TENNIS NOTES

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 2, Issue 8, 1 February 1924, Page 38

TENNIS NOTES

r JP HAT the popularity of lawn tennis in New Zealand is steadily increasing may be judged by the following figures sent in by the various affiliated associations;— , „.

It will be noticed that some associations show a slight decrease, whilst others remain the same. These latter associations will in all probability show an increase, but not having sent in a return they are presumed to be the same. There are six associations in the North Island with the membership given as 11,094, and 47 votes, on the basis of the vote for every 236 members, and six associations in the South Island, with a membership of 6,951, and 31 votes on the basis of one vote for every 224 members. In 1913-14 there were 10,584 members, and 1921-22, 12,732 members. It will readily be seen, therefore, the rapid advance the game of tennis has made in New Zealand in the last two years. Perhaps partly as an echo of the earnest appeal voiced by Tilden, the famous American player, during his visit to New Zealand, for more public interest in lawn tennis, lovers of the game will benefit to the extent of no less than 75 new public courts, which are to be put down on a space of 11 if acres at Miramar, Wellington. The ground lias been granted by the City Council, and the work is to be done by the Tennis Association at a cost of £20,000. It is estimated that 2,000 people daily will have the opportunity to indulge in a game. 000 How to say “ Love-Fifteen ” The lawn tennis season is upon us, and the young men and maidens especially the maidens—are busy practising the summer game. We hear of sundry young women perfecting their scoring voices, together with certain particulars as to the various methods of calling the score. “Love” is a tremendously difficult word to use. It is so liable to be misunderstood, and may lead to all kinds of complications, and when one comes to “deuce” e\ en more caution is needed. Such a lot depends on inflexion. This is what we heard. The sweet young things wielded their rackets, saying “Luv fifteen, Love fifteen, Lo-ove fif, and L-o-o-v-e fif.” All the same scores, of course, but each having a slightly different meaning.

Auckland JL «—♦). .. 2,457 3,010 Canterbury . . . . 2,932 3,260 Hawke’s Bay . . 1,110 2,186 Marlborough 400 420 Otago . . 1,438 1,413 Southland 754 754 South Canterbury . . .. 863 863 Taranaki 790 724 Waikato . . 1,340 1,340 Wanganui 766 766 Wellington . . 2,553 3,068 West Coast . . 234 15,627 241 18,045