CROQUET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1924, 9 January 1919, Page 3

CROQUET.

The official opening of the local croquet lawn took place yesterday afternoon. In order to provide sufficient playing space, half of the bowling green was used in addition to-the ordinary croquet lawn. Tho weather conditions were hot all that could be desired, a strong wind blowing across the green. Ten ladies from the Levin Club were present, and a letter was received from the Feilding Club, expressing regret at their inability to be represented.- The president of the Bowling Club (Air F. D. Wltihley) declared the green open for play, and in doing so extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors, and thanked them for coming over to assist hr the opening. He paid a tribute to the assistance rendered by the ladies in connection with green improvements and in providing refreshments. It had been hoped that the croquet'lawn this year would have been in first-class order, but alt hough every effort had been made to make it. so, unfavourable weather conditions and other circumstances had been against (hem, and the result of the work dune was not as satisfactory as could be desired. However,’ the foundation was now there, and next year .should see the local croquet lawn equal to any in the district. He asked Airs Woods, ladies’ secretary, to play the first shot, mid (lien declared the* lawns open for play. At this stage Mr llornblow ma.de a presentation of two trophies for interclub competitions, Foxton to be (ho first holders. Levin immediately issued a challenge, and the game will be played on Hie 2!)tli instant. During the afternoon refreshments were provided and dispensed by the ladies. Two compel il inns were played during the afternoon, golf croquet on the croquet lawn, and a Iwenlyminnlcs tournament on Hie bowling green. In bulb cases I lie visitors were successful, Airs Kirk winning (be I wcnty-ininnles tournament and Airs Lancaster the golf-croquet competition. Tin* prizes were the Awn lion Mallets, presented last season by Air IV. Nyc. The following arc details of the play:— Twenly-Alimiles Tournament. Airs Lancaster 4 beat Airs Berreatt 2, Mrs Hall 4 tied with Mrs WhibIcy I, Mrs Kirk 8 bent Mrs Evans 0, Miss Whittaker (I heal Mrs Healey 2. Mrs Pink 7 heal Airs Ball 2, Airs Gardener 2 beat Mrs Reay (I, Mrs Porteons (I beat Mrs Barkes 2, Mrs Woods 7 heal .Airs Holdaway ;J. Mrs Kirk, with the highest score, won tho competition. Golf Croquet, lowest score being (be winner.—Mrs Lancaster 4(i, Mrs Borteous 48, Mrs Ball 4!), Mrs Perreatt 4!), Mrs Wbibley 5.1, Airs Healey 52, Mrs Pink 54. Airs Woods 55, Airs Parkes 55, Airs Hall 57, Airs Kirk 57, Miss Wiiit taker 57, Airs Gardener (it). Afrs Evans til, Airs Reay (11, Airs Holdaway (i 4. NOTES. In presenting the challenge trophies for inter-club competitions to the* ladies on the green yesterday afternoon, Air llornblow said as one of (he founders of (he bowling club he had advocated, portion of the ground being set apart for croquet, and ho was pleased to see (hat keen interest was maintained in the game by the ladies. He hoped the trophies would stimulate interest in inter-club games. Of course, (bo ladies v\W- specially favoured yesterday in being allowed to play on part of the bowlers' sacred earth. But the ladies were given to understand that they must not look upon yesterday's privilege as a precedent. Really what is required is a portion of the section adjoining, where two courts could be laid down —but, of course, that requires money, and at present is beyond the Club’s means. One more lawn is required to meet the requirements, and to give the ladies a full measure of enjoyment. After the competitions had concluded hist evening, a challenge game was played by Mrs Woods and the visiting champion, Airs Kirk, The local player had her revenge, winning by a good margin. Golf croquet and the 20 minutes competitions are necessary to give all players an innings, but for a trial of skill there, is nothing like the si might-out game. There are some very promising players connected with the local club, it ad t hey should give a good account of themselves in inter-club play during the season. Yesterday's competitions, on the whole, were very interesting to the spectators.