TENNIS

Te Ao Hou, Summer 1954, Page 48

TENNIS I was present at Poho-o-Rawiri, Gisborne, for the opening of the tennis season on November 1, and must compliment the club on the way the opening was organized. The attendance was good, and the Gisborne people were even then discussing prospects for the 1954 Maori tournament, which has been set down for Gisborne at Easter. The postponed finals from the 1953 tournament at Rotorua will be the first matches decided. The additional attraction of two sets of finals for all events other than the ladies' singles—won at Rotorua by Miss M. Dewes—should ensure a good attendance. I am sure that the arrangements and hospitality will be up to the high standard usually associated with these capable and experienced hosts. It was good to see so many young people taking part at the Poho-o-Rawiri opening but, to me, there was special interest in the presence of Mr N. W. Smith, Judge of the Tairawhiti Maori Land Court, and a one-time Wellington champion. Maoris of the Bay of Plenty and all Wellington people will remember Norman Smith as one of the stars of the years immediately before the Second World War. Judge Smith retains much of the guile and courtcraft that won so many tournaments in the past. His strokes are still beautifully produced, and I hope that the young players in Gisborne will take advantage of his presence and his interest, as I know he would be happy to coach some of the more promising youngsters. Not many country districts have the good fortune to have a player of national class in their midst, and although Judge Smith may perhaps-have left his palmy days of competitive tennis behind him, his long experience and his knowledge of the game could well be used to advantage. He is already coaching one or two youngsters who are showing distinct promise, and any others who have aspirations to higher tennis honours would do well to seek his guidance. At the national championships played on the Stanley Street Courts at Auckland, two young Maori girls took part. They were Miss M. Dewes and the most promising junior, Miss R. Morrison. This is the first time in my knowledge that Maori women have competed in a national field. Miss Dewes had the difficult task of meeting Miss J. Burke in the second round, and although she was beaten 6–0, 6–3, we should congratulate her for a fine effort. Miss Morrison was one of the surprises of the tournament. She disposed of three seeded players in the first three rounds, and if she can maintain her promise she may one day be a New Zealand champion.