DAVIS CUP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19953, 10 November 1934, Page 16

DAVIS CUP

WILL AUSTRALIA CHALLENGE? Whether Australia will challenge for the Davis Cup next year or not is a burning question says the Sydney “Referee.” At an earlier meeting of the L.T.A.A. the general feeling was that it would be inadvisable to take any action this year, as it was felt that the players would benefit by a spell. However. in the meantime opinions have varied to a great extent, and at the last meeting of the Federal body many who opposed the challenge were prepared to reconsider their decision* It is expected that when the British pair Perry and Hughes arrive their opinion will be the turning point in the decision, and as it is almost certain that they will advise that a challenge be made, the prospects of another tour for our champions are bright. It is significant also that the Davis Cup team selectors, Messrs. N. E. Brookes, J. Clemenger, F. Peach and H. Malcolm, were reappointed, to act “if a cup team is to go away next year.” There is, however, one fly in the ointment. Norman Brookes has practically promised the Japanese association that their visit of some three seasons ago is to be repaid, and as Mr Brookes has a very big say in what is, or is not to be, in Australian tennis, the question is still open. The next meeting of the L.T.A.A. should give a definite idea as to whether Australia shall challenge or not, as the matter will probably be then fully discussed. At the beginning of this year there were 19,712 men and 53 women in the London Metropolitan Police.