WELLINGTON TENNIS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 287, 2 September 1942, Page 7

WELLINGTON TENNIS

Satisfactory Financial

Arrangements

PAST YEAR REVIEWED

Determined efforts were made at the start of the season to balance the budget for current working, states the annual report of the Wellington Lawn Tennis Association for the 1941-42 season. Clubs were appealed to in order that the financial situation might be helped to contribute a voluntary levy ot 2/>>. The majority of clubs agreed to this, and the contributions had the desired effect. Strict economies were effected, and the estimated deficit of £3OO has now been converted into a surplus. The genorous arrangement with Mr. Brailstord, of the Wimbledon club, helped materially in relieving the position. Representations made to the city corporation with regard to a reduction in rental were unsuccessful. The usual transfer from life membership account of £321/8/7 was made, which will have the ultimate effect or writing off during the currency ot the lease the whole of the life membership account, The accounts show a small surplus on the current working. Considerable improvement has been etfected in the bank position owing to economy. The total indebtedness to the bank has been greatly reduced by the sale of the pavilion which, though producing only half the sale price in cash, leaves the balance of the overdraft with tic exception of £25 cover by mortgage at the same rate, of the bank interest. It must be realized, however, that though these benefits have come from the season, there is still a considerable amount of costly maintenance to be undertaken to buildings, and, in the near f « tur ®’ siblv to the hard courts. On the whole, the financial operations cau be considered ' e With t the l great assistance given by the Physical Welfare Branch o£ J nal Affairs Department, and with the generous help of experienced players, association was able to carry out an ex tensive junior coaching scheme under the direction of Dr. Enthwhistle, whose enthusiasm and ability made this teature one of the most successful aspec s of the 1941-42 season. The fact that attendances at each coaching class averaged more than 40 Will indicate the value of this work. Miramar Grounds. At the beginning of the season the executive was deeply concerned that the lull operation of the Miramar grounds would again entail the association iu a heavy financial loss with a further embarrassment in the financial position, and consequently very thorough investigation.was made into the possibilities, A general meeting gave authority lor only essential maintenance to be carried out on the grass courts. It was later found that revenue would be obtainable at no extra cost if two bays of grass courts were kept ready for play, and essential maintenance continued on the other bays. With the assistance, in a part-time capacity, of Mr. Lintou these', two bays were kept in playing conditions, and the other Assets of the association maintained. Considerable work was done by various members of the management committee to maintain as far as possible the assets ot the association in working, order. In the middle of the year it was found necessary to dispense with the full-time services of Mr. Linton, and it is desired to place on record the splendid wdtk and service given by him over a long period of years. To him is due to a very large extent the successful carrying out of many projects of the association involving the use of the courts at Miramar. Mr. Linton, though securing immediately another full-time position, generously offered his services during the evenings and the weekends, and was able to maintain sufficient grass courts for public hire and portion of inter-Club play for duration of the playing season.