LAWN TENNIS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4774, 10 November 1924, Page 2

LAWN TENNIS.

OFFICIAL OPENING. PAEROA CLUB’S COURTS. Perfect weatner favoured the Paeroa Lawn Tennis Club for the opening of the courts for the season on Saturday afternoon, when there was a large attendance of members and visitors. The (secretary, Mr R. B. Penlington, apologised for the absence of the president, Mr R. L. Miller, and vicepresident, Mr H. Poland, M.P., and called upon the patron of the club, the Mayor of Paeroa (Mr W. Marshall) to open the season. The secretary. in welcoming the visitors, uttered a word of warning to members of the club. They now had splendid courts and grounds, and these required attention, especially during the winter. The work of a club was usually left to about half a dozen enthusiastic members. The members of the Paeroa club, before the present property was bought, used to complain about the Domain Board or the state of the domain courts or something else. They were always wanting courts of their own. Now they had fine courts he urged members to look after them. Many of the officers were birds of passage, civil servants and such like, hut he appealed to the more permanent resident members. One winter’s neglect could result in damage beyond repair. He appealed especially to the single men. He asked that they give some' assistance during the winter and to keep the grounds in good order and condition. The Mayor remarked that no one liked formal opening ceremonies, but they had come to be looked upon as milestones in the history of organisations and clubs. He was pleased to see so many present, and trusted that they would have a pleasant and successful season. The winter had now passed, and the flue weather called them to outdoor sport, and lawn tennis took a premier place. He w'as glad to learn from their last annual report that all was well with the club. The people of the district appreciated the work of the "birds of passage” referred to by the secretary. The majority of those present were young. Youth was .the time of enthusiasm, and he endorsed the appeal of the secretary to members to keep the ground in order during the winter. A good court enticed visitors, and that was good for Paeroa. Tennis served to strengthen social life. Many of the best friendships of life were ed on the tennis courts. He urged all the members to rally round their officers and assist in maintaining their fine property. He called upon Mrs Marshall to play the first ball for the ensuing season. Amidst applause the Mayoress stepped on to the court and neatly played a ball, after which the Mayor declared the season duly opened. Afternoon tea was served in .the shade and an enjoyable afternoon was spent by members and visitors from other clubs. In the evening a dance was held in the Returned Soldiers’ Club. Mr F. Thorp made an efficient M.C., and an enjoyable evening was spent by a large number of young people.