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Tennis

We are quite well aware that the time which has elapsed since our Notes appeared in the last issue of the "Spike," is not what is commonly known as the "tennis season," but nevertheless, we feel that, to those few students who have paid winter subscriptions, we owe an apology for the condition of the courts during the past months. As a rule, winter brings to older students memories of many pleasent afternoons spent on the tennis courts—not forgetting the refreshments which are eargrly devoured n the men's Common Room—while to a large number of "freshers," it brings a keen desire to partake of these joys. This year, alas! Very little enthusiasm for witner tennis had been shown by either old or new members.

It is fully realised that the weather has not in the least tended to improve tennis property—the heavy rains of June and July having been resposible for the transference of large masses of clay from the vertical plance of the bank, to the horizontal plane of the courts—but we think that this scarcely excuses us, as a committee, for the lack of interest which we have taken in the general appearance of the courts.

We have visions—may the near future transform them to a reality!—of the time when the concrete wall is crected in the south-east corner, when the courts are top-dressed, when the nets are renewed, and when the path for pedestrians completed.

While speaking of this path, we desire to express our thanks to the College Council for their having decided to get it constructed. When we heard of the glad tidings of their decision, we immediately thought of the possibility of extending the courts at the north end, so as to make them the regulations length, but, on obtaining expert advice, it was learnt that the foundations would not permit of such a scheme. The only way of increasing the length of the courts would be by undermining the Gymnasium, but instead of advocating such an action a this, we can exercise our imagination sufficiently to picture to ourselves, the time when the hills behind the Gymnasium have become plains on which an ideal set of tennis courts is built.

A detailed criticism of individual players cannot yet be given, but from what little play has been seen, we are of opinion that the Tennis Club will be the proud possessor many promising players.

For some time past, our ladder—in a most dilapidated condition—has presented a very imposing spectacle t the eyes of those who admire the various adornments of the Gymnasium walls, and t it is suggested that at the earliest opportunity, an up-to-date ladder be formed, also that, if possible, Yankee tournaments or inter-club matches be arranged.

From experience, we can speak of the benefit derived from meeting players better than ourselves, and we advise younger members that one way of attaining a higher standard of play is assiduous practice combined with keen interest in ladder matches.