Tennis

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7111, 8 January 1930, Page 10

Tennis

(By “Fore-hand.”)

Weather conditions have been very changeable over Christmas and New Hear, and play in consequence has been more or less desultory. A large number of the regular players have been on holiday and ladder games in the clubs have temporarily slackened. Now that January, the best of all tennis months, is here, and with the promise of continued lino weather, players will settle down in earnest to reach their best form for tournaments and matches. The inter-club competitions will shortly bo resumed, but until the annual Manawatu tournament has boon concluded, little will be doue in this direction. Arrangements for the tournament are well in hand, and a reminder is given that entries close on January 9. An encouraging number of Dominion stars have indicated their intention to compete, aud, given favourable weather, the tournament promises to add another link to the long chain of successful fixtures held iu Palmerstou North. The Linton street courts, where the tourney will bo played, aro in exeeldent condition at the present time and will be at their best when play commences on Monday. Before the formation of tho Manawatu Tennis Association, the tournament was conducted solely by the Palmerston North Club and, even thouga it has now come under the jurisdiction of tho controlling body, tho brunt of the work still falls ou the shoulders of members of that club. Without the support of the Palmerston North members there would be no tournament, and tho impression cannot be too strongly deprecated that the Paimoiston North Club is responsible for the tournament and reaps any benefits that may be forthcoming. The tournament is a Manawatu fixture and, as such, the association is entitled to expect support from all affiliated clubs, there is a groat deal of work and thought necessitated in the organisation and conduct of the fixture, and it would be a sign of the consolidation of the district into a tennis entity if other clubs came forward and assisted with this considerable task. It is not a fail thing to expect the Palmerston North Club to shoulder tho labour and then pass over tho proceeds to bo used for the benefit of the other clubs. A spirit of co-operatiou will go a long way and will contribute a great deal to the continued success of this popular fixture. New Zealand Championships

Entries close on January 13 for the New Zealand meeting. Miss N. Lloyd, the well-known Sydney player, is entering for the national championships and will be playing with Mrs. Sturman in the doubles. They should make a good pair, as both are reported to be playing well. Miss Lloyd won the New Zealand championship doubles with Miss Lance in 1922, and again in 1926 with Miss J. Watson. Mrs. Sturiuan, neo Miss Nancy Curtis, won the national singles in 1920 and 1921, the ladies’ doubles with Mrs. Melody in 1921, tho mixed with Dr. Allison in 1920, and again in 1921 with G. Ollivier. The alteration in the dates from Chi’istmas tixiie to January. 2 7 may prevent some players from taking part in the tournament, but provided the leading players can secure the necessary leave of absence tho meeting should be successful.