TENNIS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 481, 16 September 1909, Page 3

TENNIS.

OPENING CEREMONY,

The local courts were officially opened for the season yesterday afternoon, in fine weather, by the Club’s worthy Patron, F. W. Frankland, Esq. There was a good attendance of members and visitors present. In opening his address, Mr Frankland referred to the exceedingly mild winter that had just passed, and once again the sports appropriate to the spring and warmer weather engaged the attention of all the players. He could not tuily express his gratitude iu the fact that he had again had conferred upon him the honour of being re elected as Patron of the Club for another year. It was not the speaker’s intention to detain his hearers for any length of time, beyond offering them all his heartiest good wishes for a successful and enjoyable season. Before actually declaring the courts open, Mr Frankland desired to make a few remarks in regard to finance. Whilst congratulating the. members on the thoroughly healthy condition of the Club’s finances, which was even more gratifying in view of the recent reduction in the rate of subscription (a fact which the speaker earnestly hoped would lead to a large increase in the numerical strength of the Club), he wished to impart to them a little practical advice. As regards the improvements to the courts and grounds, which were in anticipation, Mr Frankland suggested that a little improvement be made each year, to such degree as the finance would from time to time easily admit of. Such a progressive policy would soon make the tennis grounds not only a pleasure to the players, but also a distinct ornament to the town. The speaker was no advocate for a large debt—quite the reverse —(applause), but at the same time he thought there was such a thing as being in too great a hurry to relieve posterity of the burden which it ought to help us to bear. He was not one of those who asked, “What has posterity done for us?” but all the same he thought that each generation should, to a certain extent, carry its own load. It was a great pleasure to learn that racquets had been promised as trophies this- season, and this should add greatly to the popularity of the Club. Mr Frankland augured for Foxton more than its accustomed good luck in the matches with surrounding teams this year, —matches which would be followed with the keenest interest. Iu conclusion, Mr Frankland thanked the ladies and gentlemen present for their kind attention and received a round of applause, on declaring the , courts open for his able and efficient address. Afternoon tea was provided by the lady members of the Club, and a very enjoyable time was spent.