LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 872, 22 November 1906, Page 13

LAWN TENNIS.

The official opening of the Ellerslie Tennis Club took place on Saturday afternoon last, November 17. A large gathering of the members and their friends were present. The local ladies and gentlemen were well represented, also the Ellerslie Cricket Club. Representatives from nearly all the leading tennis clubs of Auckland were in attendance. Mr. C. McKinney, president of the club, opened the proceedings of the afternoon in a neat speech. After a few well-chosen words of welcome to those present he dwelt on the prospects of the club and its prosperity since the inauguration some eighteen months ago. He referred also to the benefits to be derived from pure and healthy sports. At the conclusion of the address the president cast the first ball over the net, which was received by Mrs. Woolier, and he then declared the courts open for play, after which some exciting games were played, creating deep interest and applause from the onlookers. The courts, which are laid down in sand, were in splendid condition, playing very true and accurate. Mrs. McKinney, wife of the president, gave an afternoon tea to the players and visitors, numbering about 100 persons. The ladies of the committee ably assisted Mrs. McKinney in dispensing the refreshments. The function was a great success, everyone appearing to have had a most enjoyable afternoon. * * * * Owing to the wet weather experienced last week, not a great deal of play was indulged in, but a few games took place. , * * * * The Eden and Epsom courts are looking very well this season, and as the membership is as large as ever, it seems fairly certain the club will once more come out champions. « * * • The Auckland Club’s three lawns appear in better order than has been the case for some time, but it does not appear that any new first-grade players have joined.