TENNIS UMPIRES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 225, 23 September 1938, Page 15

TENNIS UMPIRES.

| IMPROVEMENT OF STANDARD. STRICT EXAMINATION". When the Auckland Lawn Tennis Umpires' Association met last night for the first time in the new season, Mr. .T. T. Harrison drew attention to the proposed activities of members in the ensuing months. "In the past," he said, "the A.L.T.U.A. has get a standard of umpiring which has earned the appreciation of all concerned. It is our desire to substantiate and .improve that standard in the future. The' "presence of an umpire is moot felt in competitive matches and probably in this sphere he is indispensable. Therefor", with the responsibility entailed in arbitration of highly-contested tournaments an umpire must' be efficient and imbued with a sound knowledge of the game. :*• "With this end in view, prospective members will be given rigid : test« by _* specially selected committee. By this ■ means we hope to. make a unit of capable who know their job thoroughly and who are there 'specifically In an extensive programme set out By members last evening it was decided to give instructive lectures at variousclubs situated throughout the Auckland district. These lectures would consist of a talk On tennig, followed by a session of answers to quegtions supplied by the audience. It is hoped that in this way tennis enthusiasts. especially the younger players, may benefit considerably and enjoy a greater comprehension of the game as the umpire views it. It wa« decided that a strict examination be set out (80 per cent in both theory and practice being required to obtain a pass) for the N.L.T.U.A. badge.

CASH CYCLING.

BICKKELL BROTHERS IK FORM

Last week-end event* conducted by the Metropolitan Cycle Club produced some {food racing, with the scratch men again figuring prominently on the winning lifts. P. Bicknell (scr) scored a double success in the Metropolitan Club s big event of 50 miles from Papatoetoe to Mercer and hack, tir*t placing giving him the Willis Cup, and fastest time the Great Northern championship. He and his brother Jack, who shared the mark with him. rode in their best style and throughout the race gave an excellent exhibition of mutual pacing, especially on the homeward journey into the head wind. Jack's third was a really good effort for a junior.

S. Hayes (9.0), second, put-up a good game ride, and it was only in the last five miles, when he forged ahead on his own, that the scratch men overtook him. The veteran made a great bid in the sprint home, too, and the ride w ill enhance his prospects for next month. F. Brown (18.0), fourth, also went well for a junior rider. Positions in the club for the points cup up to September 10:— J. Bicknell, 20, point*; P. Bicknell. 15; H. Huckstep, 13; F. Brown, S. Hayes, T. Slieehan, 12; J. Sheehan, P. Kara* C. White, 6. Auckland Clnb. W. Pratney (scr) added yet another fine trophy, the Lowndes Cup, to his valuable collection when he gained first place and fastest time'in the Auckland Club's 25-miler. C. Knight (scr), second, was only half a length away, and he, too, will be in fine trim to make a gallant bid next month to capture the New Zealand title from the former. W. Hansen (scr), third, i* improving with each race and is not without a chance in the big race. J. Power (3.30) won the junior event of 12$ miles, with J. West (4.0). a new rider, in second place. J. Malcon (3.30), third, is also making a good showing for a new rider; a win and third in fonr rides. F. Hunt (50s) gained time. He and Hills are having « great battle for the fastest time points cup. Points up to September 10:— Senior. —Place points: R. Chappell, 12; R. Absolum, W. Coughey, 10; A. McCowatt, L. Barr, S. Ward, 8; C. Knight, J. Wade, 6; K. Fish, W. Pratney, 5. Fastest time: J. Wade, 8j W. Pratney, 4. Junior. —Place points: E. Macken, 12; F. Popham, ,11; J. Power, 8; R. Blake, R. Cilmour, F. Hunt, R. Manson, B. Tayloc, 7; D. Hills, R. Robinson, 0. Fastest time: D. Hills, 8; F, Hunt, 7-