DAVIS CUP CONTESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18380, 21 April 1923, Page 9

DAVIS CUP CONTESTS.

AUSTRALIA WITHDRAWS.

ANDERSON'S POSITION.

UNTENABLE CONDITIONS.

By Telegraph—Press As

(Received 9.55 p.m.)

A. and N.Z.

SYDNEY. April 20.

; The decision of the Lawn Tennis Council not to send a team to compete for the Davis Cup has created considerable surprise and disappointment in sporting circles, especially as Anderson was available.

Mr. W. E. Hicks, secretary of the council, explains that though Anderson had not declined he imposed conditions not allowed by the Davis Cup rules, even if the Australian Council were agreeable.

It is understood that Brookes had selected a team, including S'chlesinger and Mclnnes, the Victorian colts. Dissatisfaction is expressed locally at Clemenger and Sieler being passed over, as the latter's form against the New Zealand champions was considered *ui crier to that of the Victorians.

Mr. J. 0. Anderson states that he is available for the Davis Cup team if a substitute for him in his business is provided by the association. The president of the Lawn Tennis Association states it is impossible for the association to provide a substitute, as it is outside the Davis Cup rules relating to amateurs.

MATTER OF EXPENDITURE. CONTEST TOO SCATTERED. A. and N.Z. LONDON. April 19. Mr. P. Savelli, of the Lawn Tennis Association, in an interview, said it was with the deepest regret that he heard the news that Australia would not take part in the Davis Cup contest. This regret was shared by all others. It was permitted under the rules to pay travelling and accommodation expenses, and he presumed time was the obstacle. Lieutenant-Colonel Kingscote said he was of opinion that the contest had grown too large and scattered. When it originated, it was confined to England and America, now it was unweildy, involving the greatest sacrifice of time and expense. These after all were the only games frequently taxing financial ability, so it was not surprising that Australia, is not sending her fine players, thus is out of the contest. The team would not have come to England in any case, but we would have watched their progress with v interest. ! ';-.

AMERICA DISAPPOINTED. ALWAYS GREAT FAVOURITES. A, and N.Z. 'NEW YOBK. April 19. The New York Herald comments:-— Both disappointing and surprising is the announcement of Australia's withdrawal from the Davis Cup events. It. is disappointing because the Australians have always been great favourites in American courts and , have invariably aroused unusual interest in sport. It is surprising because according to a recent announcement from Australia the Australian Lawn Tennis Association had decided to give budding tennis stars an opportunity, this season of obtaining valuable international experience. ... l