LAWN TENNIS.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 13 October 1919, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS.

OPENING OF OTAKI CLUB S SEASON. Tho Otaki Lawn Tennis Club was favoured with fine weather on Saturday for the official opening of the season. The steady rain on Friday had left the grounds in a very wet state, but things dried up nicely during the day, and the courts and picturesque grounds were in excellent condition. There was not a large attendancesmaller than usual-probably owing to the fact that the Bowling Club opening was held the same afternoon, bur there were a fair number of players and spectators present, including several visitors from the Manakau Club. During the afternoon. Mr W. M. Simcox (president of the club) -addressed the gathering. He said that there was a movement afoot to purchase the freeVoid of their grounds, which they had held under lease for many years, but a, yet he was unable to make any statement re the matter. He thought there should be no difficulty in purchasing the ground, by debentures, and certainly this step should be taken if at all possible. Last year, when the club had opened its season, the war was not ovor. and several of the club members were away at the front Now the boys were home again, and he believed there was every prospect of the present =ea-on beins a particularly successful one He hoped that many new members would be enrolled, and that ad would do their best to make the season a good one. Mr Simcox then declared the season duly opened. The plavers -present indulged in many ..ames excellent form being shown lor the beginning of the season. It is quztc evident that the club will be able to place a fairly strong team in the field, 'everal new membsrs (-particularly among the men) shaping well. X, usual, the ladies provided dainty afternoon tea. which was much appreciated by all.

- The Levin Tennis Club opened its season on Saturday in fine weather There was a splendid attendance, and some interesting play was witnessed.