1930s - The way we were
Foot faulting must have been an early problem because in 1930 the Umpires Association approved of Roving Foot Fault Umpires.
In 1931 it was decided to ascertain the cost of securing and fitting a washing up sink in the club’s weatherboard shed. This was finally installed in 1932.
By 1934 membership had reached 100 and the interesting question was raised as to whether the wearing of shorts by male players was objectionable to members. It was decided to immediately resolve the dilemma. “The subsequent ballot re ‘shorts’ resulted in an absolute majority of Club members being in favour of them”. At that time, tennis attire for gentlemen was the traditional white outfit of pressed long pants and a long-sleeved flannel shirt as worn by Jack Crawford (1908-1991), Australian Champion in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1935.
It was a tradition for many years, (rescinded by committee in 1959) to present a gift to members on the event of their marriage. In 1934 a presentation was made to Mr Stan Butler of a “Smokers Stand” on the eve of his wedding. “Mr Butler had been a member of the Club since its inception and all members joined in wishing him prosperity and happiness.”
In 1935 it was suggested by Mr C. Rush “that a trophy be awarded for the most popular lady member, as decided among the male members.” This was approved by the committee and the minutes later record : ”A vote of thanks was recorded to Mr C. Rush for donating a handsome cut glass bowl as a trophy for the most popular lady which was won by Miss M. Kraegen who was heartily congratulated by all on receiving such a well-deserved honour.”
Tennis sporting stores did not exist until the 1940s, so tennis balls, nets and equipment were purchased from A. Hordern & Sons, at one time the largest department store in the southern hemisphere, or Nock & Kirby’s or Hoffnung & Co, all now closed. On some occasions it was necessary to purchase balls from Selfridges in London.
Sunday in Australia, as in all Christian societies, was known as “the day of rest”. However, at the 1938 AGM, Rule 23 of the Constitution was repealed from “No play on Sundays” to “Play on Sundays to be limited to the hours 1pm-6pm and that no competition be held on Sundays.”
When Club Championship trophies were won three times, they were kept by the winner and consequently new ones were regularly needed. Mr LE Palmer, founding member and stockbroker, who lived in nearby Amalfi, was the generous donor of trophies. By 1939 Mr England suggested cups be discontinued as the winners’ names were placed on the Club’s Honour Boards.
The Sun (Sydney, NSW) Mon 9 Sep 1935