Tennis Club's Difficulties

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14858, 21 December 1948, Page 6

Tennis Club's Difficulties

Deputation Waits On

Domnin Board

Position At Mt. Maunganui

Outlined

(Times Correspondent)

A deputation from the Mount Maunganui Tennis Club waited on the monthly meeting of the Mount Maunganui Domain Board with a request that Ihe board consider reducing the fees paid by the club for the use of the Domain courts. Speaking on behalf of the club, Mr H. Woodcraft said that for the past few years the club had experienced considerable difficulty in keeping going. This was due chiefly to two factors—no courts entirely for club use were available and tees paid to the Domain Board were so high that the club was always in financial difficulties. Enthusiasm among the members waned during the height of the season because the public courts at the Domain were so much in demand by visitors that often members failed to obtain a game after wafting two or tiiree hours, and consequently took up other sports. Under the existing arrangement

with the board the club was required to pay a flat rate to the board of one pound per member, including junior players. Mr Woodcraft pointed out that a season ticket issued by the board was available to the juniors at five shillings a year and consequently it was impossible to fix the club’s subscription at a very high figure if many were to be encouraged to join the club. Realising that the juniors of today were the seniors of tomorrow and that the club could not hope to survive without their support, the commitee desired to admit as many as possible. “I would suggest that the Domain Board consider accepting a lump sum of £25 for up to 30 members either senior or junior and an additional £5 for every ten members enrolled above the number,” said Mr Woodcraft when claiming that this would enable the club to improve its finances. He also asked that on club days, Wednesdays and Sundays, two courts should be reserved for the use of club members when renuired. By this means it was hoped that interest would be maintained. Mrs C. H. Mickelson also spoke in support of the club’s proposals and asked that the requests be given consideration. The chairman of the board (Mr S. F. Newton) assured the deputation that its proposals would be given consideration and stated that if it were possible to assist the club to prosper something would be done. Due notice of tire bonvd’s decision would lie given to the club.