SICK PLAYER IMPROVING

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29894, 7 August 1962, Page 22

SICK PLAYER IMPROVING

Hawkes 11l At Singapore (X.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. August 6. The young Wellington member of the New Zealand Davis Cup team, R. N. Hawkes, who was flown to Singapore hospital from Ipoh, Malaya, late last week after contracting a severe sickness during the Malayan championships, was reported tonight to be making "favourable progress.” His father. Mr J. R. Hawkes, of St. Auburn avenue. Karorl. said that he had received a report from Singapore through the External Affairs Department that his son was improving and had had no repetition of his earlier symptoms. Twenty-one-year-old Hawkes, who had insisted on competing In the first round of a match against the top Thailand player although he was feeling ill, later collapsed and was flown to Singapore by a Royal Air Force plane. Mr Hawkes said that the hospital authorities were not yet certain as to the exact nature of the sickness. However, In view of the favourable reports, It was thought that his son would soon be able to travel, either to Auckland or to Sydney. for specialist treatment "under his own steam," Mr Hawkes said. Last Saturday. Mr and Mrs Hawkes received a letter from their son dated July 30, but this was apparently written before he had a relapse.