LAWN TENNIS

Evening Star, Issue 23383, 28 September 1939, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS

[By Recorder.]

Club Openings. The president of the association. Dr John Fulton, and several members of the executive visited a number of clubs last Saturday, and as was the case the previous Saturday the indications are for a successful season. A large number of young and enthusiastic members were present at the Cavorsham Club s opening, and this club appears to be once more back to its nourishing state of several years ago. Some promising, players were seen on the courts at at. Patrick’s Club, and they are keenly looking forward to entering a team m the mixed A grade competition this season. . St. Glair. Dunedin’s biggest club, was next visited, and the first impression one gains on entering its premises is the splendid state of the courts and surroundings. Everything is neat and tidy, and the courts are in first-class order. There is no doubt that the St. Clair Club is efficiently run, and it was pleasing to hear its president state that the club has £250 in band for the building of its new pavilion. Before declaring the courts open, Mr Ruhen presented last year s winners of the various club events with their cups and trophies. It is doubtful if any other club lias such a splendid collection of cups as St. Clair. Dr Fulton, in the course of his remarks, stressed the necessity of carrying on despite the present international situation. He also congratulated the club on having reached its majority, this being its twenty-first season. Tainui was next visited, and for so young a club it has done remarkably well.“ Its courts are in good order, and it has a splendid pavilion. The majority of the players are young, and Tainui is rapidly becoming a strong club. Dr Fulton congratulated the club on its advancement and thanked it for its loyal support of the association, especially mentioning that for the past two years its entries in the M'MilJan Cup tournament far exceeded those of any other club. ' . Visits were also made to St. Hilda and Morningtou. At the latter club it was pleasing to learn that an immediate start is to be made to lay down a third court. With a membership of approximately 70 the club will be nandicapped until it has at least three courts. During the winter the Mornington Club made big improvements to its courts, and a great amount of work has been done round its grounds. A new concrete wall has been built at the back of the courts and scrub has been placed on the clay bank to keep it from slipping on to the court. A small but serviceable pavilion has been built, and ground for a fourth court has been prepared. As a large part of the area of the fourth court was only recently filled in the club does not expect to put this court down before next season. , . . Due to its courts not being ready. Cosy Dell postponed its opening for a week. Dr John Fulton. Dr John Fulton, president of the Otago Association, left Dunedin for Burnham military camp on Wednesday. At a meeting of the association executive held last Monday evening he was granted indefinite leave. During the meeting a presentation of a fountain pen was made to Dr Fulton from the

executive in appreciation of his services to Otago tennis, especially during the past two seasons, when he has boon president. Mr A. M'Millan, in tho course of his remarks, made reference to tho high esteem in which Dr Fulton was held, and also stated that the tennis players of Dunedin realised the sacrifices ho was making in giving up his civil life and offering his services to the military. He wished him, on behalf of all the Dunedin tennis players, all success, and trusted that it would not be long before he would return to Dunedin. Returning thanks, Dr Fulton stated that while he regretted leaving Dunedin, it would give him the greatest pleasure to hear that tennis players wore continuing to give the game their full support at the present time. Doubles Tournament. A men’s doubles, ladies’ doubles, and mixed doubles tournament is to be held at Logan Park courts on Labour Day week-end. All events are to be handicapped, and there will be two sections in each event. Tho second section in each event will bo open to all players except A grade and intermediate grade. All pairs are guaranteed two games in each event. The losers of their first match, which may be either in the first or second round, will be automatically entered in a consolation event. The entrance fee is small, and a levy on all entrants will be made for the supply of balls. Entries close with Mr E. S. Wilson on Monday, October IG. It is expected that this tournament, which will be open to all tennis players, will fill a much-needed want in Dunedin and will give members of clubs an opportunity of meeting members of other clubs earlier in the season. Play will commence at 1 on Saturday and, will be continued at 9on Monday. By making the tournament a handicap one it is expected that players of all grades will give the tournament their support. Entry forms are obtainable from all club secretaries, and from the secretary of the association or the Otago Sports Depot. Club Matches. The association matches will commence on Saturday, October 14, and entries of teams must be forwarded to Mr E. S. Wilson by Tuesday, October 3. Clubs entering teams in any of the A grade competitions must forward with their applications the list of the members of each A grade team. This refers to men’s A grade, ladies’ A grade, and the mixed A grade competitions. Clubs entering teams in the A grade men’s and A grade ladies’ competitions are also requested to send an alternative entry to bo considered in event of each or either of their entries being not' accepted. Tournament Dates. The New Zealand A • sr-ration has approved of tournament dates for the season. The New Zealand championships are to be played at Wellington from February 10 to February 17. The North Island championship will be hold at Palmerston North from January 10 to 13, while the South Island championships will be played at Timaru at New Year. The New Zealand junior championships are at Wellington from January 17 to 20.