SUMMMER SPORTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1938, Page 15 (Supplement)

SUMMMER SPORTS

FAVOURED IN WAIRARAPA.

TENNIS AND OTHER GAMES

Though its fame as a Rugby stronghold faded with the departure of the Ranfurly Shield and Bert Cooke, the Wairarapa can lay claim to being one of the busiest centres of summer sports in New Zealand. Ample facilities are provided in the various towns for all forms of sports and holiday visitors will find their wants in this respect fully catered for. There was a day when amateur athletics held pride of place and when thousands flocked to the . picturesque Park Oval to see Randolph Rose, Tom Oakly and other national stars in action on what was considered by

overseas athletes to be the fastest grass track in the world. A new day and a new generation, however, has seen a waning of interest in the sport, although it is still carried on by a staunch band of enthusiasts, particularly in Masterton.

• Lawn tennis now holds undisputed sway as the most popular summer sport in the Wairarapa and, for its size, the district must have about as many organised clubs as any other in the Dominion. From beyond Masterton to the back of Martinborough and Feath-

erston every town and country district has clubs controlling excellent grass or hard courts, which, during the long weekends, are crowded with keen, happy players. Every encouragement is also given to promising young players in the primary and secondary schools. At Christmas and in the New Year leading Wairarapa players are given an opportunity of trying conclusions with players from outside districts at well-organised and controlled tournaments at Martinborough and at Masterton. This year the Wairarapa Association will stage the North Island championships at Masterton. Though the game has passed through a somewhat lean period, cricket is again definitely on the up grade in the Wairarapa. Keen interest is taken in the weekly competition matches in both grades. It is somewhat regiettable that the senior competition is confined

to four Masterton elevens, but it is appreciated that the difficulty of preparing good playing wickets in the smaller towns is a problem. On Saturdays increasingly large crowds witness keen play on the fine wickets provided at the Masterton Park Oval and at Wairarapa College. The added interest being taken in the junior grade this season is pleasing and is a good sign for the future.

Swimmers in Masterton, Carterton, Greytown and Featherston have the opportunity of joining thriving amateur swimming clubs and competing at carnivals in the public baths. A movement is on foot to provide Masterton with one of the most modern swimming baths in New. Zealand. Delightful "swimming holes are, also to be found in the various district rivers. The Wairarapa is a keen bowling centre. Masterton has two clubs and every other town one each. Weekly competition matches are played and several tournaments are held during the season. Bowls at one time was regarded a purely an “old man’s ’ game, but in recent years increasingly large numbers of young men have been attracted to tlie greens.

There is no lack of facilities in the Wairarapa for croquet players. There are at least seven organised dubs in the district, with largo memberships of keen, accurate players. The annual Wairarapa tournament attracts players from ail parts of the province and al limes from further afield. The inveterate golfer may also carry his winter sport through the summer months in the Wairarapa where several clubs specially cater for summer member.':.