LAWN TENNIS

Southland Times, Issue 24237, 21 September 1940, Page 11

LAWN TENNIS

DECLINE SHOWN IN MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT OF . WYNDHAM CLUB “The club was adversely affected during last season by a decline in membership,” stated the annual report of the Wyndham Tennis Club, presented at the annual meeting in the Athenaeum hall. Dr' J. H. Baird presided. “A compensating feature,” continued the report, “was the large number of junior members and school children. “Four teams took part in competition games—two in the Eastern District and two .in the Mataura Valley competition. The A grade team won its competition, the following A grade players being selected to represent Eastern in various matches: C. H. Baird, B. Whelan, E. S. Macfarlane, D. E. Scott, Mrs Macfar--lane, Mrs Scott and Miss Strang. C. H. Baird played with success in the New Zealand University tournament and in the Southland championships, losing only to the title winner, R. Howie, of Wellington. Whelen and Baird also represented Southland in interprovincial fixtures.

“The team which played in the B section of the Eastern District’s competition met with less success than was its due, partly owing to the unsatisfactory manner in which this section was conducted,” the report continued. “The C and D teams played in the Mataura Valley Association’s competitions. “A number of players from the club participated in the Eastern District Association’s doubles tournament, Whelan winning in two out of the three sections. Mr and Mrs Macfarlane contested the final of the combined, and other club pairs reached the semi-finals. A successfuT opening day tournament organized by the president, Dr Baird, was won by Heath and Mrs Macfarlane. “The financial position of the club also reflects the decline in membership, the balance having been used in advance repayment of the Sports Trust loan,” concluded the report. The election of officers resulted: President, Dr J. H. Baird; vice-presi-dents, Messrs S. Rice, C. E. Davey and Miss A. Bogue; secretary, Mr J. Health; C grade secretary, Mr G. McKay; committee, Messrs C. W. Rout, C. G. Davey. Mrs Macfarlane, Misses S. Strang and N. Rice; club captain, Dr J. H. Baird; ladder committee, captain, secretary and Mr E. S. Macfarlane; delegates to Eastern District Sub-Union, president and secretary. Opening day was fixed for Saturday, October 5, when a yankee tournament will be played. Subscriptions are to be the same as last year. —