THE DAVIS CUP.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1920, Page 2

THE DAVIS CUP.

NEXT YEAR'S CONTEST. THE CLAIMS OE AUCKLAND.

The suggestion made by Mr. Norman Brookes that the next Davis Cup contest should be played in Australia has been greeted with surprise by tennis enthusiasts in Auckland. The reasons put forward by Mr. Brookes in support of his suggestion have been dealt with by the lending tennis representatives in Auckland, all of whom have constructed a strong case in favor of Auckland's claim to the privilege of witnessing the cup match.

Mr. F. J. Ohlson, president of the Auckland 'Tennis Association, said that association had already made application to the New Zealand Council for the contest to be played in Auckland, in accordance with the terms of the agreement made when the late Mr. Anthony Wilding played in the Australasian team. This agreement provided for the cup being contested once in New Zealand for every twice in Australia. The educational value of such a contest was great, and although the Dominion had no brilliant, players like Australia, it had many promising young players who would benefit considerably by witnessing the play of the champions. Referring to the statement made by Mr. Brookes regarding adverse weather conditions in New Zealand, Mr. Ohlson stated that when the contest was played in Christchurch only one day was lost through rain, whereas in Australia several days were lost, and the games were played on bad courts.

Mr. A. A. Martin, vice-president of the association, emphasised the moral right of New Zealand to the next cup contest. The yielding of Australia to New Zealand's wishes would be a tribute to the memory of the late Mr. Anthony Wilding, who was largely instrumental in winning the cup for Australasia in the first case. New Zealand had lost some of her best players at the war, including Wilding and Jennings, the latter of whom was thought to be one of the coming players of New Zealand. It was unfair that the Dominion should be penalised because of this.

Mr. K. G. Archer, secretary of the association, said that the attendance of i'iOOO recorded on the opening day in Australia was not excessive, and he was confident that Auckland could eclipse that total.