Downs croquet finals and trophies at Toowoomba

With the exception of the Downs singles championship, the final games in the Darling Downs croquet tournament, which commenced on May 13 in Toowoomba, were played on the Toowoomba Croquet Club's greens yesterday.

After the open singles championship game, in which Mrs. D. H. Milne (Brisbane) defeated Mrs. E. D. Kenyon (Brisbane), an official luncheon was held in the club house.

Flowers, berries and foliage in autumn tonings were set in huge green jars about the reception room, where the guests gathered for luncheon. The white covered tables were centred with trails of berries and studded with slender vases and pottery trough bowls of blossom heads in red, gold, tawny and rust shadings. Early Victorian posies, comprising sprigs of fern, brightly tinted blossoms and sprays of autumn foliage, marked the places of the official party at the table.

The hostess was Mrs. Gerard Boyce, the president of the Darling Downs Croquet Tournament Committee. Mrs. A. E. McConachie is the secretary, Mrs. V. Stuart assistant secretary, Mrs. W. A. Dean manager, Mrs. G. M. Mackay assistant manager, and Mrs. P. S. Priest treasurer.

The visitors included the Mayoress (Mrs. J. D. Annand), and the president of the Queensland Croquet Association (Mrs. J. Gibson).

Wearing a black faille frock, which was lightened with a deep shoulder yoke of shell pink georgette outlined with black lace, Mrs. Boyce extended a welcome to the visitors. She said the tournament had been a successful and enjoyable one. She congratulated those who were responsible for the arrangements for the tournament. She thought the play at the commencement had been mediocre, but later it had been outstanding. She extended her congratulations to the winners, and hoped to see them all, and many more with them, at the next Darling Downs croquet tournament.

Mrs. Annand wore a periwinkle blue wool coat over her navy and white patterned frock, which was topped with a small blue hat. She said she was patroness of the Toowoomba Croquet Club. She took a keen interest in tournaments and other functions connected with the game. She was pleased the tournament had been a success, and extended her congratulations to the winners.

Mrs. Gibson, on behalf of the Queensland Croquet Association, expressed thanks to those responsible for the tournament. The visitors had enjoyed their stay in Toowoomba, and hoped to pay another visit in the near future.

Mrs. Gibson covered her sea blue and white patterned frock with a matching blue wool swagger coat. Her blue felt hat was of the huntsman variety and featured tailored ribbon trimmings.

Responding on behalf of the winners, Mrs. Milne said she was delighted to win the championship. She had enjoyed her visit to Toowoomba and had taken part in some excellent games. She congratulated the management of the tournament on the efficient manner in which it had been carried out.

Other speakers were Mesdames J. J. Holmes (Pittsworth), E. Riches (Brisbane), E. Huxley (St. Andrew's, Allora), J. Peel (Windsor, Brisbane), and E. D. Kenyon (Brisbane).

The following trophies were presented by Mrs. J. Gibson:—

Open singles championship.—Mrs. D. H. Milne (Graceville, Brisbane); runner-up, Mrs. E. D. Kenyon (Windsor, Brisbane).

Open doubles championship.—Mesdames E. D. Kenyon and J. Gibson (Brisbane); runners-up, Mesdames W. A. Dean and M. Crozier (West Toowoomba).

Doubles handicap.—Mesdames D. H. Milne and R. Grimley (Brisbane); runners-up, Mesdames E. A. McConachie and C. J. Searle (West Toowoomba).

A and Junior A singles handicap.—Mrs. W. Cooke (Toowoomba Club); runner-up, Mrs. E. A. McConachie (West Toowoomba).

B and C Grade doubles handicap.—Mesdames D. H. Massey (Brisbane) and R. W. Brown (Allora); runners-up, Mesdames P. [?Fett] and F. Bongers (Laurel Bank, Toowoomba).

B and C Grade singles handicap.—Mrs. R. W. Brown (Allora); runner-up, Mrs. D. H. Massey (Brisbane).

Novice C Grade.—Mrs. D. H. Massey (Brisbane); runner-up, Mrs. A. Lamb (Toowoomba Club).

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 23 May 1946. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)