THE GAME OF BOWLS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 18, 16 October 1933, Page 4

THE GAME OF BOWLS

Green Opening Ceremonies HIGH WIND PREVAILS A typieal Wellington spring day—high winds, with alternating sunlight ami shadow —ushered in the game o! bowls to many of the local clubs on Saturday afternoon. But even although the. strong gusts added occasionally to the bias ot a well-laid bowl, the bowlers spent an enjoyable day. and the opening ceremonies were duly performed in the presence of large numbers of players at the various duns. Wellington Club. There was. as usual, a very large attendance at the opening of the Wellington club’s greens. The president, Mr. Joan Porteous, said they were all pleased ro have fine weather for the opening day. The only complaint about the weather was the wind, but to Wellington players that was a mere bagatelle. On behalf ot the directors and himself he _ extended greetings to all members and visitors es.peciallv to the ladies. He also wished to welcome to the green Mr. Teter Fraser, M.P. for the district, and Mr. AV. Perry, the president of the Wellington centre. He was also pleased to see among them a distinguished member of the. Khandallah club, iu the person of Sir. John A. Ulin■mer. who was president of the dub oO years ago. T’hc club was now approaching its jubilee. It was established 47 years ago, and they had with them one of the foundation members iu Mr. Louis Blundell. He was sorry to say that during the year they had lost with great regret an estimable member iu the person of Captain Hugo. Some members had left the club owing to the depression, and for oteer reasons, but he was pleased to say they also had some new recruits to make up for their depleted numbers. In referring to the good order of the greens the president said it would be remembered that their greens went through an ordeal last se.ason bn the occasion of the CSew Zealand tournament, but thanks to the green committee and the caretaker, Mr. Pine, they were now iu good playing condition. They also had to thank Mr. Wicks for taking the level of the greens. Air, P. Fraser, M.P., said he was pleased to be present once more at the opening of the club. In studying the names of its past members he would say that it had grown up with Wellington, as) the names represented some of the most estimable citizens Wellington had possessed. He, too, regretted the death of the late Captain Hugo, who was held in respect not only in Wellington, but right through the Dominion for the efficient fire-fighting forces he had helped to create. He hoped the season would be a happy one for aJI concerned. > . ■ , Air W. Perry, president of the centre, referred to the Wellington club as being the M.C.O. of bowls, and the headouarters of bowls in Wellington. The 'Wellington centre held all its meetings in the clubhouse, and when the tournaments came round the final games were invariably played on the Wellington club’s green. He hoped the 1033-34 season would be a pleasant one. and that many friendships would be made that would endure. The president apologised for the absence of his wife, who was not very well, and called upon Mrs. Jacobs, the wife of the vice-president (Mr. A. Jacobs) to throw the first jack, and lay down the first bowl, upon which he declared the season open. Among those present were Mr. G. naildon, late Mayor of xYuckland. Afternoon tea and the music of an orchestra served to brighten up the afternoon. Thomdon Club. “Welcome.’’’ This word, inscribed on a large calico streamer affixed to the grassy bank at the side of the Thorndon club's green, gave the keynote to the feeling which prevailed at the opening of this club on Saturday afternoon. The president, Mr. Noel- Nelson, in opening the green, gave a very hearty welcome to all members and visitors, and trusted that the season would be a happy one to all-concerned in bowls in Wellington. He referred with sorrow , to . the death of Mrs.’ Wilson and Miss McKeown, the ouly two honorary lady members of the club, and also made feeling reference to the death.of Mesdames H. J. McLean, M. G. Fisher, and W. Davis, wives of members who had died during the year, also to the death of Mr. George Pearson, an ex-member and committeeman of many years’ standing. The green would be found to be in excellent condition, thanks to the good work done by their greenkeeper, Mr. W. H. Peters, whose unremitting attention had yielded great results. After Mrs. Nelson had thrown the first jack, Mr; AV. Jay, the club’s oldest member, lay down the first bowl amid applause. , , . „ , Mr. Nelson also referred especially to the accession of 25 new members. Most of them were beginners, but. from the promise they showed he felt justified in expressing the feeling that when they got the “feel of their bowls” the club would C.’ H. Chapman, M.P. for the district, also added a few remarks appropriate to the occasion, and incidentally mentioned that bowlers and others engaged. in outdoor sport owed a great debt of gratitude to the late Sir Thomas Sidey for pushing through the daylight-saving legislation, which gave them a little more time for the game than they would otherwise have. He wished the club a happy and successful- season. Afternoon • tea -was served iu the pavilion. Hataitai Club. At the Hataitai club the president, Mr. W. E. Cathie, welcomed all visitors to the opening of the green, and made especial reference to the ladies of the district w’ho served the afternoon tea every Saturday afternoou. In referring to the green the president mentioned that during the year the club had thought it advisable to put down a turf nursery, from which source it would be able to replace worn patches when they occurred toward the latter end of the season. It bad asked the City Council to undertake that task for the benefit of all bowling clubs, but as it had not shown any disposition to do so, the club had decided to establish a turf nursery of its own on the property, hitting reference was made to the death of an old member in the person of Mr. r red Lamberg. Apologies received were those from Mr. Charles Bary, who was indisposed, and Mr. IL A. Shepherd, who bad not missed au opening for many years. Mr, Cathie also referred to the daylightsaving enactment, and hoped that the Government would be induced sooner or later to extend the half-hour to one boui. In any cose he thought that summertime could be extended so as to include Eaoter. . . , . , Mr. R. Semple, M.P. for the district, also extended his felicitations to the cluo and wished it a happy and prosperous season. In regard to daylight saving, he said that he had his doubts ae to the possibility of extending the time to one hour, and thought the club would do better by concentrating its efforts toward having the period of summer-time extended until Faster. . Mrs. Cathie threw the first, jack, aud Mr J. A. Martin, the oldest member of the' club, laid the first bowl. Afternoon tea was served in the pavilion halfway through the afternoon. Newtown Club. Saturday was the fortieth birthday of the Newtown Club, and in honour of the occasion a cake was presented to the club bv Miss Petersen. It was bravely decorated with forty candles, which were lighted by the president, Air. H. M. Porter, amid the applause of the members. Mr. Cathie, who extended a cordial welcome to members and visitors, said it was gratifying to see so many present, and be hoped that all would stay and partake of the hospitality of the Club. It was with deep regret that he referred to the death during the vear of such worthy members ■as Mr. S. C. Middlebrook. Mr. T. Powell and Mr. O’Donalmo, who had been held in the esteem of nil members. It was not necessary at such a time to go into details as to the affairs of the club. Though there had been a decrease in members, their treasurer, Mr. Salmon, had beer, , able to submit a balance-sheet, which un-

der the circumstances, must be considered satisfactory. After referring to the social activities of the year, , Mr. Porter mentioned with pride the fact that the club had been the winners of the Marlborough tournament. They appreciated the intrinsic value of the loving cup the chib’s representatives had been presented with, but above that they prized even more highly the spirit ot good fellowsuip which the gift represented, it was a good end to the season. As to the du):is green be did not think he would be boastful in saying that it would be among the best in the Dominion, thanks to the superintendent, Mr. George Booth, who was supported by the capable efforts of the greenkeeper, Mr. Stephenson. The jack was thrown by Mrs. I orter, and the first bowl was played by the only foundation member of the club. Mr. IL Sexton, and the second was played by Mr. S. Roberts, the oldest member ot the ' 'jliss M. Castle and Mrs. Alex. Scott gave musical items during the afternoon. About 50 people attended a social evening at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. C. Barker. A progressive euchre competition was thoroughly enjoyed. _ Prizes were won by Mr. Hill, Mr, M. Smith, and Mrs F. Robbins. A cake, decorated with bowler, kitty, and bowls, presented by Mr. Id. Culley, was won by Mr. B. Guise. Kelbuni Club. In his opening remarks at the Kelburn club's green on Saturday, the president, Mr H. Ross, after welcoming all present, made feeling reference to the death of the late Mr. Frank Meadowcrott, a former president, and Mr. T. Compton, one of the club’s most capable and sportsmanlike players. Mr. Meadowcroft, had been president, of the club at his passing, and his death had been a sad loss to the club and its members. Two others who nad been associated with the club, aud who had passed away during the year, were Messrs. W. Andrews and W. J. Osborn, whose death all members would sincerely regret. Notwithstanding the economical conditions the