LAWN TENNIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1939, Page 9

LAWN TENNIS

MASTERTON CLUB'S ANNUAL MEETING.

PROSPECT OF SUCCESSFUL SEASON.

There was a fair attendance at the annual meeting of the Masterton Lawn Tennis Club, held in Mr G. R. Jackson’s board room, Leecroft Chambers, last evening. A number of apologies for unavoidable absence were received and nine new members were elected. Mr E. M. Hodder (president) was in the chair.

Moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, Mr Hodder said that the past season was a very much more pleasant one to report upon than its predecessor. The membership of the club had been increased very considerably. It was regrettable that the annual tournament of the Wairarapa Lawn Tennis Association, though it had bracketed with it the North Island championships, had not been a little more successful. It was becoming more difficult to secure the attendance of players from a distance at provincial tournaments. In this matter the Wairarapa district had a great asset in Mr H. M. Boddington, who maintained contact with players in many parts of the Dominion and induced them to attend the Wairarapa tournament. On account of the excellent courts and appointments available and in other respects the annual fixture of the Wairarapa Association was outstanding among provincial tournaments. Mr Hodder observed, and he thought that the club, through its delegates to the association, might co-operate this year in an effort to secure a larger attendance of visiting players. The thanks of the club were due, Mr Hodder stated, to Miss Jocelyn Betts for organising a cabaret which yielded a substantial addition to the funds,, and to those who organised a skating party, held about a month ago with a view to promoting good fellowship among members. Mr Hodder offered hearty thanks on behalf of the club to the hon secretary, Mi- A. H. Ward, for his capable and untiring work. Gratitude was due also to Mr G. R. Jackson for making his office and equipment avail-: able for meetings of the club and its committee. The chairman commenced warmly the excellent work of the club groundsman. Mr W. G. Bishop. Though nine new members had been elected that evening, Mr Hodder observed, further additions to the mem* bership were still needed. There would be some resignations on account of war service. The matter of securing additional members was one in which every member might fairly be asked to take an active part. Success depended largely upon making known the excellent facilities the club was able to offer. They should secure at least another twenty or thirty new members this year.

The report and balance sheet were adopted. Officers for the ensuing year we're, elected as follow: —President, Mr E. M. Hodder; vice-presidents, Messrs H. M. A. Major and W. A. Michael; hon sec? retary and treasurer, Mr A. H. Ward; committee, Messrs G. R. Jackson, P. Hawksworth, J. B. McPherson, N. A. Faulknbr, and Miss Thelma Major; delegates to the Wairarapa Lawn Tennis Association, Messrs N. G. Whiteman and P. Hawksworth. Mr Gawith had intimated that he wished to relinquish the position of delegate from the club to the Wairarapa Lawn Tennis Association. On the motion of the chairman, it was decided to write to Mr Gawith expressing grateful appreciation of the services he had rendered to the club over an ex - tended period of years and hoping that he would long be spared to take an interest in tennis in the district. Mr A. D. Low was re-elected hon auditor and thanked for his services to the club.

On the motion of Mr Jackson, it was agreed that any member undertaking military service, in New Zealand or abroad, should be allowed to retain his membership until his return. Several members spoke gratefully of the invaluable services ungrudgingly rendered to the club by its president, Mr Hodder. It was decided that the season should be opened, weather permitting, on Saturday, October 28, when a Yankee tournament will be played. The courts were reported to be in exceptionally promising condition. x

MASTERTON PARK CLUB ANNUAL REPORT. BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR SEASON The annual report of the Masterton Park Tennis Club states, inter alia:— Your committee has much pleasure in presenting the annual report for the 1938-39 season. Our membership has shown a decided increase and prospects for the coming year in this respect appear very bright. The balance to be brought forward after the season’s operations shows a slight increase on last year’s figures. The club is in a very strong financial position. For the second season in succession our B grade representatives have succeeded in winning the Wairarapa championships and are to be congratulated most heartily on their meritorious performance. The C grade team, while not achieving the honours attained by the B team, played some very interesting matches. Exceptionally keen interest was displayed in our club competitions this year and we would congratulate the winners on their success.

During the winter months the courts have been resown and everything points to their being in excellent order for the coming season. We regret to record the loss by death of a highly esteemed member, Mr S. Caley. In conclusion we would express our thanks to the Park staff, the Press and all office-bearers who have worked so conscientiously to assist the club and to encourage and maintain that feeling of sportsmanship which has been for so long a very prominent feature. The report is signed by Messrs L. S. Nicol (President) and Stewart D. Charleson (Secretary.)

The annual meeting of the club will be held in the Y.M.C.A. on Tuesday, October 3, at 7.30 p.m.