LAWN TENNIS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 243, 14 October 1929, Page 17

LAWN TENNIS.

BIRKENHEAD-NORTHCOTE CLUB.

The official opening of the Birkenhead and Northcote Tennis Club's courts for the season took place on Saturday in the presence of a large gathering of members and visitors. The Mayor of Northcote (Mr. A. E. Greenslade) officiated, and stated that of late the financial position of the club had improved, and the prospects of a most successful season were evident. The club was fostering the game among the younger generation, and had placed the courts at the disposal of the school juniors during the week days, except Saturdays, at the nominal charge of 7/6 for the season. The club had accommodation for plenty of new members; the larger the membership the better the financial position, and therefore the extension of desirable improvements. With the members of the Tennis Club, he regretted the serious illness of the president, Mr. Lucas S. Maxwell, who had been a most active member since the club's courts were removed to their present location in 1921. Mrs. J. R. Gray then served the ball over the nets, and the Mayor declared the courts open for play for the ensuing season, amidst applause. The annual meeting, held in the pavilion, was well attended. Mr. E. W. B. Herrick presided in the absence, owing to illness, of the president, Mr. L. S. Maxwell. The annual report and statement of accounts showed the club's affairs to be in a healthy and progressive condition. All outstanding accounts had been met and the bank overdraft reduced from £025 to £573. The improved position of the finances was largely due to the activity of the club in regard to the Eastern tournament and social entertainments, a total sum of £88 11/8 having been raised in this manner. Hearty appreciation was expressed of the services of the president, Mr. L. S. Maxwell, who has always been a tower of strength to the club. Appreciation was also expressed of the help of the Northcote Borough Council in regard to the formation of the road leading to the club's freehold property and the laying of a new water service. The election of officers resulted: — President, Mr. L. S. Maxwell; viee-presi-dents, Messrs. A. E. Greenslade, J. P. McPhail, J. B. Tonar, A. J. Maxwell, A. W. Sevill, C. A. Deuxberry, S. E. McGill, W. M. Jacks, Dr. R. G. Dudding, Dr. J. W. Craven, H. Weaver, E. J. Fraser, Arch Campbell; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. Arnold Tayl&r ; ground superintendent, Mr. H. W. Tyer; committee, Mesdames H. Weaver, J. R. Grey, Misses Robertson, Minns, Newman, and Wrightson, Messrs. Fitzpatrick, Herrick, Tyer, Cadness, Holmes, and Gray; delegates to Auckland Lawn Tennis Association, Messrs. Tyer and Fitzpatrick ; match committee, Messrs. Tyer, Fitzpatrick, Herrick and Cadness; hon. auditor, Mr. A. W. Christmas.

DOMINION ROAD C. OF C. CLUB,

The two tennis courts formed by the Dominion Road Church of Christ were opened on Saturday by Mr. A. M. Bryden, Deputy-Mayor of Mount Eden. The president, Mr. W. D. M. Glaister, said that a conception that Christianity was a killjoy was prevalent, and he hoped that this move on the part of the church would help to destroy such an idea. In addition to providing two courts, the church was making provision for other games. Mr. Bryden said that he was pleased to see this addition to the facilities provided in the district for games and recreation. The club would stand for good' fellowship and true sportsmanship. The president and his wife entertained over 60 guests at afternoon tea.

CARLTON CLUB,

The Carlton Tennis Club at Onehuriga had its first official opening on Saturday. There was a large number of members and friends, including, the patron, Dr. Kirkwood, who has donated a special trophy, Mr. W. Miller, president, and Mr. J. McMillen, club captain and secretary, formerly of Linwodd Club, Christchurch. Mrs. A. J. Pollard served the initial ball. This season the club will play In C and D grades interclub competitions. Messrs. J. Pollard, V. Parvin, J. Shand, G. Shand, W. Orvrin, A. Aldred and B. Chalmers form the committee, and members of the women's social committee are Mrs. Peake, Mrs. Pollard, Mrs. Jeffries, Miss M. Pauslna, Miss Thompson, Miss Catley and Miss Wigmore.

CAMPBELL PARK CLUB.

The Campbell Park Tennis Club was opened on Saturday. The president, Mr. B. S. Barry expressed the hope that this season would an even better one than last. Mr. Barry remarked also on the need for increased membership. The number of members last season had been 130, but as there were 10 courts room could be found for many more players. As far as competitions were concirned, the club intended to enter three, if not four, teams. Mr. Barry recalled the success of the club's team, which last season won its section in the B grade. The value of co-operation with the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association was stressed by its president, Mr. E. Hickson. Miss A. Leng, winner of the women's championship singles last season, served the first ball. A progressive doubles tournament was then played.

SEDDONIAN CLUB,

The official opening of the Seddonian Tennis Club for the 1929-30 season took place on Saturday under ideal conditions. The president, Mr. F. Upton, extended a hearty welcome to the new members and visitors. Mr. Sayers was heartily thanked for presentir*; a fine flagpole, and Mrs. Sayers hoisted the club pennant to the accompaniment of applause from a gathering of 90 members and visitors. The courts were then declared open for play, and the rest of the afternoon devoted to a combined doubles knock-out competition. The semifinals resulted as follows: —Miss N. Matthews and Potter beat Miss Barr arid Thompson, 6 —5 ; Mrs. Lawrie and Ernest beat Miss Lockington and P. Upton, 6 —5. The winners of the final, to be played off later, will receive trophies donated by the match committee. To celebrate the opening of the new season a dance will be held on Saturday evening next.

MAUKU CLUB,

PUKRSOHE, this day. Tlie Manku Tennis Club opened its season on Saturday. There was a good attendence of members and visitors. In the unavoidable absence of the president (Mr. J. F. Davies) the secretary (Mr. H. Swinbourn) declared the courts open for play. Mrs. Davies played the first ball. During the afternoon the president of the Franklin Lawn Tennis Association, Mr. M. S. Campbell, visited the courts, and Invited the club to compete in the association's competitions.

TE AWAMUTU CLUB

TE AWAMUTU, Sunday.

The opening of the Te Awffmutu Club's season attracted a large attendance. Mr. R. A. Coyne, president, welcomed the Tisitors and declared the courts open for play. A Yankee tournament attracted many entrants, and keen contests resulted. The final was played between A. Bowler and Mrs. McTavish and H. V. Holmes and Mrs. A. Walker. The former pair won after an exciting contest.