membership of the club bad been well sustained. The green was in a beautiful condition, perhaps better than it ever bad been,. thanks in the main to the enthusiastic work of the green superintendent, Mr. M. Routley, and the greenkeeper, Mr. Bell, who had certainly given them a wonderful playing surface. “It is the policy of the club to give "■ames to as many members as possible, said Mr. Rose. “The club .has undertaken a rather difficult proposition in entering twelve teams tor the senior pennants, and one for the junior pennants. We feel that it is better to play with this object in view rather than with the object of winning competitions.” In the unavoidable absence of “Irs. Rose, her-daughter, Mrs. Munden, threw up the first kitty, and the first bowl was sent down by the club “patriarch. Mr. Alister Brown. , . . . iVfternoon tea was served tn the pauJion, and the remainder of the day was spent in friendly games. Island Bay Club. The Island Bay club’s pavUiou was gaily decorated with bunting and steamers "in the club’s colours on the occasion of the opening of the green for the season on Saturday afternoon. Mr. W. J. Churchill, the president, gave a warn welcome to till visitors, as , ab t . t K^ c b tive bowlers. He congratulated the c u on the admirable spirit which had prevailed among members tbrou e h the laseason, both on the social as we as ue competitive side of the game club was iu good position, the green in good order, thanks largely to the individual efforts of the members; themselves, ami the co-operation they had shown with Lb Mn T&een. M.P. for the district, was iu attendance, and wished the club a bannv and successful season. the iack was thrown by Mrs. Church 1, after which Mr. J. Mackay played the first bowl. A dainty afternoon tea wis provided by the lady supporters of the club. ' Petoue Cent J-at A large number of visitors and friends ■attended the opening of the I ctone Central Bowling Club. The president Mr. G D. Campbell, extended a welcome to the visitors, and introduced the mayor, Mr. D. McKenzie. ■ . . , r Mr. McKenzie traced the history ot bowling, mentioning that, it had been played in the thirteenth century. He referred to the gambling spirit which bad bo,ivls in its early days, when large fortunes had been lost. Now, however, it was the friendly spirit which permeated, and much good-fellowship was gained through the game. " M’ith Mr. McKenzie were Mrs. McKenzie and Mrs. XV. Nash, who were presented with dainty bouquets by Miss Clarice Neilsen, aud Mr. McKenzie and air. Campbell were presented with buttonholes. , ~ i Mrs. Campbel), wife of the president, sent up the first jack, aud bowled the first bowl. Mr. Campbell paid tribute to the work done by Messrs. A. Clark and G. Hatch in beautifying the surroundings, and also complimented the greenkeepcr. Mr. D. Sheppard. . . Petone Club. The president, Mr. J. R. Robertson, officially opened the season for the Petone Bowling Club. He apologised for the absence of the Hon. Mark Fagan, M.L.C., and the mayor, Mr. D. McKenzie, and referred to the death of the following members of the club: Messrs. IL Allan, E Rowan, B. Finucane, A. T. Thompson, and IL H- Butler. He also made reference to the death of Mr. H. L. Holland. The greens were opened a little later than usual, said Mr. Robertson, because of the committee’s desire to improve the surface. After Mrs. Robertson had thrown up the first jack, Mr. A. Cowie, the oldest member, played the first bowl. During afternoon tea, Mr. O. Silbery was presented with a 'Westminster chiming clock in appreciation of. his services in many directions, particularly that of secretary-treasurer. Woburn Club. The Mayor of Lower Hutt. Mr. J. W. Andrews, opened the Woburn Bowling Club iu the presence ot many visitors and members. Mr. Andrews was introduced by the president, Mr. J. W. Jones, who extended a welcome to new members, and urged them to “feel at home.” Mr. Jones went on to say that the surroundings and greens were in good condition, and the pavilion had been painted aud the paths tar-sealed. Mrs. Jones threw up the first jack, and Mr. Andrews sent up the first bowl and declared the season open. Apologies were received from Mr. VV. Nash, M.P., and Mrs. Nash, the Hon. Mark Fagan. M.L.C., and Mr. W. T. Strand, and the centre president. Mr. W. Perry. fjower Hutt Club. The season of the Lower Hutt Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club was officially opened bv the deputy-mayor. Mr. J. Mitchell. The president, Mr. L. T. Watkins, referred to the members who had died during the year, and Congratulated the club On the excellent prospects for the coming season. Many improvements had been made, and the greens were in splendid condition. He specially tbauked all who had worked to make the winter socials a success. Mrs. WaJkijis sent up the jack, and Mrs. Mitchell played the first bowl. During the afternoon, selections were played by the Boys’ Institute Baud.