BOWLING

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 124, 28 May 1930, Page 6

BOWLING

SUCCESSFUL SEASON

CENTRE'S REPORT

A successful season is recorded in the annual report of the Wellington Bowling Centre, which was adopted at a meeting of tho Centre last evening.

The report stated that it was now twenty-four years since the centre had been brought into existence, and the whole period had been one of steady progress. Latterly the increase in membership had not been so rapid as in the early stages, but every year had shown nn increase. The rcaffiliation of the Otaki Club had in itself improved the membership, but apart from that a small incrcaso was shown. The total was now 1673 against 1609 last season. Almost all the centrally situated clubs bad a strong membership; but the suburban clubs could absorb additional members with advantage to themselves. [t was pleasing to find that the two youngest clubs, Plimmertoa and Woburn were establishing themselves on firm lines and taking their places in centre competitions ancl in the management 'of the game. The formation of additional clubs in rising residential suburbs would be welcome, but experience had shown that there were difficulties to be faced unless a reasonable membership of enthusiasts was shown. Each succeeding year brought its share of obligations and during the last year the centre had a full, programme to undertake. With the assistance and co-operation of affiliated clubs all engagements had been met in a satisfactory manner. The visits from home Lad been well supported, and all clubs iiad done their full sharp towards the reception of those who visited the centre. The pennant competitions, the centre tournament, tho champion matches, the mid-week competition, and the games for the Edwin Feathers and Hill Pins all passed off smoothly and sociably, to the evident enjoyment of all those who participated. The broken weather at the / commencement was more than compensated for by the long period of beautiful autumn' conditions when most of the greens were playing exceptionally well. On the whole, the season must be regarded as a successful one.

Eeferring to the visit of the Canadians, the report stated: "Although the tour of visitors from overseas is becoming almost a regular event, there is nothing that arouses greater interest and the bowlers in this centre', and, indeed, throughout tho Dominion., compete with one another in their desire to extend tho hand of friendship and hospitality. This desire makes it difficult to arrange an itinerary which will satisfy local bowlers and at the same time give the visitors a little leisure in what is usually a very strenuous tour. . . Although the visitors did not claim to be' representative players, many ,of them were really high-grade exponents of the game, and they all displayed keenness, enthusiasm, ancl enjoyment in the match. They took a keen interest in all they saw, stood up to the travelling without complaint, and established quite a cousinly attachment to ourselves."

Of the Dominion championship tourney at Dunedin the report states: — "The tournament was held at tho usual time early in January. This period of the year has, however, not always been found satisfactory, and suggestions have been made to the effect that it would be better to hold the tournament a littlo later in the year. It may be a mistake to, make a hard ancl fast rule us to the,, date, and other tournament conditions, as the position differs in the various centres where the tournaments are held. The council might consider the wisdom of giving the centre ■ a little more freedom in arranging the date, the programme, and the conditions. ' Very, few entries were received from the North, but it is pleasing to find tfiat although there were less Wellington bowlers taking part than usual, the falling'..ofl; in numbers was not proportionally large." .". The activities of the centre during the season are reviewed in some detail.