WHEN HENRY VII PLAYED TENNIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1921, Page 3

WHEN HENRY VII PLAYED TENNIS.

LONDON, Nov 17. Workmen re-roofing Westminster Hall recently found two round objects in the dust and cobwebs in the old oak rafters 90ft. above the ground. When the dust and grime had been removed these objects proved to be ancient tennis balls. An antiquarian says that, judging from their size and structure, the balls date back to the reign of Henry VIII (1509 to 1547), who was an ardent supporter of tennis, or tennice as it was then called. Both balls are covered with leather, which has burst in several places, and faint traces of white may be seen on the surface. Remarkably preserved, the bodies of the balls are composed of humar hair. It is well known that the earlier tennis balls were stuffed with human hair. The large ball is 2 inches in diameter and the smaller 1] inches, jr- Henry VIII is generally credited with y tho building of the tennis court at Hampton Court, but it has been hitherto unknown that there was a tennis court in Westminster Hall. Tennis has developed through the centuries from the ball-games of the Greeks and Romans.

DOGS’ DEATHS,

LONDON, Nov 17. - A mysterious malady that is destroying many idogs in the Orpington and Gray districts of Kent is believed to j bo due to rat week. Many valuably j farm dogs are among those that have i died. When affected tho animals stagger and fall and then become subject to paralysis of tho back, death following in fro 10 days to a fortnight. A veterinary surgeon in the district told a Daily Mail reporter last night that the deaths might be duo to barium carbonate, which has been spread to poison rats and mice.