LAWN TENNIS CLUB.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4634, 5 December 1923, Page 2

LAWN TENNIS CLUB.

NEW PAEROA COURTSc OFFICIAL OPENING. Perfect summer weather favoured the Paeroa Lawn Tennis Ctub for its official opening of the three new grass courts on Saturday afternoon last. The new courts are situated across the traffic bridge on the Pae-roa-Te Aroha road. Long before 2 p.m. and members commenced to arrive, and by 3 pm. it was estimated that 200 people were present. including visitors from Turua, Kerepeehi, Te Arona, Morrinsville, Hikutaia, Thames, and Karangahako. The courts are situated amidst very pretty surroundings, and the flowerbeds and shrubs put in by the club, combined with the dainty dresses of the ladies and the white flannels of the men, made a perfect setting to a delightful picture. Seating accommodation was provided in the shade of the hawthorn hedge, where the gathering assembled to take part in the proceedings. A hearty welcome was extended to the visitors by the president of the club. Mr R. L. Miller, who said that that afternoon was one of the brightest features in the history of the Tennis Club, which had been aiming for years to provide additional accommodation for its members. In the past the club had looked to the Domain Board for help, but, unfortunately, owing to legal and financial difficulties, it had been unable to raice funds, so it became apparent that the club would have to strike out and help itself. It was in the fortunate position of having optimists among its members, and through them guarantors were forthcoming to assist the club. Through the efforts of members the club was now in possession of a splendid property, which was capable of improvement and worthy of beautifying. It was very gratifying to state that after basing assets on a most conservative batos there were substantial assets over liabilities. The president said that there were many whom- he would like .to thank publicly for the valuable services they had rendered in bringing the club’s venture to a successful stage, but time did’ not then permit, but he hoped that it would give satisfaction t,o know that those helpers •had been successful in dispelling thar old boigey that Paeroa people could not wake up and help themselves. He asked the club members to stand together and not allow the property to pass out of their hands. Special words of praise and thanks were due to Messrs H. and F. Thorp and R. EPenlington. The latter, who is secretary, had also been the dub’s engineer and organiser in the whole scheme. The erection of the pavilion had been due ,to Mr F. Thorp, who war, responsible for the carrying out of the work, which had beep . mysteriously done at a cost £5O below the architect’ts. estimate. In conclusion he expressed the pleasure the club felt in successfully bringing its scheme to fruition, 'arid he was honoured to- invite the Mayor to’open the courts for play.

The patron of the club, His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall), then addressed the gathering and thanked the club for the honour, done him in inviting him to perform the important ceremony of officially opening the courts. He endorsed the welcome extended to the vsiitors by the president, and said that it gave him great pleasure to attend any function o>’ organisation that made Paeroa a better, brighter, and happier place to live in. He considered that tennis was a national game, a/nd a,s suc-i deserved every encouragement. Whilst he was sorry the club had seen fit to relinquish the playing facilities in the domain, he felt it was a matter of hearty congratulation the way the club as a whole had shown enterprise and - worked so hard. The club now had a magnificent property, which would increase in intrinsic value as the years went by, and it, was to be hoped that the club would always retain the property, and that it would enjoy a successful season and a happy and prosperous future.

•Hs Worship then declared the courts open for play, and called on the Mayoress, to drive the first ball, which was done amidst applause. Mixed sets were arranged and play commenced and was, continued up till dusk. One and all were loud in their praises, of the courts, which were in splendid condition and very fast for grass courts. A large marquee was erected opposite the pavilion, and delicious afternoon tea was served by the lady members of the club. The long tables were prettily decorated with seasonable flowers, while the cl .ib’s colours, old gold and green, were in. the decorative scheme. Mrs .R, L. Miller acted as hostess, and was ably assisted by the ladies' Committee.

DANCE IN EVENING.

As a grand finale to the carnival of the afternoon, and to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the opening of the courts, the dance committee held a most enjoyable dance in the Soldiers’ Club in the evening. There were about eighty members and friends present. Dancing was kept up till midnight, at which time a delicious supper wa!s served. Mrs F. S. Budd supplied the dance music in her well-known inimitable style, and was assisted by Messrs C. H. Wells (violin), G. Royal (flute), and R. Foster (drums). Several extras were danced to the music of Mr R. B. Penlingtons’ gramophone. Mr R. Foster, also contributed a couple of congs, and was heartily encored. Despite the high degree of the temperature dancing was made possible by the help of delicious ice cream and refreshing drinks. The men were attired in flannels, and departed from all usual forms of convention by dancing with their coats off, thus enabling them to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Mr C. H. Well,s was most attentive to his duties as M-C.