PLAINS TENNIS BALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5122, 6 May 1927, Page 3

PLAINS TENNIS BALL.

ANNUAL FUNCTION AT TURUA. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. / The Hauraki Plains Tennis Association held its annual ball and presentation of trophies in the Turua Town Hall last Wednesday evening, the function being the most brilliant of its kind held in the dsitrict for a very long time. With its appeal to tennis players and dancers alike, the function was very largely attended, and the 200-odd dancers who gathered from all parts of the Plains were not disappointed in their expectations. Anticipating a large attendance, the association had wisely decided not to hold the ball in the Ngatea Hall, as formerly, but to move it to where there were the facilities for pleasant dancing and efficient organisation. Thus, despite the number present, the floor wps not crowded and all arrangements were carried out with a minimum of effort. A few gaily coloured paper streamers hung from the centra of the hall ceiling to the walls created a very pleasing decorative effect. On the stage was the Regal Novelty Jazz Band with Mr Albert Williams at the piano, and behind the drop-scene supper was served. Standing on a table on the stage were numerous trophies, which were later presented to the winners of the different competitions organised by the Hauraki Plains Tennis Association during the past season. Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P., who was introduced by the president of the association (Mr B. Frecklington), made the presentations. He congratulated the association on its sound and rapid progress during its five years of Operation and stated that its members should be proud of i.ts achievements, which were such that many a city association would, could, and should be very proud of. The success of. the asociation was undoubtedly due to the enthusiasm and indefatigable energies of its president, secretary, and other officers.

The club competition trpphi.es were then presented to the Turua Club, the “A” grade team of which had Avon the LaidlaAV Cup and the “B” team the Hayward Shield, and the “A” team of which had retained the Howell Williams Memorial Challenge Shield, for there was not a team game enough to challenge for it ; as Mr Samuel explained.

The “Gazette” Cup Avas presented to Miss B. Duffy, Avinner of the ladies’ championship singles, by Mr W. D. Nicholas, managing director, of tlie Hauraki Plains Gazette Co. Ltd., tlie firm which had donated the trophy. Mr Nicholas said that it had been a pleasure to watch and record the progress of the association during the last five years, and if the trophy donated by his firm had added any fillip to the game of tennis his firm toftd been well repaid. Mr Nicholas apologised for not being able to be present the previous year, and expressed his pleasure at learning that the trophy had again been won by Miss Duffy. The Ford Cup was then presented by Mr Samuel to W. E. Murphy, of Hopai,, Avinner of the men’s championship singles. Mr Murphy also received the cup donated by Mr D. G. McMillan for the men’s handicap singles. Small cups donated by the association were presented to the Avinners of the other competitions by Mr Samuel. 'These were received by Mrs F. ClotAvorthy, of Turua, Avinner of the ladies’ handicap singles ; Misses B. Duffy and B. Benny, of Kaihere, Avi.nners of the ladies’ championship doubles ; Gt L. Griffith and D. Molesworth, of Waitakaruru, winners of the men’s championship doubles; Mrs O’Carroll and Miss L. Green, of Kopuarahi, winners of the ladies’ handicap doubles ; Coppins Bros., Waitakaruru club, Avinners of the men’s handicap doubles. A very pleasing ceremony then took place when Mr B. Frecklington, president of the association, on behalf o( the whole of the members, presented Mr A. R. Vowles with a handsome clock as a mark of appreciation of his services as secretary, selector, and handicapper since the inauguration of the association.

Messis D. G. McMillan and D. Pike, members of the executive, added their tribute of appreciation of, the services Avell, fearlessly, and successfully done by Mr Vowles.

Replying, Mr Vowles said he felt very gratified that his modest efforts had been appreciated. The Avork had always been a pleasure to him, for. he had always been surrounded by players who had been equally keen and enthusiastic.