ST. STEPHENS TENNIS CLUB.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 20, 11 October 1928, Page 7

ST. STEPHENS TENNIS CLUB.

Some four years ago the members of the Bible Classes at St. Stephens Presbyterian Church, Lower Hutt, decided that they would like to have tennis courts of their own. This desire has now been accomplished, and on Saturday last, 29th September, two courts were opened amid general rejoicing on the part of members and friends present. The courts are very pleasantly situated in a corner of the estate re-

cently sub-divided in Woburn Road. They have an entrance.of 25 feet wide in Glen Iris Avenue, which will be properly laid out and as it is ultimately hoped to add a third court and croquet lawn, the, whole scheme when completed, will provide an exceedingly pretty set of courts and lawns. ,

At the opening ceremony the dedicatory prayer was offered, by Key. J. -iS. Lopdell, and the. President, Mr. Frank Feist, outlined "the history of the Club. Initiated by Mrs. H. W. Kersley, the club for three seasons had the use of a court of the Hutt Central School, having in view all the time the need for a permanent home now happily secured. In December last the possibility of securing the present ground was turned to account by the use of funds accumulated by the Senior Girls' Bible Class. Further funds were raised by debentures and thus two fine bitumen courts have been laid down.

The secretary then thanked the debenture holders for their support and acknowledged the debt of the club to Mr. H. Sladden who supervised the work and to Mr John Frethey who also rendered able assistance.

The President then moved, and Mr. E. P. Lambert seconded a resolution that Mrs. Kersley be elected the first honorary life member of the club. This resolution was carried by general ac-

clmation,

After presentations had been made to Mrs. Feist and Mrs Wall, the President accompanied by Mrs. Kersley, formally opened the courts by cutting the red and grey ribbons, and the .first games were played by representatives from visiting clubs against members of St. Stephens.

Afternoon tea was served to a very happy company and it was not until darkness descended that the last of the enthusiastic members departed.