LAWNS & LINKS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XIX, 7 November 1896, Page 16

LAWNS & LINKS.

THE opening of the Eden and Epsom Lawn, Auckland, took place last Saturday. This is the premier Club of Auckland. The membership has increased greatly this season, and there is every prospect of the limit number being reached before the end of the season. The gentlemen members have worked very hard during the last month in painting the Stand, making a new entrance and gate with trellis work fence to the left on entrance, which gives the whole a very smart appearance Since last season a new tennis lawn has been added, making now five in number, besides a croquet lawn, which next season, I hear will be turned into a tennis lawn, and another croquet one will be levelled. The croquet lawn is not quite fit for play as yet, so Mrs Udy kindly allowed the enthusiasts the use of hers, which is just the other side of the railings. Tea and cakes, etc., wsre handed round to the visitors, which were much appreciated. Though a boisterous gale was blowing, it was not felt very much by the players, as the lawns are so capitally surrounded by trees, making snug corners for both players and spectators. Three ladies appeared on bicyles as guests for a short time, which created quite a diversion from tennis for the time being. Mr Paton, the energetic secretary, who really works like a Trojan, and the committee must be congratulated on the beautiful state of the lawns and surroundings.

The great event of this week in Auckland, especially among athletic people, is the match between the local cricketers and the Australian team, which has just returned from the Old Country with all their blushing honours thick upon them. The match will be played in the Domain on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, and it is anticipated that a very large concourse of people will be present on the occasion. We hope next week to be able to present our readers with some interesting pictures of the great match, and in the meantime they must be contented with the reproduction of the clever caricatures which appeared in the London Evening News.

We are now fairly launched into the summer recreations, and this season promises to be one of more than ordinary activity in outdoorsports. Saturday last was distinguished by three large inaugural gatherings in honour of the opening of the fine new bowling green at Remuera, and to celebrate the beginning of the season at the West End and Mount Eden and Epsom Tennis Grounds. On the West End Lawn the players and their friends mustered in strong force, and the Committee of the Club made extensive preparations for entertaining them. The afternoon tea, dispensed under the supervision of the ladies of the Club, was appreciated by visitors and players. A full string band and piano, under the conductorship of Mr Burke, discoursed a choice selection of music during the afternoon. The ground was in excellent order and some spirited games ensued.

The thunderstorm in Wellington last week prevented the Thorndon Tennis Courts from being opened on Saturday week, but its play was begun last Saturday. Although it was a beautifully fine afternoon, the ground was too soft. The bad weather did not prevent the Thorndon Bowling Green from being opened for the season, or the enthusiastic members from playing. The lawn looked beautifully smooth and green A large number of ladies were present, and delicious tea, cakes, and sweets were supplied by several ladies.

The wet weather lately put a stop to the opening of the Te Henui Tennis Club and of the New Plymouth Cricket Club, which were to have both taken place last week. The opening of the New Plymouth Tennis Club also, which was to have taken place last Saturday, has been postponed for a fortnight.

The Otago Lawn Tennis Courts were to be opened last Saturday.

On the occasion of the opening of the Blenheim Bowling Club Grounds invitations were extended to ladies, who showed their appreciation of the compliment by assembling in large numbers. Mr Horton (the Mayor) made an inaugural address in a felicitous and facetious manner, and in the course of his remarks made allusion to the historical game of bowls three hundred years ago, when Drake and other Elizabethan celebrities played their match in Plymouth Hoe to a finish in the sight of the Spanish fleet coming to conquer England. Seats were placed for the visitors on the top of the high grassy bank, which extends down one side and end of the green, and close under the high iron fence which surrounds it, and afforded a screen from both sun and wind. Afternoon tea and many varieties of dainty cakes

were provided by Mrs R. H. Smale and others, and the Misses N. and E. Bull assisted in the distribution of these. The position of the seats afforded an excellent view of the several games that were played, and a photographer took advantage of the chance to photograph the different groups. The President, Mr J. G. Trevor, has promised a trophy for competition for the ensuing season. The Marlborough Tennis Club opened their court last Saturday, and Mr Griffiths, the President, made an excellent speech, whilst the tea and cake pfovided by Mrs Griffiths were beyond praise. As the club had courteously invited the Wairau Tennis Club, the preparations were on no small scale, as the united clubs formed a large company.