TENNIS SEASON OPENED

Chronicle (Levin), 21 October 1947, Page 4

TENNIS SEASON OPENED

ST. JOSEPH'S FUNCTION i Although a strong wind was blowing, the weather was flne for the St. Joseph's Tennis Club opening on Saturday. In exiending a weleome to- the visitors, the club president, Mr. C. D. Melville, remarked on the large crowd assembled, and said he hoped i that all would enjoy a pleasant I afternoon. He went on to say that it was encouraging to see so many members, both old and new, supporting the club after sev.en years in recess. He hoped that it would not be long before the club enjoyed the same high standard of play as existed before the war. Mr. Melville thanked those members who had given so freely of their time and services in helping to prepare the courts. While everyone had "worked with a will" and :a very fine team spirit had been evident, Mr. Melville said that there were those who deserved special mention. He extended his thanks^ on behalf of the club, to Mr. W. 'Batten, Senr., for supervising the top-dressing of the courts, Mr. N. W. Ryder for donating brush for the manuka fence, Mr. G. Lomasfor supplying materials for marking the courts, Mr. E. M. Ryder for donating a new net and Mr. J. Hay- . field for supplying two net supports. These members, by their generous support, had saved the club considerable expense, he >added. Mr. Melville called upon ■the Rev. Father- Reader, of Otaki, to declare the season officially open. Father Reader then performed the ceremony of driving the first hall over the net. A visitor at the opening was Mr. Dan Smith, of the Hutt Valley, who is the present Wellington provincial tennis champion. Mr. Smith is an ex-pupil of the Levin Convent.