CROQUET.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4891, 16 October 1925, Page 3

CROQUET.

OPENING OF PAEROA CLUB. PROSPECTS OF A GOOD YEAR Under the canopy of a leaden sky the official opening ceremony of the Paeroa Ladies’ Croquet Club was held on the lawn at the domain on Wednesday afternoon. Although bright sunshine was absent, the scene was a very picturesque one. The bright colours of the players’ dresses occupied the foreground on the verdant fresnness of the closely cropped grass, the whole being surrounded by a high hedge of Australian salt bush and climbing roses, while the beautiful foliage of a large weeping willow spread its shelter; over the daintily arranged afternoon-tea tables, which were literally groaning under their load of home-made dainties.

There were over a hundred persons present, including visitors from Te Aroha, Thames, Waikino, Wiahi, and Hikutaia.

The opening ceremony was performed by the president, Mrs G. S. Taiboys, who, in a happy speech, welcomed the visitors and expressed the hope that they would spend a pleasant afternoon on the lawn, and that they would honour the club by paying frequent visits. Referring to the finances of the club the president said that as the result of a series of card evenings held during the winter months the club had been able to commence the season with a small credit balance. She trusted that now the summer had come round again the members would forsake the dubs and spades and turn their attention to mallets. (Laughter.) Mrs Taiboys then drove the ball through the first hoop and declared the • greens open for the 1925-26 season. The players were then grouped, and a progresisive tournament was played for trophies presented by Mesdames Taiboys and W. J. Towers, the winners being: A grade, Mrs Gallagher, Waikino ; B grade, Mrs, Wild, Te Aroha. MEMBER HONOURED. Following the afternoon tea adjournment a presentation was made to Miss M. Shaw by Mrs W. J. Towers on behalf of the local members. In handing Misis Shaw a bedroom xylonite clock suitably -inscribed, .and a hairpin tray, Mrs Towens said that it had been the. unanimous .wish of the members that the retirement of the recipient from public life should be commemorated. Miss had been a foundation member of the club and was a debenture-holder. During her long association with the club Miss Shaw had acted the part of a big sister, and her untiring energy and enthusiasm had contributed in large measure towards making the club the success it was that day. It was only fitting that such faithful services should be suitably recognised by the members, who'held Miss-Shaw in the highest esteem and affection. The speaker said that as the hours wtere ticked off by the clock it was earnestly hoped that their guest would receive happiness and joy, ,and that she would long be spared to enjoy a wellearned rest.- In conclusion Mrs Towers asked Miss Shaw ,to accept an honorary life-membership in the Paeroa Croquet Club.

In a modest reply Miss Shaw expressed her grateful thanks to the members' for .their tangible expression of appreciation and goodwill. The gifts would be highly prized, and •she felt very proud of the kind rem'arks accorded her, and the fact that she had been elected a life member. Miss Shaw said that anything she had done for the club had been a pleasure, and she had been repaid a thousand-fold. She would long cherish the memories of the many happy houns spent with her dear friends on the croquet green, and she hoped that the members would enjoy, continued happiness and prosperity. Mrs Taiboys then presented Miss Shaw with a beautiful bouquet of purple, white, and magenta stocks, and the pleasant function concluded with the singing of “For she’s a jolly good fellow,” and hearty cheers.