“Big John” At N.Z. Tennis Tournament

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29719, 12 January 1962, Page 8

“Big John” At N.Z. Tennis Tournament

The American hit tune "Big John” was given a new twist at the New Zealand lawn tennis championships at Wilding Park yesterday and it left little doubt who was the “Big John” being referred to. “Big John” has virtually become the song of the tournament. At a barbecue held for players and others at the home of a national selector, Mr M. C. Healey, after the

first day last Saturday, a magnificent rendition of the song was given by the young Waikato player, I. S. Crookenden, accompanied by the Canterbury player. G. D. Moss, on his guitar. When players and supporters arrived at the courts yesterday morning they were surprised and amused to. see a parody of “Big John” on the notice board with a newspaper cutting of J. H. Lockington, of Auckland, pinned underneath. It was signed “Anon,” and read as follows: THE LAMENT OF BIG, BAD JOHN With a glare it the lineswoman and anger grim, He yellea to the heavens, "That ball waa u<.’’ Did Big John, big bad John. At the woman who made that calculated call, He picked uo the racket and fired the ball. Did Big John, b’g very bad John. An. now his remhtns are at the bottom of the draw, His voice in thr singles s heard no more And people <ay that he made friends galore. Did Big John big big bad John. The parody obviously referred to incidents in the match between Lockington and J. B. Souter on the centre court on Tuesday.