N.Z. TENNIS TOURNEY LOSES AUSTRALIAN STARS

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 December 1949, Page 6

N.Z. TENNIS TOURNEY LOSES AUSTRALIAN STARS

The Australian Lawn Tennis Association has declined to affirm the decision of a special meeting to allow G. Worthington and K. McGregor to compete in the New Zealand championships. A Press Association message from Sydney refers to negotiations which have taken place and says that the Australian verdict has caused bitterness in New Zealand. The president of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association. Mr. Noel Wilson, the message continues, telephoned Sir Norman Brookes and spoke of the reaction in New Zealand. A special meeting of the Australian association on November 29 gave Worthington and McGregor permission to play in New Zealand, The New Zealand association was informed of the decision and prepared its draw accordingly. Reservations were sold on the assumption that the Australians would play. OVER-RULED. i The first intimation that Worthington and McGregor would not be 'going to New Zealand was received by the New South Wales L.T.A. be- • fore its meeting on Tuesday. The association was informed that the full council of the Australian association 'had by a narrow majority over-ruled (the decision of the special meeting. (New South Wales was informed that i the association wanted the players for Ithe matches against the Czech, J. Drobny, and E. Sturgess, of South | Africa. I The New South Wales association expressed the view that New Zealand had been given scant consideration in the matter. It decided to send a telegram to the Australian association asking that the decision be re(considered and suggesting that, if (Worthington and McGregor could not [go, two other players suitable to Nev? ;(Zealand be sent. I The chairman of the N.Z.L.T.A., i Mr. A. H. Richards, said yesterday that negotiations for suitable replacements of Worthington and McGregor were still in progress.