BOWLERS' NIGHT OFF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 15, 19 January 1931, Page 9

BOWLERS' NIGHT OFF.

PRESIDENT ENTERTAINS.

FUNCTION AT SCOTS HALL.

TRIBUTES OF VISITORS

Bowlers who are assembled in Auckland for the annual championship tourney, and their wives, were entertained at a social gathering in Scots Hall on Saturday evening by the president of the New Zealand Bowling Association, Mr. James Pascoe, and Mrs. Pascoe. About 800 people were present, and the decorations, consisting of the colours of variout clubs, made a delightful setting for a brilliant function.

A cordial welcome to the visitors, particularly those from overseas and the South Island, was extended by Mr. Pascoe. He hoped that everyone would thoroughly enjoy the evening. "Brotherhood" of Bowls. In reply, Mr. H. B. Oakey, vicepresident of the Dominion Association, said it was well worth while belonging to the great "brotherhood" on account of the many opportunities membership presented. He expressed pleasure at being able to participate in the tourney, and also at'having the opportunity of visiting beautiful Auckland. He knew that local bowlers would be pleased to know that their • southern friends had enjoyed the. trip north immensely. In conclusion he paid a tribute to the ladies' committee, which had worked to make the evening a success and had organised entertainments for the visitors and : their wives; and also the local executive —particularly the, secretary, Mr. G. L. Gladding—who had paid so much' attention to catering for the particular neede of the visiting bowlers. Mr. John Scott, president of the New South Wales Bowling Association, acknowledged the reception that had been given him and hie party. He referred to the value of the interchange of visits between New Zealand and Australian bowlers, and pointed out that the "ideals of overseas bowlers were much akin to those aimed at in the Dominion. He would like to see representatives from this country at the Australian bowling carnival, which would be held in Brisbane next August. Mr. Scott considered the management of the Dominion tourney excellent. He was particularly struck with the system under which the rinks championship was played—a system which would be copied by Australia. He would take back to the Commonwealth pleasant memories of the fine treatment .and good wishes extended to his party.

Sociability of the Game

Mr. James Wall, patron of the -New South Wales Bowling Association, considered that the great "brotherhood" of bowls was doing a great deal towards the strengthening of the bond of the British Empire. He regarded adherents of the sport in New Zealand as in the first flight. Although they took a more serious view of the game than Australians, it was pleasing to note that they did not allow that to interfere with tho eociability of the sport. Tiio vice-president of the New South Wales Association, Mr. T. Yates. spoke of the hospitality extended to the visitors, and hoped to have the pleasure ot a further visit to tho Dominion. He also paid a tribute to the high standard of the game in this country. cheers had been given for Mr. and Mrs. Paseoe, and had also been exchanged between the Australia's, and communitv singing was indulged in, and an enjoyable programme of musical items was supplied. Contributors to the programme weretMisscs Molly Atkinson, Lynda Murphy, Phvllis Gribbin, Messrs. McElwain, l<. E Sutlerland, H. G MeLennan, Richards Thomas -< 1 the Lyric Four. Master hK Tabcrn W|> contributed a vu>hn fiO l o and "Kardo" gave a mystifying afternoon a picnic excursion to Pine Island was organised, and iaunt. .