TENNIS NOTES.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 2, 26 March 1920, Page 12

TENNIS NOTES.

BY "RACQUET."

Season 1919—1920 has been the beginrrng of a new era as far as tennis is concerned in Southland. With the begiiining of the war and the resulting casualties, praetically all the older players once seen consistently on the courts have ceased to take an active part in the garne, and the responsibilities have fallen on to . younger shoulders — perhaps a little toq soon. Tennis is a game of such skili and science, that the younger players oi promise are required on the courts a season or so at the least before the older ones retire to be what. are termed "keen followers of the igame," so that the many stickes together with their scientific manipulation, may be lianded over as it were, instead of dropped by some altogether and sllowed to be picked up at random by others. Then again look how encouragen ent assists the younger player. A few words f rom one whose skill with the racquet is undoubted, goes a very long way with the beginner. Why — even the presence on the courts occasionally of such players as F. H. Tucker and Wilson Hodges is an incentive to their enthusiasm. The Southland seasop commenced in 1919 with pra'ctically only the young players on the courts, and the progress made is very satisfactory, especially after considering the great fact that 'many are suffering fron hidden injuries received while servirg with our Expeditionary Force in one or mpre of the theatres of war. The ladies undoubtedly are a great factor for observation when the reasons for the general progress are considered. Take the Invercargill Club for instance — why the players would not feelathomeon their Q 'Vn courts if it were not for the able way >ii which Miss Tucker and lier able staff of equally diligent assistants provide for ' the inner wants of the players. Every regular player knows Miss Tucker 's "No Milk, plenty of Sugar" favourite cup, and what is more welcome than splendid refreshments alter a strenuous game. After contending with all contingencies however, Southland is sending a team to play Otag'o in Dunedin and is endeavouring to hold a tournament at Easter, so let us hope the results will be a reward for the energies displayed by those reeponsible.