Tennis Membership Down But Hopes For Future High

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31131, 6 August 1966, Page 22

Tennis Membership Down But Hopes For Future High

Tennis in the province is described as going through a period of consolidation in the report of the management committee to be presented at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association on August 10.

The association and many clubs during the season raised their fees which have not kept up with inflation. As a result, membership figures did not show an increase.

“It is hoped that, with these measures and improvements to club facilities, the post-war children at present enlarging junior tournaments will be encouraged to continue their interest in the game through to senior levels,” the report says.

Town membership decreased by 79 players but one club, which increased subscriptions, dropped by 170 members.

Country membership decreased by 180 players and it is hoped sub-associations will have the opportunity of increased coaching facilities in the future to bolster enthusiasm.

Membership figures are given as —Town: juniors 2430, seniors, 1985; sub-associations, 1809—total 6224, compared with figures for 1965 of 2274, 2220; 1989—6224. The association’s accounts

show a net deficit for the year of £764 after charging £397 for depreciation, compared with £413 the previous season. Increased Wilding Park levies produced another £650 which merely offset reduced court hire, grants and life memberships sold.

Additional expense was incurred in court maintenance, nets, buildings, plant maintenance and power. The loss of £lO from matches and tournaments may be considered very small, the report says, considering the number of matches played, although it was a disappointment to run the Gold Leaf tournament at a loss.

The accounts show for this

tournament gate takings of £231, costs of £124 and a pay. ment of half the gross gate. £124 to the Auckland association, and an eventual loss of £2 Ils 7d.

The report says a loss of £329 on the squash project has been charged against tho accumulated funds being deemed to be an extraneous item. It says a May meeting of delegates voted out the proposed squash club by 30 votes to 29. “Little more will wish to be recalled by the management, but it is hoped to recover some of the costs by selling the membership lists. The building plans are also for sale to an enterprising body.”