ZEALOUS OFFICERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22544, 8 October 1936, Page 19

ZEALOUS OFFICERS

INTERESTS OF THE GAME MEN WITH WIDE EXPERIENCE LIFE-MEMBERSHIPS CONFERRED The importance of having good men at the head of a body such as the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association cannot be over-estimated and tennis players in Auckland are fortunate that they have such a zealous and willing executive to forward the interests of the game in this province. The activities of the association have grown to such an extent in recent years that a great deal of time is demanded of its officers, and the fact that this is so readily given has undoubtedly contributed much to tho great advance that organised tennis has made. Mr. H. Clay, tho new president, can be relied upon to maintain, if not improve, the high standard set by his predecessors. He commenced his tennis career at the Mount Albert Club and later joined up with Parnell. At both clubs he reached high executive positions. In connection with tho work of the association he is best known for his efficient handling of the inter-club competitions, possibly the most important and certainly tho most arduous of tho association's many activities. He has also taken a prominent part in the game in other parts of New Zealand, notably Gisborne and the Waikato. Enthusiastic Worker Mr. Percy Harrison, immediate past president, will he remembered for the enthusiasm he put into his work during his three-year term as president, and tho excellent feeling which he helped to establish with the parent body in Wellington. He is a mem tier of the Royal Oak Club.

The four vice-presidents are Messrs. F. C. Ellis, A. S. Lamb, S. Cleal and J. K. S. Hall. Mr. Ellis comes from the Mount Albert Club and has been an executive officer of the association for n number of years. Of the legal fraternity Air. I'll lis has guided the association through many points of law and with his unfailing good humour he is ii general favourite as a member of tournament committees.

Mr. Lamb combines the qualities of player and administrator to an unusual extent. Possibly these days the latter powers are rather more in the ascendant, but he is still well up on the Auckland Association ladder. He has been Parnell champion on more than one occasion; and is the club's ground superintendent at the present time. Mr. Clenl, president of the progressive West End Club, since joining the association, has shown executive ability above the average. Ho has had considerable experience on the executives of other sporting bodies and this makes him a highly valued officer of the association. Tournament Official

Mr. Hall, secretary of the Remuera Lawn Tennis Club, is another of the legal fraternity. He is in his element unravelling obscure points of law as they affect tho rules of the association, and ho has been, particularly prominent in connection with inter-club work and the running and organisation of tournamcn ts.

The emergency committee consists of Messrs.. A. K. Turner. L. ,T. Williamson, L. S. Rates and C. D. Bowler. Mr. Turner. another player-administra-tor. has been on the executive for a number of years. Mr. Williamson is nn active worker, particularly in regard to tournament and outer-suburban interests, and is a, delegate for Papakura. Mr. Rates, who has displayed conspicuous energy and initiative in the administration of Ngatnringn, is a valued member on tournament committees, and has done good work on the inter-club committee. Mr. Rowler, president of the Mount Eden Club, which has made good progress under his guidance, was newly elected this season and promises to become «a very useful member of the association.

. The controlling body has been particularly fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. R. Porter as successor to Mr. N. C. Pierce, who resigned the secretaryship after four years of office. Mr. Porter has had considerable experience i n various sporting organisations and his appointment means that the interna I work of the association, which is increasing every year, will continue to be efficiently carried out. Messrs. E. W. Griffiths nnd T. E. rT iok son, ground superintendents of Stanley Street and Windmill Koad, have held hetween them at one time or another all the important positions on the association, as well ns that of president of the New Zealand Association. They have both recently been honoured by being elected life members of tlio Auckland Association.