BOWLING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 30, 5 February 1900, Page 3

BOWLING.

i- NEW SOUTH WALES V. NEW

ZEALAND,

A VICTORY FOR NEW ZEALAND

The inter-colonial bowling match New South Wales v. New Zealand was played on Saturday afternoon on Mr Kirker's private bowling green, Ponsonby, and resulted in a win for New Zealand by twenty three points. Play commeiKvil at 2.30 and finished shortly after tiv.. The majority of the large ntnnber of spectators who availed themselves of Mr Kirker's general invitation to all bowlers and their friends to be present proceeded to the wharf at 2 p.m. and embarked on the Eagle, which Mr Kirker had thoughtfully provided for the convenience of his gitests. Most of the visiting bowlers —those who could tear themselves away from their love for half an hour took advantage of the President's hospitality to view the beauties of the "last, loneliest, loveliest" harbour, and altogether the boat was avcll filled. As the boat left the wharf Hunter's band, with its usual eye to effect, struck uyt "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," but beyond this suggestion of roughness the trip was n perfect I.1' ';i-^-'-~>

one. Aftei' a short cruise round the harbour, during' which time the baud provided popular and patriotic selections, a course was shaped for Ponsonby wharf. On the way the U.S. transport Abarenda was passed, and amid the strains of the "AbsentMinded Beggar." salutations passed between the two boats. The Ponsonby wharf was then made, and those on board proceeded to Mr Kirker's green, all having enjoyed their trip, more especially the visitors. On arrival at the green it was at once seen that Mr Kirker had made the most sumptuous preparations for the entertainment of his guests. The whole of his spacious grounds had been thrown open and seats and chairs had been placed roiind the green for the convenience of onlookers. In the pavilion near the green refreshments of all kinds were provided for thirsty boAvlers, while a large marquee at the end of the grounds provided light ballroom fare of the most sumptuous description for visitors. The tables were tastefully laid out, and the excellent arrangements made by Mr Stillwell, caterer, who has done the whole of the catering for the tournament. Hunter's band discoursed sweet music on the lawn, and altogether everything was done that could be done for the comfort of visitors, and Mr Kirker's praises were heard on all sides. The afternoon was certain]y a fitting climax to an enjoyable week.

The most interesting point about the play was the intense interest ■which the spectators displa3 red. Although the visitors were outclassed in two rinks out of three, and were defeated by a substantial majority, yet the onlookers carefully followed Ihe game, aud impartially applauded every good bit of p]a3 r. The applause at times indeed resembled that which greets'the Bland Holt Victoria Cross Lieutenant when he rescues the heroine from the clutches of the cashiered and villainous Major. On rinks No 2 and 3 New Zealand won easily, while on Eink No. 1 the visitors gained a victory. The issue was. however, never in doubt, for the Selection Committee had done their work well, and the home team was a strong one. The visitors' play wn?, however, by -m means to be despised, and though beaten they were not disgraced. Play in the inter-colonial match finished a little after five, and shortly after bowlers and visitors dispersed thoroughly satisfied with their afternoon, and loud in their praises of Mr Kirker.

Two competitions for Stewart Dawson's trophies were played and were finished in total darkness, and so great was the interest that several of the fair sex .stayed to the very enfl. Hannigan, the Sydneyite, was*defeated so that the Aiist'ralian players have no more matches. They left to-day for the Hot Lakes.

The following are the results: — NEW SOUTH WALES V. NEW ZEALAND. Wo.' 1 Rink: Josephson, Gordon, Richmond, Horrocks (skip) 24 v. Tait, Sayvvell, Mowlem, Ballinger (skip) 19. No. 2 Rink: Sheather, Fallick, Hardy, Hannigan (skip) 10 v. C. J. Laurie, Ballantyne, Laxon, Ledingham (skip) 28.

No 3 Rink: Giles, Baines, Porter, Rodg-ers (skip) 15 v. Ponsford, Beatson, Crowley, Evans (skip) 25. Totals: New South Wales, 49; New Zealand, 72.

THE STEWART DAWSON CLOCK ■ COMPETITIONS. Dr. Hooper v. Tait: Tait gave Dr. Hooper a bye. Ballinger (skip) 28 beat Hannigan