NORTHERN BOWLING ASSOCIATION.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 89, 12 October 1904, Page 2

NORTHERN BOWLING ASSOCIATION.

The thirteenth annual meeting of the i Northern Bowling Association of New Zealand was held in the Wellington Bowl- . ing Club's pavilion last night. Captain Edwin, Chairman of the Association and delegate of the Remnera Club, Auckland, presided. Tie following delegates of clubs were, present : — Messrs. T. Bush (Wanganui), A. Veitch (W-*verley), W. I Gray (Nelson), F. Grady (Masterton), G. MacMorran (Victoria), G. L. Stewart (Manaia.), N. M'Lean (Hawera), F. Bennett (Karori), L. W. D, Andrews (Mount , Eden), J. E, d'Emden (Napier), J. H. Mentiplay (New Plymouth), James Brackenndge (3?ahiafcua,), C. W. Johnston (Petone), (5. P. Wilson (Ponsonby), Jae. Hislop (Rocky Nook), George Wright (Thorndon), James Russell (Wellington), H. F. Allen (Feilding), F. J. Gooder (Upper Plains), W. AI. Muir (Gisborne, Whatapoko, and Te Rau Clubs). The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and baiance-sheet (already published), said the Association was in a very satisfactory position. Thirty-eight clubs belonged to it, and it would start its new year with a credit balance of £.59 4s 3d, notwithstanding a large expenditure during the past year. Bowling had taken a great hold in the North Island, and the popularity of the game was increasing. He spoke in terms of praise of the maaner in which the Auckland Tournament had been carried] out, and" congratulated the Hon. Secretary of the Association (Mr. J. H. Mentiplay) upon the success of his efforts in that connection. Reference was also made by the Chairman to the success of the Wellington Club at the Auckland Tournament, and to Mr. J. Lockie's splendid performance on that occasion. Under the altered rules No. 3 bowl was now officially recognised. Alcock and Co. now tested the bowls for the Association, and it was found that the mark of the Association upon bowls was regarded by clubs as of considerable value. The motion was seconded by Mr. W. M. Muir (Gisborne and Whatapoko Clubs), and was agreed to without discussion. Mr. N. M'Lean (Hawera Club) moved the election of Mr. James Kirker, of Auckland, as President. The motion was agreed to. Mr. John Harding was uranimousiy re-elected Vice-President. Mr. A. Veitch (Waveriey Club) in moving that Mr. J. H. Mentiplay, of Wellington, should be re-elected Hon. Seo. and Treasurer, spoke in eulogistic terms of the manner in which he haa carried out his duties in the past. The Chairman endorsed Mr. Veitch s remarks. The motion was agreed to, and Mr. Mentiplay suitably acknowledge the compliment. CiTptain Edwin and Mr. F. W. Ha-ybit-tle (Wellington) were re-elected Chairman and Hon. Auditor respectively. Captain Edwin, in returning thanks, said that he had occupied the position of Chairman for some time, and he greatly appreciated 'the renewal of confidence. On the motion of Mr. W. iv. Muir, a bonus was voted to the Secretary lor the past year's services. <This concluded the business Of the annual meeting. An ordinary meeting of the Association was afterword's held. • Mr: L. Andrews (Mount Eden Club) reported fiiat-Mr. J. P. Campbell had been consulted on the 6nb]ep ( - of exempting bowling club proprietors from local taxation, water rates excepted. Mr. Campbell had promised to look up authorities on the point, and it was probable that Sr report on the subject womd be laid before the meeting of the Association. Mr. Muir said he was certain that the effort to secure exemption from rating would not be successful, as if bowling club properties were exempted tennis and other clubs would also' claim to be exempt. Tho subject then dropped. The question of the Association stamp ing bowls belonging to a provincial association, but not to the Northern Association, was brought up by the Secretary. It was stated that some of the clubs in question were unable, for financial rear sons, to also join the Northern Association, tnd several delegates urged that it would not hurt the Association if it allowed its stamp to be placed on the bowls of those clubs. A motion by Mr. James Brackenridge (Pahlatua Club) that Messrs. Alcock, of Wellington, be allowed to place the Association's stamp upon any bowls which they are requested to test was carried by a small majority. Rules in connection with the champion fours were adopted. It was decided that the Association's certificate should be given to the winner of the singles championship at Gisborne.