TENNIS MEN MUST PAY LEVY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17834, 30 April 1926, Page 10

TENNIS MEN MUST PAY LEVY.

DEFICIT ON WILDING PARK IS ALTERNATIVE.

"That in the opinion of this meat lng a levy is necessary for the successful financing of the Wilding Park scheme" was a motion carried at the quarterly meeting of delegates to the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association last night. Notice of motion was given by Mr W. Goss that a levy of 2s 6d should be made on members of city and suburban clubs, and those clubs taking part in inter-club competitions.

Repotting in connection with the flnancial position of Wilding Park. Mr Goss said if they went on expending capital for ordinary expenses they would soon come to a

standstill. They were hoping for increased attendances at Wilding Park. It would l»e necessary to have a care taker at the park to look after the grass courts. A report which would carry them over the ensuing twelve months had been prepared, and this showed that the expenditure would be £750. The estimated income was £225. This left a big deficiency of £525. which would soon cat up the finances. lie lelt that the only possible means of financing Wilding Park was by means of a levy. The association had an ag grrgate of 3500 members of clubs, and a levy of 2s fid a .head would realise £437 10s The levy could be reduced year by year if the income from the park increased. He knew a levy was a distasteful thing, but it was solely for the purpose of paying their way. He moved:—

"That in the opinion of this meeting a levy is necessary for the successful financing of the Wilding Park scheme."

Mr E. G. Burn seconded the motion.

Some members spoke against the proposed levy, urging that it would drive some, enthusiasts out of the.game. Mr A Borrows held an -opposite view. lie thought 2s fid a small amount. Tennis players should be pre pared to pay for their sport. The president, Mr W. N. Seay, supported the proposal, pointing out that Wilding Park was going to be a great asset in the future for interprovincial matches and matches against, overseas teams. The army of tennis players was no ever increasing one. He hoped there would be no bickering over the giving of half a crown. The rank and file had no idea of the work members of the Wilding Park Committee were doing for them. Mr W. G. Lockwood said his objection to the levy was that it was an

indiscriminate one. Tt would hit the younger players just starting. To many of them half a crown was a good Heal. He did not think it was going to licnefit tennis. In reply to Mr J. It. W. Sheppard, Mr Goss said the committee had gone into the question of allowing a club to be formed at the park, and had come to the conclusion that this was not desirable, at least till the eight courts had boon laid down. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Goss then expressed the opinion that a levy of 2s Gd was sufficient, though it would take 3s to cover the deficiency. He, therefore, gave notice of motion: — "That a levy of 2s fid be made on members of city and suburban clubs and those clubs taking part in interclub competitions." It was agreed to hold a meeting in three weeks’ time to consider the notice of motion.