BOWLING

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 52, 29 August 1925, Page 10

BOWLING

A POPULAR PASTIME ANNUAL-REPORT OF ASSOCIATION. The annual report of the Dominion of the New Zealand Bowling Association states that the total number of centres affiliated to the association is 19, against 18 for the previous year. The total number of clubs affiliated is 283, with a total membership of 35,034, an increase of 11 clubs and 643 members. "This," states the report, "shows a healthy development in the game of bowls, and illustrates its popularity with the people of this Dominion. There is probably no other country where the proportion of players to the population is so great. We have favourable conditions for the maintenance of good greens, and this, combined with the fact that the game is within the reach of all sections of the community, accounts for its great popularity. "The finances of the association are in a healthy condition. The year commenced with a credit balance of £290 2s 4d in the bank, £160 in War Loan certificates, and £200 doposited with the Mutual Benefit So- ' ciety, and closed with a credit balance of £.210 2s lid in current account at tho Bank of New Zealand, and £500 in War Bonds, total £710 2s lid. This is a reasonable sum for such an association to accumulate, and while it is desirable to maintain a reserve, there does not appear to ba any necessity to further increase the amount.'' After referring to amendments which have been made in the Laws of the Game, the report proceeds: — "Several notices of motion for further amendments to the Laws of tho Game have been given, but these, too, are more in the nature of providing for omissions than for the purpose of making any change in the game. Amongst the proposals is one designed to bring' our rules into conformity with those in Scotland, where the, opponent has the right to place, the mat in the event of the player throwing an illegal jack. This will givo the loser additional liberty in regulating the length of the head, should the winner throw tho jack in the ditch or otherwise fail to conform with the rules when throwing same. Further amendments are proposed with the object of making a bowl or jack dead which is driven into the i side ditch or rebounds from the side ' bank. Such provision appears to have been omitted from the rules. Tho council is pleased to note the interest which is being taken in the Laws of the Game, and the efforts made to Eecure their due observance. There is still, however, a spirit of resentment shown by some bowlers, while many others have only a meagre acquaintance with the rules. There are a numbor of tactful umpires who are exercising their influence, and it is safe to say that in games under thoir control the conduct, and, indeed, the standard of play, has been improved." VISITORS FROM OVERSEAS. The report makes the following reference to visits from overseas teams: "At the general meeting of the association held in January it was agreed that invitations should be sent to Australia, South Africa, and Canada inviting these countries to send teams of bowlers to New Zealand during next season. A reply has been received from South Africa regretting inability to accept on account of a proposed visit to the United Kingdom in 1926. Canada answered stating that the matter was being referred to the provincial associations, and there is still a prospect of this Dominion accepting the invitation. The reply from Australia indicated that a visit to New Zealand is doubtful, as it may conflict with the carnival to be held in Sydney in February next. The council regrets that South Africa has a prior engagement, but hopes to be able to welcome a team at some future date. It trusts that the Canadians and Australians will be here at the same time as the British team. Such a gathering would be an education, and a great advantage to bowlers in New Zealand. "A cablegram has been received from the International Board accepting the council's invitation to send a team of bowlers from the United Kingdom to visit Now Zealand. It stated that a party of 41 bowlers and 12 ladies were leaving for Australia on 25tlf September next, and would reach New Zealand towards the end of December for six weeks. A reply was sent heartily confirming tho arrangement, and also offering a cordial welcome. Correspondence has also been received from Mr. Melbourne Orchard, a New Zealand bowler now resident in London, giving information regarding the itinerary proposed. The Executive Committee, however, decided that in the absence of fur- ' ther official information to take no action, and to refer all matters connected with the tour to the annua meeting of the association. The coun cil has every confidence that thfcentres will rise to the occasion and make the visit an, enjoyable one for our guests, and a memorable event in the history of New Zealand bowling-" ' •