LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 712, 29 October 1903, Page 14

LAWN TENNIS.

The annual meeting of the Parnell Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club took place last week, and a very satisfactory report was read by the secretary. r l he membership during the past season was 149, and it was likely to increase this season. Ihe club was in a good financial position, being free from the debt incurred through the expensive formation of three croquet lawns a few seasons ag'o. Professor Segar stated that by a re-arrangement the number of lawns had been increased to five. Mr Tempest was elected a life member, and heartily thanked for his gift to the club of his outstanding debenture of £5. The following officers were elected for the ensuing season : —Committee, Messrs enson,” Hill, Marsack, and Rich ; ladies’ committee, Mesdames Holmes, W. Bloomfield, and Misses Mowbray and Davy ; delegates to Auckland Lawn Tennis Association, Messrs Stevenson and Scherff ; delegates to Auckland Croquet Championships Association, Mesdames McConnell and Smith ; hon. treasurer, Mr W. R. Holmes. The appointment of hon. secretary was left to the general committee. It was decided to open the lawns for play on Saturday, November 7. * * * *

The programme for the New Zealand championship meeting and open tournament, commencing on the Recreation Ground, Napier, on Saturday, December 26, is as under : —Championship Events : Men’s Singles, best of three sets, advantage sets ; Ladies’ Singles, best of three sets, advantage siets ; Men’s Doubles, best of five sets,. advantage sets ; Ladies’ Doubles, best of three sets, advantage sets ; Combined Doubles, best of three sets, advantage sets. Handicap Events : Men’s Singles, best of 70 points (first and second class) ; Ladies’ Singles, best of 50 points ; Men’s Doubles, best of 50 points : Men’s Doubles, best of 70 points ; Ladies’ Doublesi, best of 50 points ; Combined, best of 70 points. In addition to the association gold medals and challenge cups in the Singles Championships, Messrs Slazenger and Sons have presented valuable trophies. Seven courts will be used, and entries for the championships must reach the hon. secretary not later than Monday, December 21. Entries for the handicap events fall due on Wednesday, December 16. Mr Barry Keesing, late of the Auckland Tennis Club, now occupies the position of hon. secretary to the Hawke’s Bay L.T.A., and will supply all information re the meeting.

The Eden and Epsom Lawn Tennia and Croquet Club opened the season on Saturday. The weather was all that could be desired, and a pleasant afternoon was spent. The vicar of the parish made a neat little speech (in the absence of the President, Mr Arthur Heather). Mra» Heather then declared the lawns open. Tennis was gone in for heartily all the afternoon.

” Lawn Tennis at Home and Abroad,” edited by A. Wallis Myers, with contributed chapters by the leading authorities and illustrations from photographs, contains a chapter on “ Lawn Tennis) for Ladies,” by Mrs Stelly, four times champion of England, which deserves to be read by every lady player. In her contribution she for the first time lets the readers into the secrets of her triumphs, and gives a number of valuable hints to the beginner.

The Auckland Lawn Tennis Club opened their lawns at the foot of Grafton Road on Saturday last under very favourable circumstances. There was a very large attendance of members and friends, the weather was beautiful, and everything lent itself to the success of the occasion. Mr Jackson, President of the Club, formally opened the lawns, and in the course of his remarks mentioned that the Club had every prospect of a good season, the finances were sound, and the membership roll had increased considerably. He heartily welcomed all incoming members, and trusted that that feeling of good fellowship which had always existed would be maintained in the future. During the afternoon the courts were fully made use of by the players present, who all expressed their satisfaction at the state of the grounds. Good form could hardly be expected on the first day of the season, but many of the “ colts ” show good promise and will 'possibly be heard of during the season. Refreshments were provided during the afternoon, which were greatly appreciated by players and visitors. Among the illustrations this week will be found a couple of snapshots taken on the lawn.

Tennis will be in full swing on Saturday at Devonport. The ground is a very pretty one, the weeping willows surrounding it helping to make up a charming picture. lam told that the five lawns are in first-class order. It is fairly certain that there will be plenty of visitors from other Clubs ready to take part in the opening ceremony.