LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVLI, Issue 10, 6 September 1911, Page 10

LAWN TENNIS.

WELLINGTON.

(By

“ROMULUS.";

W. Sheppard (ex-Newtown and Wellington Clubs) i« rapidly developing into a first’dass player in Christchurch. At the last tournament held there he won the "handicap singles from scratch, and also reached the semi-final in the championship singles ami doubles. Last Saturday lie met the veteran, W. Goss, in the first round of the United Club’s championship, but was defeated by two sets to one, 6 —l, 5 —7, 6 —2. Alec. Duncan and Percy Wright, two of the most promising co'Us in local •tennis during the last couple of seasons, have migrated to Auckland, and as they are both very keen and enthusiastic, they should make a name for themselves in Auckland tennis. Tlteir doings will be followed with great interest !by the younger generation of Wellington players, amongst whom these two Petone and Afuritai representatives were deservedly popular. At the Khanda'llah Ulub’s annual meeting, held on 21st August, hearty votes of thanks were passed to Messrs. J. H. and (J. 11. Richardson in recognition of their invaluable services to the club. The father has been president ssinee its inception several years ago, while George has carried out the executive duties season after season in an efficient and tactful manner. Subject to the approval of England and America, the challenge-round for the Davis t up has (been fixed for 29th and 30th December and Ist January at Christchurch. The Canterbury Association will take charge of Che New Zealand championships after all, the meeting taking place on the usual dates, 26th, 27th, and 28th December. Following on the Davis Cup meeting, the •New Zealand L.T.A. has decided to hold an invitation championship singles event, in which the Davis tup players and the

crack Australian and New Zealand representatives are expected to compete. The annual general meeting of the progressive Newtown Chib was held on 29th August, when the following officers were -elected for the year: — President. Air. W. H. P. Barber; vice-presidents— Hon. C. M. Luke, M.L.C., Messrs. J. P. Luke, M.P., F. Grady, sen., E. Y. Red •ward, W. Fraser. P. H. Muter, J. H. Pollock, T. H. Gill., and R. F. Lynch; Management Committee —Messrs. E. Y. Redward, F. R. Curtis, 11. L. Godber, J. H. Clark, and F. A. Lewis; hon. secretary, Air. G. *S. Pratt; hon. treasurer, •Mr. F. B. Spilsbury; delegates to W.P. L.T.A., Messrs. F. A. Lewis and F. B. Spilsbury. The annual report stated that the membership was 79, the receipts for the year £205 10/2, and the expenditure £2Ol 14/3 (of which £77 10/9 was the cost of erecting the clubs fine new pavilion) • At the quarterly meeting of the New Zealand Council, J*held in Wellington on Monday week. Professor T. A. Hunter (chairman) announced that the Management Committee had arranged for an Australian ladies’ team 'to visit the Dominion and play matches in Wellington at some convenient date, either 'before or after the Davis Cup contest. The. Khandallah Club has every reason to be satisfied with its position, both from a financial and playing point of view. The balance-sheet shows an excess iof assets over liabilities to the extent of £577 18/7, while the men’s and ladies’ teams in the C grade competitions of the W.P.L.T.A. earned distinction for the district. The ladies were champions for the season with a record of nine wins and one loss; the men’s team just missed champions’ll ip honours,

and was runiier-Qp to Brougham Hill, winning seven and losing two matches. The following officers were elected for the ensuing season at the annual general meeting, held on 21st August:—President, Air. F. Holdsworth; Management Coniinittee —Misses Batham and Cock, Messrs. G. H. Richardson, VV. Hutchings, B. Heenan, and F. Buddle; Alat-ch Committee—Messrs. G. H. Richardson, B. Heenan, and P. Hodgson; hon. secretary aiid treasurer. Air. P. Hodgson; hon. auditor, Air. J. H. Terrain; delegates to W.P.L.T.A., Messrs. D. M. Kean and P. Hodgson. Wilding’s inability to represent Australasia in the challenge round of the Davis Cup comes as a great surprise to Wellingtonians, as the principal factor in leading to the change of venue from Wellington to Christchurch was the matter of sentiment surrounding Wilding’s engagement (cabled out on Weda native of the Catihedral City. Wilding’s engabenient (eableil out on Wednesday) no doKbt accounts for his decision not to come out to New Zealand for the challenge rounds, thereby vitally affecting Australia’s chance of successfully defending the cujfc