Tennis Captain Rejects Criticism

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30998, 2 March 1966, Page 19

Tennis Captain Rejects Criticism

GN’.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND

The captain of the New Zealand Davis Cnp tennis team ■which played in the British Caribbean last year, Mr J. W. Gunn, yesterday disputed a claim that a decision of his was responsible for the cup tie in Nassau losing money.

According to a letter received by the Lawn Tennis Association in Wellington, the British Caribbean Association lost £5OO on the venture “because of the dates chosen by the New Zealand captain." The N.Z.L.T.A. received £35 as its share of the tie.

In Auckland yesterday. Mr

Gunn said: “The dates were agreed upon by mutual arrangement. “They were the earliest possible dates after Wimbledon—Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday—and we even offered, after arrival, to play on the Monday, a holiday. “The dates agreed on were made after consultation with the Caribbean secretary. Mr D. C. Coombe, the N.Z.L.T.A. English representative, Mr E. D. B. Lusk, of the N.Z.L.T.A.. who was in London, and Mr Basil Reay, secretary of the British Lawn Tennis Association.

“Mr Reay strongly asserted that no Davis Cup tie should be played during Wimbledon as the financial grants to Gerrard and Crookenden could be severely cut. “This was the first Davis Cup tie promoted by the Nassau association. There was hardly room for 100 spectators on the hastily-erected

planks which served for stands on the hotel courts.

“Publicity arrangements were such that no reporters were even present at the draw.

“The Nassau people were charming hosts and delightful people, but with no previous experience or knowledge of running an international match, and I must therefore return the ball to them for the lack of takings which, however, were indicated to me by the secretary as being £lOO. “Richard Russell, their leading player, commented when in Auckland he could not understand why the tie was not played in Jamaica, his home, where the takings would have been much higher."

Coif Winner. —Miss J. Hanratty (Wellington) 'ton the Manawatu Women's Golf Clubs 54-holc stroke tournament by six strokes from Mdss H. Booth (Poverty Bay).