LAWN TENNIS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 282, 21 August 1908, Page 8

LAWN TENNIS.

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL REPORT. At tho meeting of tho Wellington Provincial Lawn Tennis Association, hold last evening, the annual report for the year was submitted and approved. In connection with i lo i. Centre competitions, tho report states that the entries for the shield wore regarded as satisfactory, three Tounds having been played in all divisions, except tho Cup (two rounds). The final for tho Country Cup was contested between Mahoo and TaomuOhahea at tho latter's courts, and was won by the former. Besides winning tho Cup Malioo qualified to challenge tho Wellington Club, tho winner of tho shield in tho City Centre, but although the Wellington Club invited tho country club to bo its guests, Malioe could not see its way to travel so far. A suitablo cup had been purfor the competition. Referring to tho New Year tournament, tho report says that for somo unaccountable reason tho meeting was not very well attended by tho public, but- members would bo pleased that a small balance remained to credit. Tho New Zealand Championship banner was wrested from tho \\ ellington representatives, who had' held it for the preceding four years, by the Ta-ranaki players.

Tho annual interprovincial match between Canterbury and Wellington was played at Christchurch oil February 29, Wellington winning by 11 matches to 7. Tho Canterbury Association's kindness and entertainment wero greatly appreciated by the visiting players.

On November 15 last tho Roservcs Committee of tho City Council received a deputation in support of tho application made that parts of tho Botanical Gardens—the old hauling engino sito and tho. strip up the hill parallel with the Botanical Gardens Road, and also a part of tho Town Belt at tho top of Elizabeth Street—should ibo sot apart, levelled, and fenced for the .purpose of lawn tennis. After hearing tho deputation, arrangements wore made for tho two committees and the City Engineer to make an inspection of tho Botanical Gardens ground. Ten days afterwards tho inspection was made. 'It was pointed out that . tho Elizabeth Street ground had been earmarked as _ a playground for children. In view of this the Committee considered the suitability of tho Leraud Street ground suggested by tho City Engineer, and were unanimously of opinion that the latter should also bo applied for. Tho Council was then asked to set apart for lawn tennis tho portions of tho Botanical Gardens and Leraud Street grounds, and to stato tho terms and conditions upon which they could bo allocated for such purpose. In a communication since received from tho Town Clerk ho advised that statutory powers wore being obtained to deal with -tho matter, and nothing definite could bo done until Parliament sanctioned tho proposal.

During tlio year a sub-committeo was set up to draft a now constitution, which was very much needed, and it would bo shortly submitted to clubs for consideration. Tho finances showed an excess of assets over liabilities of £131 14s. Gd. Thero was a balarico to credit of £28 7s. Gd. on tho year's working account, and tho New Year tournament showed a profit of £2 Us. 2d. During tho year tho S.vkes ball was adopted for tho next tournament and for inter-club competitions. Tho work of tho officials for the year is commended, and thanks for assistance and donations aro returned to Messrs. R. M' Simpson, C. P. Adams, J. G. W. Ait-ken. J, Duthio and Co., P. Grady, H. Gore, G. W. .Mills and Co., G. T. While, Alcock and Co. K. G. F. Zohrab, J. G. Wilson, C. C. Cox! S' r '-,^2 rgan > J' Robinson, and Rev. Dean 51 Kenna. After the abovo report was adopted and ordered to bo printed, it was decided that tho Country Cup, won by tho Mnlioo Club,' bo presented at tho annual meeting of tho Association to bo held about September 21. Messrs. Beero and Kimbcll (secretary) wero _ appointed to represent tho Association on the general sports* body in reforcnco to tho .future use and control of the Hutt Park. Tho Secretary stated that seven clubs had not paid their subscripts i 0 1" Mc year. Ho hoped they would takotho hint and do so before tho annual meeting.