hear of the improvement, as hitherto they were not up to the standard of other greens. The Auckland Club was officially opened on Wednesday, October 17th, a progressive being given by the president, Mrs. Stevenson. The weather was all that could be desired, and everything went with a swing and brightness that one naturally expects at the opening of the season. An elaborate tea was provided—a meal (I use the word advisedly) much appreciated and enjoyed. The prizes were won by Miss Lavers and Mrs. Bell, A grade; and Mrs. Stratford and Mrs. Hammond, B grade. A most enjoyable afternoon was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to Mrs. Stevenson. The Devonport Croquet Club was opened on the 22nd of October; Mrs. Broughton, president, welcomed the visitors. Progressive croquet was the order of the day, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent, the winners being Mrs. Blackburn and Mrs. Mason. Mrs. Harty was in charge of the afternoon tea, and was assisted by the committee. The lawns are, as usual, in very good order. The Carlton Croquet Club opened on Saturday, October 27th. The president, Mrs. Perry, welcomed the visitors, and there was a very large attendance, players from other clubs having been invited. Mrs. Perry was congratulated on her election to the Presidency of the Auckland Croquet Association. The lawns, as usual, are in excellent condition, and the ground committee is to be congratulated. Progressive croquet was indulged in, and a very enjoyable afternoon spent by those present. The prizewinners were Mesdames Harvey, Stonex and Hinton. The Canterbury Association’s date for its tenth annual tournament was Wednesday, December 26th, with Mr. H. J. Williams as referee and handieapper. The Dominion Championship will be held at Palmerston North, commencing January 17th. The North Island Championship will be held at Rotorua on January 28th and following days. The Auckland Croquet Association’s Tournament is fixed for March 11th. The rule and handicap books, which are being published by the N.Z.C.C., are nearing completion, and will be sent to the hon. secretary of the A.C.A. A small charge of one shilling will be made, which does not pay the Council. It is hoped all members of clubs will apply for one. The editor of the English “Croquet Gazette” says;— “Miss D. D. Steel has again won the champion cup in England. With Mrs. Beaton in third place, the competition ended triumphantly for the ladies. Whatever may be our feelings on the issue, let us give these three ladies unstinted congratulations on a success very richly deserved. Many of those present found themselves asking the same question. Why were the ladies victorious, and what was happening to the men? Much was heard about the superior delicacy of the feminine touch. It must not be forgotten, too, that these three top players were natural exponents of front play, as opposed to the Irish style. Here may be even more serious food for thought.”