OPENING OF CROQUET SEASON.

Shannon News, 22 October 1926, Page 4

OPENING OF CROQUET SEASON.

ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING OF , PLAYERS. It was' unfortunate that wet weather should have preceded yesterday the opening day of- the croquet season in Levin, making the event a somewhat disappointing one for the players and visitors alike, of whom there were a good number from outside clubs. However, when the time came'■ for the Mayor (Mr T. Hobson) to make the opening speech the sun was shining quite brightly and continued to do so for the ' remainder of 'the afternoon. Although the green was too wet to play on, it looked a perfect picture of green smoothness and remained a good testimpney to the work of its keeper, Mr C. Hinkley. Mr Hobson, in his opening remarks, said he appreciated the honour extended to him in being invited, with Mrs Hobson to declare the season open. He congratulated the Club and its greenkeeper, on the healthy state of the green,'which, he said, seemed to look better each year. He complimented the Club’s President, Mrs W. J. Kirk, upon the way in which she had. succeeded in keeping the Club together, a work iu which she had been greatly assisted by the secretary, Mrs F. Nicholson (Applause). The past season hud heal successful .in every way and the commendable action of certain members of the Bowling Club in assisting to enlarge the pavilion had resulted in the players ■having additional shelter and convenience, both of which were much appreciated. He was pleased to see so many visitors, to whom the Club: extended a warm welcome. In declaring the green open for the forthcoming season he wished the Club all success. Mrs Hobson then played the first ball on the green., Mr E. Derliam, President of the Levin Bowling Club, said it had been the intention of the Bowling Club to have a full complement of members at the green, but the wet weather‘had prevent-' ed that, although lie was sure the bowlers present would enjoy themselves. The speaker said he agreed with the Mayor that the 'green was in the pink of condition. He hoped the Club would have the success it deserved and he thanked them for the invitation they had extended to the bowlers. Among the visitors to the Club was Mrs Baxter, of the Manakau Club, and handicapper for the whole of the Manawatu district. Most of the bowlers wbo were present at the opening function stayed for the remainder of the aftenfocn and joined in the games played along the, side of the green,-proving beyond doubt that bowls was not the only game with which they were familiar. They were competitors in several of the competitions and compiled scores which were by no means very far behind their lady opponents. A number of competitions were held, of which the following are ; the. results, the prizes being presented by Mrs Kirk: t

Monte Carlo: Mrs Wyatt (Otaki) Clock: Mr C. H. Pyke. Angles: Mrs Baxter (Manakau).

Peg: Mrs Wyatt (Otaki). Following the presentation prizes Mr Deiham called three cheers from Ike bowlers, who heartily responded.