TENNIS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XXI, 13 November 1897, Page 654

TENNIS.

The members of the Hawke's Bay Lawn Tennis Club are at present practising nearly every day, as the tournament, ladies, and men's handicap doubles, prizes for which will be given by the president (Mr A. J. Cotterill), is to begin some time next week. Afternoon tea was given last Saturday by Mrs Carlile, when there were a great many present, among the number being Mesdames Hartley, Logan. Morris, the Misses Begg, Sutton. Cotterill. Donneliy, Wood, \vaii, Nairn, and Messrs Barron, Watkiss, Macfarlane. Brabazon, Dakin. Burke, ete. On Tuesday, the 9th of November. a match which should prove to be a most interesting one will be • played between representatives of the Napier and Palmerston Tennis Clubs on the Napier courts. Last Saturday, the Wairau Tennis Courts were opened for the season and the. President (Mr McCallum) made a somewhat lengthy inaugural speech, which, however, as the wind was very high, was inaudible to many. There was ample compensation immediately after, however, in the delicious cakes, sweetmeats and tea provided by Mrs McCallum, and dispensed by a band of beautifuls maidens and their attendant swains. A large number of the Marlborough Tennis Club were present. who greatly enjoyed the afternoon. as shelter from the disagreeable wind was afforded by treesonthe windward side of the courts. Fortuntely for those who had arranged to be present at both functions, the ground where the. opening of the cricket took place was not far distant. There Mrs Orr and a number of others provided afternoon tea for the players and their friends, which, according to all accounts was the most delicious ever brewed. The well-kept lawns (six) of the Eden and Epsom Lawn Tennis Club were opened for the season last Saturday. An extra court has lieen made since last year, and two eroquet lawns. This gives ample space for the Championship Tournament, which is to be played here at Christmas. The new secretary, Mr J. W. Hall, won much kudos by his great attention to visitors and players. Messrs Marshall and Brabant are the Tournament secretaries.