Tennis Tournament At Easter

Northern Advocate, 29 September 1938, Page 3

Tennis Tournament At Easter

Reply to criticism of the North Auckland Lawn Tennis Association at the annual meeting of the Kaikohe Tennis Club recently was made by the president, Mr K. Hayr, at last night’s annual meeting of the associatfon.

The criticism had been expressed in regard to the association’s annual tournament date, and the consequent effect on the Kaikohe club in relation to that club’s own tournament.

“If the press report was correct, the person Who explained the position at the Kaikohe meeting did not know what he was talking about,” said Mr Hayr.'! " Mr Hayr gave notice of motion that this season the association should revert to its former practice of holding its annual tournament at Easter, instead of New Year, as had been attempted in the past two seasons. New Year Not Favourable Mr Hayr said that formerly bad weather had interfered for two or three years with the Easter tournament, and in the hope of building up the effectiveness of the fixture the date had been changed to New Year. “We have found, however, that New Year is not favourable to tennis in this district, and we were not getting the support we should,” he continued. “We are the main body controlling tennis in Northland, and it is our duty to build up a big tournament.” Mr Wright of Kaikohe explained that Easter was also the only time practicable for his club to hold its annual tournament.

“But you have to get permission from the association,” Mr Hayr reminded him.

“It becomes a question of whether we shall break away from the association in that respect,” replied Mr Wright, “It would be a pity to hold the two tournaments so close together, but I for one would not oppose granting you the date you desired,” said the chairman.

Mr Hayr added that the association could not face another loss which would be incurred by holding the tournament at Christmas or New Year again.

“If the association goes under the clubs will suffer in consequence,” he said, “Kaikohe can rest assured that we will do all possible to assist its tournament, however.”

“My club will be quite satisfied so long as it can rest assured that the change in the date of the association’s tournament was necessary,” said Mr Wright., “It does not want to be made to feel that the association is chopping and changing its dates and that Kaikohe has to just follow suit to meet their convenience.”

The meeting decided in accordance with the motion that the association’s tournament this season should be held at Easter.