TENNIS VISITORS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17229, 21 December 1923, Page 1

TENNIS VISITORS.

NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM.

A CIVIC WELCOME. Members of the New South Wales tennis team were given a civic reception in the City Council Chambers today, There was a large attendance of citizens', including representatives of various’ sports bodies. The Mayor (Mr J. A. Flesher) said it. gave him great 'pleasure to welcome the team. Such- visits as these did the game- good and did. them all good, as they came in contact wits represents tives of other states.' He thought thest visits tended to improve the standardof play and to lift things to a highei plane. The visitors had a. long itinerary, but perhaps that barl its ad van tages, because it. would give them a good knowledge of what New Zealand was like. New South- Wales athletes excelled in many branches of sport, and their cricketers were known everywhere. New. Zealand, however, could lead the sister State in football. Ten nis had a strong ho In in New Zealand, and Christchurch bad produced a. tennis champion in the person of the late Anthony Wilding. He regretted that Mr Wilding, sen., could not be present owing to indisposition. Of the 16.00 b or 17.000 tennis players in New Zealand over 3000 were affiliated to the Canterbury Association, and that number did not include the 1000 affiliated t-o the South Canterbury Association. He hoped the New South Wales players would have a pleasant time in New Zealand and that they would be able to see what a. beautiful place Christchurch was. (Applause,)

Mr W. N. Seay, President of the New Zealand Association and the Canterbury Lawn Teams Association, m supporting the Major’s welcome to the visitors, said that tennis was booming in New Zealand, and new clubs were springing up like mushrooms. The 17,000 players mentioned by the Mayor did not include hundreds of players who played only on private courts. The Canterbury Association would like, however, to see the standard of play

higher. To gain that end it was negotiating for the appointment of r» professional coach. He hoped that the time was drawing near when New Zealand would enter a team for the Davis Cup. He wished the visitors a pleasant stay, and keen game*. Mr W. Goss said that he like to have seen lady players with the New South Wales team. (Laughter.) Without thorn, the visitors migli lack some charm. Nevertheless, be hoped their stay would be enjoyable. They were all glad to see the visitors, because tennis was a fine game, and it made firm friends. It. was doing a great deal tor New Zealand. It would do more. The

New South Wales players would be with them during the festive season. He wished them a prosperous time and the compliments of the season. Mr F. Peach, captain of the New South Wales team, replying, said he agreed with the Mayor that these visit-* did good. They had heard a good deal of Christchurch, and if the people of. Canterbury gave them as good ae/time us the North Island people—-

well, there woiild not be much tennis. (Laughter.) The team was keen, and it was. hoped:'to win the test niatch. He would not, mind if the hospitality came after that.. Describing the team’s ;tour through the North Island. Mr Peach said that the bush, mountain and river scenery was magnificent. The views were gorgeous. New Zealanders could well be proud of, its scenery. The Dominion players were good fellows. and “if you can lick us. good luck, to you.’’ (Laughter and ap pi a use.) Mr E. B M’Kay. manager of the team, said that they had all looked forward to the trip, and • it was proving quite up to expectations: The cordial welcome to Christchurch was greatly appreciated. He wished members of the New Zealand t°am good.luck. Tf thev. won. they would win on their

merits. The welcome concluded with an exchange of cheers and the singing of a verse of the National 'Anthem!