TNENIS TOPICS

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 17, 23 April 1892, Page 421

TNENIS TOPICS

Mrs C. B. Shanks, of Christchurch, had a number of friends for tennis on Saturday. Among the players were Mr and Mrs Ansley, Miss Campbell, Mi-s Webb, Miss ShureyiAshburton),Messrs Styche,Chapman, Bell, Mitchell, and several others. The lawn was in good order after the rain, but the grass very soft. After Easter tennis, on the grass courts will have to be abandoned.

The Canterbury Lawn Tennis Club opened for the winter season at the Cranmer Square Courts last Saturday afternoon. The day was a real autumn one, bright and sunny The ladies came out once more in their pretty summit costumes, and the men for the most part being clad in tennis flannels. It was difficult to think people were there to open for the winter. Tnere were fully two hundred members and their friends present. The President, Dr. Nedwill, was warmly welcomed. The many visitors greatly appreciated the tea and cake so kindly provided by Mrs Nedwiil and her daughters. The courts have been much improved in the holiday season, all the fittings having been done up and repainted, newly-lail tan displacing the turf borders of some of the courts. This will be a decided advantage during the wet weather. Some very good play was shown in a single between Mr R. D. Harman and Mr E. J. R >ss, the former winning two sets, 6 1x62. In a double Messrs R D Harman aud Ridings won three sets against Messrs Ross and T. D. Harman, 6-3, 75,6 4. Numerous other combined games were played.

It is hoped this year some of the ladies will enter for the Status Tournament, a form of competition comparatively new to tennis, and only introduced in Cnristchurch last season. It proved very popular, however, and, it is thought, much improved the standard of play in the Club.

Me J. M. Marshall’s friends greatly regretted his absence on the opening afternoon, as it is always a pleasure to see him with a well-matched opponent. Among the many present were Mr and Mrs Bruges, Mr and Mrs Harrison, the Misses Moorhouse, Rhodes, Delatuain, Kinsey, Potts, Harman, Gordon, Helmore, and others. Some good photos were taken by Messrs Standish and Preece, one of the gentlemen players, and another mixed group where one's friends are distinctly recognisable.

The tennis tournaments at New Plymouth have now come to an end, and the last year's champions—Miss Emily Hamerton and Mr Morton Lightfoot—are still unbeaten. Truth to tell this redoubtable twain carried all before them, and did what they liked with each and every antagonist. Strangely enough, and rather unfortunately, they were drawn to play together in the doubles. Both, of course, won trophies. Miss Hamerton's being a pretty little gold bangle with gold chain, and Mr Lightfoot s an electro plated guitar with clock in the middle and a barometer up the handle.

Tennis on asphalt courts is to begin shortly in Chiist church.

In some parts of New Zealand the Female Franchise questions is being again brought to the fore. An English writer says : ‘ The much dreaded dominance of the fair sex, which haunts the minds of some old women in breeches, seems a long way off yet.' This may be so in Conservative England, but the colonies are nothing if not radical, and, in all probability, we shall have women on the electoral roll here long before they obtain a like privilege in the old country.

Customer: ‘Mr B»ggs, there seems to be a good deal of sand in the sugar this week.' Grocer : • I'm very sorry, Pm sure.' Customer: ‘And the butter is three quarters oleo.' Grocer: ‘Well, I must look into that' Customer: ‘But what surprises me the most is that the tea is pure, and weighs sixteen ounces to the ponnd. Gncer: •By gracious, Mr bnooks, I'll be more careful in future !’