GALLANT BOROTRA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 304, 15 March 1928, Page 7

GALLANT BOROTRA

THE GAY CAVALIER “GRAND TIME” PROMISED HOW TO KEEP THE CUP The two New South Wales members of the Davis Cup team, J. Crawford and H. Hopman, and Miss D. Akhurst, and Miss Bickerton, of the women’s oversea team, were given a very hearty send-off at a complimentary dinner by the New South Wales Lawn Tennis Association. It was a very happy and enjoyable function, and among those present were many whose names are famous in the lawn tennis world. Mr. F. Peach was in the chair, and those present included the Acting-Premier (Mr. E. A. Buttenshaw), members of -the visiting French lawn tennis team, and Messrs. G. L. Patterson, N. Peach, and H. Marsh. Mr. Peach said that New South Wales was proud of its juniors. He thought that the selection had given satisfaction. ' expressed the wish that the team would play in America, and paid a tribute to the wonderful play and sportsmanship of the French team. Mr. Buttenshaw, who earlier in the evening was referred to by Mr. Peach as a tennis councillor first, and ActingPremier second, said he had known ,Crawford and Hopman for a very long time, and he knew that both on and off the courts they would be a credit to Australia. He wished them good luck. The French captain, J. Borotra, made a humorous speech, remarking that, like the other speakers, he had known Miss Akhurst for some years, and, like other gentlemen present' would like to know more of her. (Loud laughter.) “But,” he added, “I think I had better keep to tennis. Both Hopman and Crawford, he continued, had improved wonderfully during the past few weeks. In fact, they had beaten him last week, and he was not at all confident that they would not beat him this week. Still, he could assure them of a wonderful time in France. “You are all going to have such a grand time,” he said with a smile, “that we will, keep the cup.” (Laughter.) Borotra’s leave-taking was characteristic. Immediately he had finished speaking he kissed Mrs. and Miss Akhurst’s hands with the grace of an Old World cavalier, and then bent low and crept out of the room, waving a hasty farewell to the assembled guests. After the players had returned thanks for the reception, the toast of “The Parents” was honoured.