PUTARURU B., C. AND T. CLUB.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 259, 25 October 1928, Page 8

PUTARURU 8., C. AND T. CLUB.

OPENING DAY. Though the heavy rain during the week had made the various greens dead and slow the good work put in during the off season by the caretaker, Mr. Halsey, under the supervision of the honorary staff, resulted in very true surfaces being provided, more especially on the bowling green, for the opening day of the Putaruru Bowling, Croquet and Tennis Club last Saturday. The day was fitful, being fine with a fairly warm breeze, and flashes of sunshine. There was a particularly good muster of tennis players, and there were several new members in the croquet section, but the howling green was poorly patronised. There was also a fair’ muster of non-players watching all three sections. A pleasant daj’s sport was indulged in and a sumptuous afternoon tea was provided by lady members.

Owing to previous engagements Mr. F. F. Hockly, M.P., was unable to be present until 3.30 p.m., when play was suspended for a few minutes to allow of the usual formal opening.

Mr. Hockly, who was briefly introduced by Mr. A. G. Leggatt, president of the Bowling Club, remarked that it was his third function of the kind that day, he having officiated at Hinuera and Te Poi. He desired to congratulate the Putaruru public on their spirit of co-operation in providing such well-appointed grounds. All work and no play made Jack a dull boy, and the speaker fully realised, as they did, the great importance of recreation. He could not say that he was a devotee of bowls, tennis or croquet. When he had had the leisure for sport it had been cricket or football. However, he hoped as age came on to take up howls.' (Laughter.)

A Voice ; You will have to hurry up, then. (Laughter.)

Mr. Hockly : Why, I am not long past my twenty-first birthday. (Laughter.)

Continuing, Mr. Hockly said he was pleased to note the big advance country districts were making in providing facilities for sports. Previously it was only the towns and cities which had facilities for such recreation, but now, as he went about, he saw bowling greens and tennis courts everywhere. New Zealand was certainly on the map so far as tennis was concerned. It was a great achievement to enter for the Davis Cup, while Andrews was right at the top of the tree so far as English university play was concerned. The late Mr. Wilding had undoubtedly laid the foundations for the wonderful popularity of tennis, and it might interest them to know that a recent plebiscite had shown that tennis even beat Rugby in popularity. Bowls was of course a very ancient game and had been associated with Drake and the Armada, while croquet, which had at one time been looked upon as a game for old ladies, had now been proved to demand exceptional judgment and skill* Such sports were for the good and uplift of the people, and the day was past when Max O’Rell’s description of an Englishman’s idea of sport, “ Let’s go out and kill something,” applied. Contests such as sport provided brought out the best in those participating and taught many valuable lessons. He had much pleasure in declaring the three greens open for play and he hoped that each section would have a most successful season. Mr. Hockly then called on Mrs. Leggatt to roll the kitty, Mrs. Francis to play a ball through a croquet hoop, and Mrs. Parker to hit a tennis ball over the net.

Each lady did her part successfully to the accompaniment of applause. Bowling. The only outsiders present on the bowling green were a carload from the Tirau club. Results of the afternoon’s, play were as follow; Brown, Murphy, Allen (s), 22, v. Harwood, Swney, Francis (s), 13. Yandle, Weir, Rose (s), 15, v. S. C. Snell, Mouldey, Hollard (s), 13. Hamilton, Palmer, Griffiths (s), 24, v. Bowers, King, Leggatt (s), 3.