NORTH ISLAND BOWLING ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5, 6 January 1908, Page 5

NORTH ISLAND BOWLING ASSOCIATION.

. fagrp. ■ .—_— ANNUAL TOURNAMENT. A RECORD GATHERING. The Bowling Tournament opened at Auckland this morning under the most favourable auspices in the matter of weather, and enthusiastic interest on the part of bowlers associated with the big Northern bowling body. Upwards of 33 clubs from all over the Island have sent each its two teams of representatives to do battle for the Northern banner, the coveted trophy of the tournament, and for the various other interclub and other prizes to be gained by the doughty bowler; while as most of the bowlera taking part are accompanied by lady and other friends, the influx to town of brothers of the "wood" and their supporters runs into several hundreds, which, together with our large circle of local bowlers, practically means that Auckland for the coming week will resound with the cheery, but to the uninitiated, weird and wonderful language of the rinks. The official reception to the visitors took place on the Metropolitan Club's beautiful Grafton green at 9 o'clock this morning, the welcome to the visitors being extended by Mr. J. M. Mennie (vice-president of the N.1.8.A.), in the ;place of the President (Mr. A. M. Myers), who is unfortunately incapacitated by the accident he suffered while playing tennis the other day. The green was gaily, decorated with bunting for the occasion. She hundreds of bowlers, among whom were interspersed even at that early hour not a few ladies, presented a scene of animated festivity, the colours of most of the thirty odd clubs competing making a diversity of display on their wearers' hats well calculated to puzzle the distinguishing capabilities of the average layman. Old and wellknown bowling faces from all parts were plentifully mingled among the visitors, and on every side one could hear prognostications of a keenly played and brilliantly successful tournament, while it is generally conceded that for numbers and interest it easily stands first among the gatherings of the North Island Bowling Association. In welcoming the visiting bcrwlers and their friends, Mr. Mennie said:—"Gentlemen, bowlers, in the absence of the president, his AVorship the Mayor of Auckland, I have great pleasure in bidding you all a most hearty welcome to this city, and to the Tournament of 1908. I am sure that not only the bowlers but all the citizens of Auckland wish htat own absence and conveying his heartiest time, and that the tournament should prove an unqualified success. Mr. Mennie then read the following letter from the president, explaining his own absence, and conveying his heartiest greetings and hope of an enjoyable and successful tournament: — Dear Sir, —It is -with sincere regret that I have to ask you to be so good as to apologise for my absence to the assembled bowlers this morning, to whom I had been looking forward to the pleasure and privilege of extending a hearty welcome to our city. Unfortunately, ; hovVever, on Thursday last, instead of doing my and playing bowls, I allowed myself to be lared away from the right path, and played tennis, with the result that I sustained an injury to my leg which will confine mc to the house for some days. Although we all recognise that business must not interfere with bowls, I am afraid I cannot ignore the dot-tor's orders, as if I attempt to put my foot on the ground, 1 get a painful reminder of the wisdom of obeying them. Ifc must be gratifying to all bowlers to have an ocular demonstration of the progress that their favourite game hus made in New Zealand, in such a large gathering of delegates from bowling clubs throughout the Dominion aa meets to-day; indeed, in view of the elevating effect which the game has on the character of those who play it, this should be gratifying to all good citizens, whether They arc bowlers or not — though I am inclined to think that all good citizens are bowlers. (Applause and laughter.) We all recogniee that some recreation is essential to health, both of mind and body; and I think 1 may venture to say that as a recrea-tion bowls may safely challenge comparison with any other game. Moreover it has not, as some other popular gajnes have done, developed a ela6s of lookers-on, who take keen interest in the game without ever taking a hand in it themselves; the great majority of the frequenters of our bowling greens are players, not mero spectators. Apart, besides, from its . merits as a recreation, the indirect value of the social aspects of the game cannot be over-estimated. On our bowling greens men of all classes in society, all creeds in religion, all parties in politics, and, in the case of such a tournament as this, from all parts of the country, meet on equal terms in friendly contest, and learn to know and esteem one another's good qualities; and the influence of the spirit of good-fellowship and friendliness ttus created must spread into many ouier spheres of activity. The game of bowls, in fact, is a socialistic game; not using the word in its political sense, but as meaning that the game tends to promote in those who play it a recognition of the fact that they are not merely isolated individuals, J>ut members of society, and bound , to maintain friendly and helpful relations with their fellow members; and these interprovincial contests have a real-value in helping to stimulate the growth' of a national sentiment. (Loud applause.) I am glad that Auckland has had the honour of being the scene of this '.tournament, and I am sure that I am expressing the wishes of every bowler in our city when I say that they hope that all our visitors may enjoy their stay here, and may carry away with the,m the feeling that everything possible has been done to that end. (Applause, and cries of "hear, hear , .") I desire to take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the members of the executive generally, and particularly to our worthy and indefatigable , honorary secretary, Mr. Osmond, for the energetic and enthusiastic manner in which they have' discharged their responsibilities in connection 'with this contest. I should also like to express my' regret, which I am sure will be shared by all present, that Mr. Mentiplay, the- secretary of the Association, has been unable, for the first time, I think, in the history of the tournaments, to attend. The Association is very much indebted to Mr. Mentiplay for the ability and untiring energy with which he has managed its affairs. May I, in conclusion, wish success to the teams from the South leland and Auckland, which are shortly to cross the Tasman Sea to try conclusions with the bowlers of Victoria and New South Wales respectively. I trust that they will have a safe and pleasant journey, tha.t they will find on the other ssdc "foemen Worthy of their steel," and that they will return victorious. With best wishes for the success of the. tournament, and trusting the visiting bowlers will.

thoroughly enjoy their sojourn amongst us, I remain, faithfully yours, ARTHUR M. MYERS, President N.1.8.A. Mrs. Myers was then handed the jack, and with the words, "Gentlemen bowlers, I have much pleasure in declaring this 190S tournament open," started its career with a good throw across the green, amid the enthusiastic cheers of the assembled bowlers. No time was then lost in dispersing to the five different greens, upon which the tournament is being determined. At Grafton, Ponsonby, and Remuera, the inter-club matches are being decided, three rounds being played daily, the finals to be decided on the Grafton Green. At Carlton and Rocky Nook the pairs match is being decided to-day, and on these greens the singles will be played to-morrow, commencing at 9 a.m., or immediately after the conclusion of the pairs matches.