TENNIS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5498, 8 November 1929, Page 2

TENNIS.

HAURAKI PLAINS ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. The Hauraki Plains Tennis Association held its annual general meeting at Ngatea on Wednesday, Mi- A. H. McClean (Waitakaruru) presiding over Messrs A. R. Vowles (Hopai), S. Coppins (Ngatea), W. Wylde (acting for Patetonga), and E. A. Mahoney (acting for Kaihere), secretary. Mr Vowles queried the wisdom of holding the meeting, in view of the absence of delegates from the Turua, Kerepeehi, Kaihere, and Patetonga clubs, but when it was pointed out that it was the exception rather than the rule to have a full muster it was decided to carry on. Annual Report. The seventh annual report was read as follows :— “Finance.—lt is to be regretted that the past year’s working again shows a deficit. Entering the year with a debit of £4 10s 2d, the statement of liabilities and assets shows a deficit of £6 18s 9d, or a loss during the year of £2 8s 7d- The tournament fees, despite an increased charge, fell below those of the previous year by 13s. The affiliated clubs numbered 8, as against 9 the previous year. The fact is now apparent that if the association is to *be successful financially in the future, greater calls will have to be made on the affiliated clubs, as the association has no other source of revenue. Fees from the annual tournament totalled £2O Bs, while the expenses were £3O. “Competitions.—The following were the results of inter-club competitions. A. Grade (Laidlaw Cup), Ngatea Club ; B Grade (Hayward Shield), Turua Club. The Williams Memorial Shield was successfully held against a challenge from Ngatea by the Turua Club. The Hikutaia Club lodged a challenge, which was ruled invalid as being too late. “Annual Tournament.—Entries for handicaps and championships showed a decrease from 113 the previous year to 98 last year. The various events resulted as follows Championships : Men’s singles, W. Murphy, Hopai Club ; men’s -doubles, Coppins Bros., Ngatea Club; ladies’ singles, Mrs Speedy, Hopai Club. Handicaps: Ladies’ singles, Miss Hunger, Patetonga Club; ladies’ doubles, Misses Duffy, Patetonga Club ; mixed doubles, Mrs Speedy and W. Murphy, Hopai Club ; men’s singles, Dr. Miller, Turua Club ; men’s doubles, Cotter and Hayward, Ngatea Club. “Annual Ball.—lt is to be regretted that in view of the loss on the last ball held, and the present state of the association’s finances, it was not thought practicable to risk holding, another ball during the past year. In the future it would be advisable that the association, before embarking on any function of this kind, should have guarantees from the clubs against any loss. “It will be necessary at this meeting to elect officers for the ensuing year, and for the incoming association to consider the question of zone play in competitions as' against knock-out. Another matter, arising from the financial position, is whether the association can continue ,to pay court hire on the past scale when holding its annual tournament.” Finance. The statement of receipts and expenditure showed that the balance brought forward was £l4 Is 4d, the affiliation fees amounted to £ll 2s, and tournament fees to £2O Bs. The expenditure was £lB 0s 6d on trophies for the 1927-28 season, £3 12s 6d on affiliation fee, £lO on court hire, £2 on balls, and £3 2s on incidental items, leaving a balance of £8 16s 3d. Liabilities were £l9 5s for trophies and engraving, and assets were cash and unpaid affiliation fees totalling £l2 6s 3d. *’ Officers. The following officers were elected : President, Mr N. Clay ; vice-president, Mr A. R. Vowles ; secretary, Mr W. Wylde ; executive committee, the president, vice-president, secretary, and the Turua delegate. Inter-club Competition. As one complete round of inter-club matches was favoured by five of thd seven affiliated clubs, this was adopted in place of the zone system, which was followed last season. The matches will commence on November 23, the -vice-president and the secretary being authorised to make the draw on receipt of entries. Affiliation. The question of affiliating with the Thames Valley Tennis Association instead of with Auckland was discussed, but as there was a doubt as to the position of Hauraki Plains under the proposal it was decided to obtain full information before making a decision, and if possible discuss the matter with a representative of the Thames Valley Association. Williams Shield. A challenge was received from the Hikutaia Club for the Howell Williams Memorial Shield.