SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 269, 10 August 1938, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Wellington Lawn Tennis Association GOOD PROGRESS MADE “Dewpite that the operations Jhe year have shown a net deficit of £bJ/.1-/o after transferring £321 to the income ana expenditure account from the life inembership account, the association can feel that it has had a successful year when it is noted that the sum of £164 was spent from income received during the year on the topdressing of 12 of the 10 hard courts,” states the annual report ot the Wellington Lawn Tennis Association. “This is virtually a capital expenditure, or at least could be safely spread over a number of seasons, but the committee decided to allow the amount to stand as an item of this year’s expenditure. This added charge, also a further expense in topdressing, weed killing, seeding and manuring in, anticipation oi the centennial New Zealand championships in 1939-40, totalling £46, has still further increased the association’s deficit of this year. “'The total income for the year has shown an increase of £BO/5/4, the main item of which has been an increase of £J-' in court hire, mainly brought about by the very steady demand made upon the grass courts by the Public Service-and various mercantile houses,- all of which were circularised early in the season regarding midweek intei'-house matches. This is an avenue that can be still further fostered. “The total expenditure tor the year has shown an increase of £l7B. included in which is £lO4 expended on hard court topdressing. After allowing for this, there is a ■ net increased expenditure of £l4, leaving a net increased. income of £6O. With the special expenditure of £164 allowed for above and only £66 net increase in income, the reason for this year's deficit of £9O is apparent. “Considering the dryness of the past season, especially from the opening of the courts until December, the courts played exceptionally well. From December the grass seemed to improve and by Easter there was a very thick sole on all courts. During the recess n very heavy topdressing has been given- to all courts with the object of having them in excellent condition for the New Zealand championships in 1939-40, which have been 'allocated to the association. During the season the whole of the bard courts used by the Miramar club and four of the remainder were topdressed. These courts badly needed attention, and with the fresh surface it is hoped that the users of them will enjoy better tennis. Mr. Linton has continued to do excellent work and , is steadily improving the whole grounds.”