LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11241, 9 December 1899, Page 7

LAWN TENNIS.

Players havo "been enabled by a fine Saturday or two to commence practice, and the lawns now present a busy appearance at tile end of the week, though there is really nothing important in tlio way of matches to chronicle. The first- and most important event of general interest to tonnis players will bo the Now Zealand Championship Meeting, which commences on December 29. There is nothing definite yet with rcrgard to the Auckland representation, though no doubt when tho time comes our two cracks— R. Hooper and H. A. Parker—will bo found among the number. Tho first-named is, I beliovo, already in very fair trim, and tho latter is assiduously practising. Other players whose names have boon mentioned as possible visitors to the scone of the championship fathering are tho Misses Biss, Gorrie, Aieken, and Butler, and Messrs. Brabant, Pcacockc, Patterson, and Crump, though I will not at present vouch for any of them. With Messrs. Hooper and Parker—assuming that both go—to represent Auckland in the men's singles and doubles championship ■ events, the North must be credited with the 1 possession of a chance of carrying oil' tho coveted banner, which goes to tho province securing most points in tho championship events, as the two events in connection with which I mentioned thoir names are moro valuable as far as points are concerned than (ho throo other championships—including the mixed doubles. In tho men's doubles the Aucklanders will no doubt bo opposed by Cox and Collins, of Christchureh, and tho Gore Brothers, of Wellington. Cox is, of courso, tho present singles champion of tho colony, and the pair also hold tlio doubles championship, while Collins also fought his way as far as the final of tho singles at tho last championship meeting. Tho ladies' singles championship again reads a "good thing" for Miss Nunnerley who still stands right above all opposition in a class distinctly her own. Willi a good partner tho mixed events should also fall to this lady and her companion. I havo heard two or threo rumours as to tab provinco tlio lady champion is likely to represent, Wellington and Canterbury both having boon mentioned, and as far as I can gather it will most probably be the latter centre. Mr. Fisher has been mentioned as her partner. I learn that Mrs. Abraham, of Palmerston North, will be a competitor at this year's championships. This lady, it will bo romemborod, should havo iron tho ladies' singles championship at Napier in 1891 but for an unfortunato accident—the falling 'backwards over a spectator, which completely unnerved her, besides injuring her anklo — which befoll her when holding a sound lead. Mrs. Abraham lias since been to tho Old Country, and the forthcoming championship will, if I remember rightly, bo her first since 1891. It was in Ireland, I believe, that Mrs. Abraham, who in 1891 was undoubtedly the best lady player in the colony, first handled a racquet. It is expected that tho Aucklanders for tho championships will loavo about the 21st, going on to Wellington for practice, and then running up to Palmerston North by rail just in time for tho mooting.