TENNIS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5494, 30 October 1929, Page 2

TENNIS.

OPENING OF SEASON AT TURUA.

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES.

Ideal weather prevailed for the official opening of the Turua Tennis Club’s activities for the season on Monday (Labour Day), and there was a large attendance at the courts, including some visitors from sister clubs. The grounds presented a fine appearance, the lawns ground the courts being in good order. An addition since last season is a volleying board, but the concrete floor has yet to be tarred before it may be used. Mr A. H. Rogers, the president, welcomed the visitors and spoke of the good feeling engendered by exchanges of visits on opening days. He expressed the hope that all players would have interesting games,. for they were fortunate in having such good weather after the unpromising morning.

The small silver cups won by Miss Dixon and Dr. T. Miller in the club’s handicap tournaments last season were then presented by the president, who congratulated the winners on their success.

In the absence of Mrs Rogers Mrs C. Scott was called upon to serve a ball over the net, and this being done the president declared the courts formally opened for the season. Mr A. H. McClean, president of the Hauraki Plains Tennis Association, expressed thanks for the welcome extended to himself and the visitors, and congratulated the club on the appearance of its courts. In presenting the Howell Williams Memorial Shield to the Turua Club Mr McClean explained that it had been donated by the Williams family of Kopu for competition among the tennis clubs of the Thames "V alley. The shield was held in 192? by the Kopu Club, in 1923 and 1924 by the Waitakaruru Club, in 1925 by the Hikutaia Club, and since then by the Turua Club.

Having won the Hauraki Plains Tennis Association’s junior grade inter-club competition for the third year in succession, the Turua Club became the possessor of the shield donated by Mr W. G. Hayward, of Ngatea. This trophy was also presented by the president of the association to Mr A. H. Rogers, on behalf of his club. In presenting Dr. T. Miller with a small silver cup, the trophy donated by the association to the winner of its handicap singles tournament, Mr McClean warmly congratulated Dr. Miller on the strenuous fight he had put up to' overcome the handicap which the association had given him. Dr. Miller was the association’s handicapper, but did not fix his own handicap. In returning thanks Mr A. H. Rogers said that any team which setout to win the Williams Shield would have to do its utmost. The Hayward Shield would be treasured as one of the club’s greatest possessions. A dainty afternoon tea was served, and under the able management of club officials interesting games were arranged for all players.