TENNIS IN AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23545, 4 January 1940, Page 12

TENNIS IN AUSTRALIA

MATCHES BETWEEN STATES QUESTION OF ALLOWANCES The Victorian Lawn Tennis Council at its last rieetinff received a letter from members of its women's team complaining that the allowance of each was inadequate, and travn little assistance toward the expenses of inter-Stalo trips. It, was also pointed out that all New South Wales representatives received their return fare, plus £. r i allowance. During tjie last six or sevpn years the players' altitude toward inter-State fixtures has sradually changed. At one time to represent one's State was the hinrhest honour possible, and the championships to follow were treated a« a secondary consideration. Players oflen paid their own fares and never at any slape received allowances for e\. prnses. Competition was keen and the nlajers practised strenuously for weeks before hand. Owinpr to its central situation, Victoria is unfortunate in resrnrd to its inler-State fixtures. sending: teams to both New South Wales and South Australia at a cost of over £IOO per trip, while both the olher States only have to meet the bill for the one triangular series in Melbourne. It is not likely thai there will be any increase in players' allowances at present, and, if the war continues, it may be necessary for Victoria to caned the South Australian tour. This year South Australia is makinsr a special effort to raise funds on account, of its palatial new stand, which was commenced last year, at a cost of over £IO,OOO, and is only just completed. The Australian association will meet portion of the cost, and the sale of permanent seats at £25 each has helped to the extent of £4OOO, but thera will still be a large deficit to meet.