ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1922, Page 7

ELTHAM.

POPULARITY OF SPORT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) 'Sport of all kind is again on the move in Eltham, and the numbers of men offering this season should place, Eltham amongst the winners. j Football. At football there promises to be a splendid senior, team, several provincial reps, having been added to its ranks. The juniors and fourths are well represented, and should make a name for themselves this season. Practices have been held and, judging by the number turning up, it looks as if football in Eltham is to have an unprecedented year. Hockey. The Hockey Club had a most enthusiastic annual meeting, and, should the association ‘be successful in arranging a junior grade, two teams can be formed. One or two old reps, have rejoined this season, and it is anticipated that this club will hold the Nordern Cup against all-comers. Boxing. Tim Eltham Boxing Association have decided to put on amateur tournament the first week in May, and are endeavoring to match the best men from the Taranaki and Wanganui districts. It is the association’s intention to hold several amateur tournaments during the coinirig winter, and it hqpfes to unearth representatives for the North Island championships at Palmerston North. Fishing. A-,, party of Eltham enthusiasts reeeptly journeyed to Picton on fishing be/it, They sta.te that the weather ,was, not all that could be desired, and in consequence they were unable to get on to the “big” fishing grounds. However, they spent a good time amongst the blue cod, which, they state, were landed in great numbers. Shooting. . Messrs. Vincent and Knuckey have been most successful in rearing pheasants thia season, 4.3 having been reared between them. The birds' are of excellent class, and a number are to be sent to the hatcheries at Hawera for breeding purposes. The remainder are to be liberated on the Sanctuary at Glen-nui Station, where these gentlemen have already let u number free. Pheasant rearing is no easy task, .and Messrs. Vincent and Knuckey are to be complimented on their enthusiasm in trying to build up sport with dog and gun.

Croquet. The Eltham Croquet Club report a very successful season. Teams have competed in 13 matches and tournaments, the A te'.m holding an unbeaten record. Much improvement has been noticed in members’ play this season. The club closes its season with a fieldday on Wednesday next, when the trophies presented by Mesdames Hawken and O’Hagan will be competed for. It is anticipated that the Bowling and Croquet Clubs will hold a winding-up social at an early date.

Golf. The official opening of the Eltham Golf Club took place yesterday in perfect weather, there being a large attendance of players and their friends. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Messrs. O. Hawken, M.P. (patron), and H. D. Forsyth (president). His Worship the Mayor (Mr. G. W. Tayler), in a well-chosen remarks, stated that he had the honor of being present, and hoped he would see many more openings. The golf club was a reel asset to the town, arid he trusted that the membership would 'be double next year. Tn conclusion, he asked Mr. J. T. Quin to accept the sincere thanks of the club for his generosity in allowing the club to play on his property. After Mrs. O. Hawken had played the first ball, the links were duly declared open for the season. The afternoon was spent in playing mixed foursomes. A most enjoyable afternoon tea was provided by the ladies. VITAL STATISTICS. The vital statistics for the quarter ended March 31, 1922, for Eltham, were 40 births, 7 deaths, 5 marriages.