BOWLING NOTES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19736, 28 September 1929, Page 7

BOWLING NOTES.

[By "SKIP.-'J

Invitations have been issued for quite a number of club openings to-day, but the weather, at the time of writing, is such that the possibility of postponements looks obvious. The heavy rain which set in on Thursday evening, together with the hailstorm yesterday afternoon, would have a disastrous effect on the greens, and the majority of greenkeepers would welcome a postponement until more suitable weather conditions prevailed. One club whose opening will not be postponed is the Kaiapoi Working Men's Club, whose invitation states that if inclement weather prevails the opening will take place in the social hall. Other clubs from whom invitations have been received are Lin wood, Bakaia, Hornby, and Belfast —all for the 2Sth of this month. * * -* The news of Mr W. Helliwell's death came as a great shock to his many bowling friends, among whom he was held in very high esteem. Although Mr Helliwell had been in failing health for gome considerable time, no one realised that the end was so near, and qute a gloom prevailed over those with whom he had been so closely connected. Mr Helliwell at one time took a very active interest in local Centre matters, and in 1916 was elected for a term on the New Zealand Bowling Council, on which body he did excellent work. He will be sadly missed by the members of the Christchureh Club, of which he was one of the most popular members. Ho held every office, from director to president, at different times, and also acted for a period as green superintendent, and .was responsible for considerable alterations and improvements being made to the green. He was amongst the first flight of players in the Dominion, and for years was a regular atttmder at the different tournaments. Ho won the championship of his club in singles, and was in the winning rink oil a number qf occasions. On the honours board of his club his name Stands prominent, and will always remain a monument to his memory. To his widow and family deopest sympathy ; is expressed. *• * -X- \ The Canterbury Bowling Club's win- j tet green has been open for play for J some time now, and it is well patronised j every afternoon. It is in beautiful con- j dition, and playing perfectly, a tribute to the work of the green superintendent and greenkeeper. j •Jr -& ->'- ! The indoor rinks, which have been well patronised during the winter months, have now finished their competitions, and as the majority of players which frequented this resort are now looking forward to the open green the rinks will very soon be closed down. Mr Tom Marker has practically taken charge of one rink, and as testing operations are in full swing there is not much chance of bowling. -* ■* -* Mr Tiin Healey, -who has been indisposed for some time, is now able to be i about again. When the weather is fine ho will be a welcome visitor on many of the City greens. ■3f -K- -.'c Mr W. F. Herrick, •who is well known throughout New Zealand, is at present in very poor health, and he may not be seen on the green for some little time. Acting on the a-vice of his medical auyiser, ho intends having a good rest, and may be out of harness for a few woeks. His many friends wish him a speedy recovery and express the hope that he will Soon be able, to take part j. in his favourite pastime. j * # -» j A matter that is neglected in a few i clubs is the coaching of new members. ! These players are often diffident about thrusting themselves forward, and so do not receive much attention and lose interest. A proposer of a new member should really see that he is given some tuition and gets play for the first week or two. After that the incomer can settle down as he begins to know some of his fedowa. Unfortunately, some proposers of new members seem to think the other members should take his man in hand. This is ail right in clubs where duly appointed coaches have to do so, but in Other clubs it oft-times leads to a now member dropping out, as no one appears to take any interest in him. * * * Sydney "Sun" is responsible for the following:—Members of the Sandringham Bowling Club ("Melbourne) who voted against the admission of women members gave aB their reason the desiro to preserve the freedom of the club, and the little remaining freedom of men. "Only among men can a fellow throw off his restraint, chip his mates, use strong language, and tell funny stories," said one to>day. "Wives, your own and other men's, are all very well in their way; but there are times when a man prefers to be alone." . . . This is the woman's point of view, expressed by the secretary of the Women's Bowling Association, Mfs J. Winter:—"Certain dud men bowlers are afraid of women beating them. Some men players attach more importance to shouting at every third end then to bowls. They are afraid their wives might cramp their style in the bar, not on the rinks."

The various sub-committees set up in connexion with the Dominion* tournament have each been busy with the details of its special work, and matters should go along smoothly when the final wash-up has been made by the Tournament Committee for inclusion in the official programme. The compilation of the programme itself is a strenuous job for those concerned, but it may be said it will be fully up to the high standard usually set by this city. The work of the Entertainment Committee is also heavy and requires considerable experience to ensure a satisfactory conclusion.

It is interesting to record that Mr D. Cameron, of the Dunediji Centre meeting, last Monday asked members generally to make an effort in their clubs to secure some competent men to act as umpires for the Dominion tournament next January, also to endeavour to get their lady friends to interest themselves in attending to the social wants of the competitors of the various greens. The utilisation of competent men as umpires is very necessary, as a competent umpire is rather a rarity, and players with a good souud knowledge of the rules are scarce. In addition, a tactful umpire saves a good deal of friction among players, antl is of material assistance to the management. It is to be hoped that l>unedin elubs will rise to the occasion and supply umpires with the necessary qualifications, and then add to this city's already high reputation for ability in controlling tournaments. Iu any case umpires will have a thoroughly competent management to fall back "on. Such experienced men as Messrs Banning, Sulfivan, Payne, Fastier, Marlow, Connor, Cameron, Todd, and several others, whose knowledge is undoubted, can coach umpires for their various duties, and thus enable them to Sll the position creditably and with success.