FUNCTION AT HIKUTAIA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4526, 12 February 1923, Page 2

FUNCTION AT HIKUTAIA.

CLUB’S OFFICIAL OPENING. A REMARKABLE OCCASION. Tlie official opening of the Hikutaia Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club’s new grounds took place on* Saturday atfernoon under perfect weather epnditicns, and in the presence of between 400 and 500 people, including a great, many ladies. In addition to croquet and tennis players- there was an exceptional number, of bowlers present, including teams from Paeroa, Wai hi, Te Aroha, Thames, and Coromandel clubs. Many of the players had taken paTt in official openings in all parts of New Zealand, and some of these declared that they had never before seen such a gathering at any similar function, whether in the country or cities. As a matter of fact, it is doubtful if any club in the Dominion had attracted such a representative gathering on the official opening of its grounds. Those in Hikutaia interested in outdoor recreation had risen to the occasion and left nothing to chance or luck, save, perhaps, the weather —'which was ideal—and nothing could have been done that would have added to the pleasure of those who were fortunate enough to attend. It 'was an occasion that will not soon be forgotten, either by the residents of Hikutaia or those who came from outside districts. PRESIDENT'S WELCOME. Shortly after 2 o’clock the president (Mr W. Alley) performed the official opening ceremony. In the course of a brief address, Mr Alley expressed his pleasure at seeing so majiy present, and said it was very essential that a district should have a good sports ground. He felt that they were fortunate at having so many present at the opening, and hoped that outside players would frequently come along and give them a few lessons. Visitors would always find a he, arty welcome. Sports were, he thought, one of the best things to make for sociability, and he believed that sucn gatherings these must inevitably result in promoting a greater spirit of friendship between the various towns and districts. They (the Hikutaia players) had to -thank Paeroa and Thames for the hospitality extended to them on previous occasions, and wished these clubs to know how the.-’ appreciated the encouragement received. Mr Alley then read a telegram from the Auckland Club in which that body wished tlie Hikutaia Club “many happy returns,” and expressed regret that it was unable to have a representative team present. He ajso read apologies from Messrs Poland and Rhodes, M’s.P., whose parliamentary duties prevented them from being present. , PLAY STARTS'.

Bowling,. tennis, and croquet then commenced, Mrs Alley throwing the first jack, while Mesdames Smith and Avery opened up play on the tenn : s courts and croquet lawns, respectively. Immediately the rinks presented a singularly attractive spectacle, uo fewer than 80 players taking part in the ten heads which the ground con\fortably accommodates. For a new ground the green was remarkably level, though a trifle on the slow -side, and some exceptionally keen and accurate howling was witnessed. Tne croquet la.wiis’ and tennis, courts were in equally good condition, and here, too, the play was greatly enjoyed. AH present, in fact, seemed unconsciously to have entered into the spirit of the occasion. HOSPITALITY. As with all the other arrangements, the executive committee had left nothing to chance in connection with the hospitality to be extended to visitors. Thus,, though the crowd was far "greater than anticipated, everyone had a feeling that they were really very welcome. The hostesses, Mesdames' A. W. Alley, J. Elliot, and I. M. Murdock, showed that they realised their responsibilities, and with an army of willing assistants successfully catered for all. Though afternoon tea was set out. in a marquee in the customary way, and ladies' were able to have their refreshments therj while enjoying the excellent music provided by Mr Williams’ orchestra, the hostesses were not content with that, but sent, refreshments to every corner of the ground so that not a man, woman, or child was left out. All present were catered for as though they were all one big familyin point of fact, the hospitality extended to visitors on this .occasion could profitably be copied by hundreds of other clubs in the Dominion whose efforts in this direction are not infrequently of a stereotyped form, and therefore lack the practical demonstration o,f sincerity shown by th* residents of Hikutaia. ENTHUSIASTIC WORK. Some idea of the enthusiasm displayed by members of the club may be gained from the fact that over 1000 yards of spoil was voluntarily excavated by them in the making of the bowling green, while the pavilion was erected and painted in a similar way. In donating the grounds Mr W. Alley laid the foundation of the club, and no doubt his generous example encouraged the players to put forth unusual efforts to show their appreciation. As the outcome of united effort Hikutaia possesses a sport'? ground that promises to become second to none in this part of the Dominion. A club so successful}/ launched can hardly fail to progress.