LAWN TENNIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 248, 19 October 1937, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS

WANGANUI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING HELD HOPE FOR GOOD SEASON There was an enthusiastic note evident at last night's annual meeting of the Wanganui Lawn Tennis Association last night. It underlay a hope that the season just beginning would make up for in full measure the weather deficiencies of the past. Mr N. R. Bain, the association president, was in the chair. The following were present: Messrs G. H. Pownall and G. Orr (vice-presi-dents), D. G. O’Toole (Raetihi), K. McFarlane (Taihape Railway), A. H. Chisholm (Hunterville), R. J. Coombe and M. L. Lampe (St. John’s), C. V. Evans (Taihape), D. W. Earle ana N. B. Barkman (Wanganui), J. Wright (Okoia), M. Broadhead ana Craig (Gonville), A. C. Rogers (Westmere), G. P. Williamson and J. Ward (Wanganui East), A. H. Rhodes and A. Diehl (Rata), V. Latham (honorary treasurer), and A. J. Peacock (honorary secretary). Mr Bain, moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, said that the association was not favoured with good weather and the tournament, because of that, was not a success. It might be that the association would have to do some retrenching. Perhaps it would have to do without the services of its professional coach. The appointment of a sole selector gave satisfaction last year and he hoped that whatever was done for the coming year would give as much satisfaction.

Mr G. H. Pownall, seconding the adoption, said that provided the association was assured of reasonably good weather this season, its position would be materially altered for the better. While in the Auckland district recently he had called on the Beverley homestead and two of the Beverley girls, perhaps three, would be visiting Wanganui for the tournament this year. The speaker added that there was a possibility of getting Stedman, perhaps Malfroy, to compete. The report and accounts were adopted. Election of Officers Officers were elected as follows: Patron, Mr J. Harold; president, Mr N. R. Bain; vice-presidents, Messrs N. B. Barkman, G. Pownall, G. Orr, D. W. Earle and D. G. O’Toole; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr A. W. j. Peacock; management committee, Messrs M. L. Lampe, J. C. Ward, H. J. Coombe, K. McFarlane, Craig, ana C. O. Evans; hon. auditor, Mr S. K. McCallum; honorary solicitor, Mr W. R. Brown; sole selector, Mr N. B. Barkman; delegates to the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, Messrs G. Pownall, Melody and G. Pownall; nominee as vice-president of the New Zealand Association, Mr Pownall.

Tributes were paid to the excellent services rendered the association as secretary by Mr Peacock during a long period of years. A similar expression was made in respect to Mr V. Latham, the retiring honorary treasurer.

Pressure had to be brought to bear on Mr Barkman to reconsider a decision to relinquish the position or sole selector and he finally acceded that request. Several speakers stressed the valuable work Mr Barkman had done and the meeting, with a keen sense of appreciation, accepted his nomination and elected him unopposed, the understanding being that he be afforded full assistance in what had become a very full task. Recognition of the services rendered by Miss B. Pownall in connection with the social activities of tho association was minuted, tributes being paid to her work in this connection by the retiring treasurer. A letter is to be sent to her, conveying the sentiments expressed. The appointment of a professional coach was discussed, Mr Bain intimating that, owing to the state of the finances of the association, the committee could not pay a fee. It was possible that some honorary position would be conferred on Mr A. N. Campbell, which would afford him a right to enter on the courts and coach if he wanted to.

The meeting carried a motion recommending that he be appointed honorary professional coach, it being supported by Messrs G. P. Williamson, G. Orr, D. G. O’Toole, N. B. Barkman and N. R. Bain, those speakers extolling Mr Campbell’s work among junior players. A special vote of thanks was accorded Mr G. P. Williamson for his services as vice-president and member of the Management Committee. Replying, and thanking the delegates, Mr Williamson again stressed the need, for continuation of the scheme of matches with country clubs as inaugurated last year. Messrs Rhodes (Rata) and Chisholm (Hunterville) spoke eulogistically of the scheme and the enjoyable visits it had made possible. Mr Evans (Taihape) said that his club had been left out in the cold and it hoped tne matter would be rectified this year. The Gonville Club delegates made explanations and the matter is to be renewed this season on a more tangible basis. Mr Evans said that he would like to see the association do more for Taihape. He suggested that the exchange of visits be changed round 5 little each year. WESTMERE TENNIS CLUB. The Westmere Tennis Club opened its season on Saturday last, under ideal weather conditions. The Rev. Norrie, president of the club, welcomed the visitors, and in a briet speech extoling the virtues of tennis as a healthy recreation, declared the courts open for the 1937-38 season.

Mr. Reg Clements and C. Dickinson were responsible for running a double tournament in which 44 players took part, and after some very kenly contested games the final contestants were:—Mrs. E. James and Miss Thelma Taylor against Mrs. R. Clements and Mr. C. Denham, the latter pair proving victorious after a very strenuous game. Miss E. Brown generously donted prizes for the winners. A dainty afternoon tea was served by the ladies and altogether a very enjoyable afternoon was spent.