TENNIS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 13 October 1926, Page 5

TENNIS.

ADVENT OF PROFESSIONALISM.

By, Onhlo—Press' Association—Copyright. Australian and NAk Cable Association • NEW YORK. October ]O. Commenting on the debut of professional tommy the -‘‘New York Timet?' says: “it teas in the main, a testimonial to the drawing power of AldHe. Lenglen, hut also demonstrated apparently the genuine pub lie- interest in high class tennis, regardless of-whether amateur or professional. Not even the Davis (hip and National Championship matches, drew a single crowd so huge. Saturday night's gallery, both in eniluisiasm and numbers, testified to the popular appeal of professional tenuis, as played by ihe ranking stars. Nothing like trio frenzied cheering heard last night was heard tlnough the tournament season, despite the fact that they were only exhibition matches and Ihe Partisanship and tenseness that markrd the championship play were missing, but the brilliancy of competition was nc- less productive of enthusiasm.” ST. JOHN'S CLUB. The annual general meeting of St. John's Tennis Club was held in St. John's Hall. Craigie Avenue, when Air A. O. Alurdoeh presided over a large, attendance of members. Tim annual report and balance sheet was adopted. The report approved showed that owing to delay, due to the laying down of two extra doub'es and one singles ei urls. Ihe opening of Ihe season was .’comparatively late. However, with increased faei'ities the season proved an enjoyable and prosperous one. and members enduiged in play until late in the season. During the past year Ihe equipment. for players’ needs was also largely added to. and to-day St. John's T- nnis Club ranked as one of the best provided clubs in South Canterbury. The membership during the year was numeriealiy strong, and Urn class of play was much improved. Very keen competition was shown in the championships. and after some excellent contests victory rested wiih Alias K. Deuneliy (ladies) and Air B. Houlihan (men). The annual dance proved .successful socially and financially. During the (welling occasion was taken by the club to make a presentation to All' and Mrs J. G. Yenning, in recognition ol their long and esteemed service in the activities and general welfare ol the club. The thanks of the committee were extended to St. Anne's (Inild for valuable assistance received, to donors, and to all those who ass’sted the endeavours of the club during the past year.

'1 ne balance sheet showed that the club was very healthy financially, although expenditure, due to extensive alteration, was heavy. The receipts were highly salisfaciurv, and alter a season's heavy outlay there was a credit balance of .CIO Os .'d. The a-,sets ol the club were very materially increased since the previous year, and altogether the club was in a good position. i The election of officers resulted : Patron. Rev. Father Hurley, K.AL, president. Mr W. Minehau ; vice-presi-dents. Rev. Fathers Barra, S.AL, and Poop'cs S.M.. Mesdames \Y. Clarke, D. Martin and .Miss F. O'.Meeghau. Messrs M O'Aleeglrui. Af. Mulbn, R. Marshall .1. W. AlcMurt.ree. .}. .Meelum and li. Williams; secretary Air .). H. Smith; t reaeurer. Mr A. O. Munioeht auditor Ah P. Cronin-, cmuinit te<u Mis-.es K. Deuneliy, P. Lynch, 1L /Teeming and

D. Mason, Messrs G. Gamble, IJ.1 J . Cronin, 1). Martin and M. Cosgrove; club captain, Mr G. Gamble; selector, Mi- G.'Al. Gamble; delegate to Catholic Club, Mr W. Minohan. Mr G. Gamble was re-elected delegate to the South Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association. It was decided to take part ill the South Canterbury Association’s competitions, and to enter two teams, one m the B. Grade and one in the C grade. Saturday October ldtli was set aside for tlie opening of the season.