Big Revival In Tennis Clubs Of Auckland

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 262, 4 November 1944, Page 5 (Supplement)

Big Revival In Tennis Clubs Of Auckland

(By COURTCRAFT)

SINCE Saturday, September 23, hard court tennis clubs under the control of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association have been holding their openings every week and nearly thirty clubs are now in action. Last Saturday seven grass court clubs commenced, and when Parnell and Eden and Epsom make their start this week-end the total city clubs in operation will be nearly forty. Increased memberships have been reported from most of the clubs, and in some cases the house full" sign has had to be shown for the first time since 1939.

At the opening of the Campbell Park club the pavilion was attractively draped with flags, the most prominent being the Stars and Stripes as a tribute to the many members from the 39th ■General Hospital. The president, Mr. H. R. Harris, declared the courts open, and the resultant progressive tournament resulted in wins for W. J. Smith, R.N.Z.A.F., and Miss Tresize. A feature of the club's activities this year will be its endeavour to cater for juniors. To this end, up to three of the nine courts will be set aside each Saturday for juniors only and their play will be under competent, supervision. The number of enrolments already would indicate that the scheme is likely to prove an outstanding success. The club has decided to enter teams in the open, second, third and junior grades of the Inter-club competitions.

Roll Increased The Waiata club, which always has a full membership and a waiting list, again reports a similar state of affairs. In fact, due to the many applicants, the committee has felt compelled to increase the usual roll to over the 100 mark for its four hard courts. On the opening day there was a very large gathering and the opportunity was taken to present to Miss Loyla Pegler a cup donated by Mr. C. McCullotigh, chairman of the Mt. Rosklll Road Board, for the most improved player. The usual progressive tournament was won by Mr. and Mrs. Dell after Mrs. Skipwith, wife of the president, had served the first ball. This year the club will hold its annual handicap events after a lapse last season due to tha tennis ball shortage.

The West End club has its usual big membership and will be taking an active part in all the inter-club grades. At the opening of the courts, Mr. L. Coakley, deputy-Mayor, indicated that the Auckland City Council had again consented to the wartime reduction of £25 in court rental to assist the club in maintaining its assets. The clubhouse has been made the efficient social centre of the club's life and a big attraction is the weekly indoor bowls evening. A loudspeaker system plays a big part in efficiently controlling the large number of players on the courts every week-end. . A .(uiilor Division On opening day at Mount Eden there were over 100 persons present and each Saturday since there has not been very many less than 70 using the six excellently resurfaced courts. Many applications have been received, so that the total active membership is now as high as, it was in the best pre-war years; with some 30 men still away with the Korces a record roll has been compiled. Teams are being entered in all excepting the open grade in the inter-club contests. The club is holding its own champion- | ship and handicap tournament events. This season a special junior division has been inaugurated and already 20 boys have joined up; their ages being from 1L years to under 16 years,, The low subscription and the coaching given on Saturday mornings has proved a big attraction and it is expected that this group will expand considerably in the near future. Two courts have been set aside for their use.

One of the first grass court clubs to open was the Heme Bay Club, which also is fortunate in having several hard courts available as a standby for showery occasions. Stated to be the oldest tennis player in Auckland, Mr. J. McCoskrie spends most of his spare time at the club, and has takpn a keen interest in keeping the lawns in excellent condition, Mr. McCoskrie still plays tennis with agility, and on the opening day had the added distinction of serving the first ball.

A full membership of 130 and a waiting list is the happy position of the St. Helier's Bay Club, which has five excellent courts. There are 28 juniors. Teams will, of course, be entered in the association's inter-club competitions. The president, Mr. H. J. Cooper, has held that position for the past 36 years, and is keenly interested not only in the progress of his club but also in playing the game. Amongst the members this season is Noel Bedford, now resident in the district.

Harrison, who, enthusiasts will regret to learn, is again in hospital. Another wellknown personality is Alan Ohlson, who handles the onerous duties connected with the Auckland championships each January at Stanley Street. Across the AVnter The Birkenhead and Northcote Club, which has fallen on rather lean times in recent seasons, is making an attempt at revival on a scale approaching its former activity. Owing to so many men being away with the forces, it has been found expedient to put only five out of the ten courts into operation. The present committee is headed by Secretary Chas. Moore, formerly of the Mount Eden Club, and he is having a busy time arranging various functions designed to focus attention on this erstwhile thriving club. Already his endeavours are meeting the success they deserve, judging by the applications for membership that are being received. The Parnell Club, which is opening to-day, has nearly a full membership. A great deal of time and money has been spent on extensive improvements to the grounds during the past few months. The seats, fences and clubhouse have been painted and the volley board re-eiecled. Wire netting has been repaired 01 ieplaced where necessary., The greens have received special attention, so that the} are how looking a picture any claimed that they are better than at anytime since before the war. The premier grass court club and Caro Cup holder, Eden and Epsom, is also k>o£ing forward to another very successful year, and has its grounds in order. A strong committee is in charge and more attention is to be devoted to Social events. A special sub-committce has been formed to raise the nucleus of 'i fund for building' a new, modem pavilion, and plans and specifications aie in course of preparation.

The Takapuna Club, which last season had approximately 60 members, has increased to over 100. With the lawns in splendid condition it appears that this popular North Shore club will once again be in a position to take Its full part in all competitions. The old-established Royal Oak Club is still going strong, and not only has maintained Its membership but has added some new members this year. The courts aro particularly well drained, and, unless a ' heavy downpour is experienced, play is usually possible. This, however, is a mixed blessing, for In the summer months extensive watering is required in order to keep the lawns in their.usual tip-top condition. Several members of this club have played their part in the administrative side of tennis by holding positions on the association. Among these is Jack