Story: Netball

Playing on a grass court

Playing on a grass court

This photograph of young Nelson women playing basketball on a rough grass court around 1925 reveals one of the reasons the game became so popular. A court could be set out on any flat area, and the only equipment required was two posts, a couple of large baskets and a ball. It was also an exciting spectator sport, as the substantial crowd suggests.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Frederick Nelson Jones Collection (PAColl-3051)
Reference: 1/2-028933-G
Photograph by Frederick Nelson Jones

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Suzanne McFadden, 'Netball - Origins of netball', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/39211/playing-on-a-grass-court (accessed 27 April 2024)

Story by Suzanne McFadden, published 5 Sep 2013, reviewed & revised 26 Aug 2020, updated 1 Jun 2023