ISLAND BAY CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 87, 9 October 1937, Page 11

ISLAND BAY CLUB

a large garnering or oowiers ana their wivqs assembled for the opening of the Island Bay Club this afternoon. Mr. E. M. Gallagher, the president of the club, in welcoming all those present, hoped a highly successful season would be enjoyed by all. Ho made special reference to the presence of Mr. R. McKeen, M.P. New members, he said, would appreciate the social life available in the club and old members would be glad to use their best endeavours to see that the beginners gained the fullest advantages in the ancient game of bowls, U'hich for 100 years "has promoted comradeship. Today, for the first time for many years, he said, the club had no longer with them, to throw down the first bowl, Mr. J. McKay, who might be described as the father of the Island Bay Club. His death was a personal loss to those who knew him, and Mr. Gallagher asked those present to stand for a moment as a tribute to his memory. The attention of members was called to the newly-painted clubhouse, the painting of which was being paid for out of members' subscriptions. The excellent state of the green came in for very favourable comment and the congratulations of the club are due to Mr. Boyes, the greenkeeper, and the green superintendent, Mr. Clerke. Last season, for the first time in the history 'of the club, Mr. Calagher concluded. the champion of champions pairs was, won by an Island' Bay pair. J. Laurie and E. Monroe. After Mr. McKeen had declared the green open, Mrs. Gallagher threw the kitty and . Mr. George Ross threw the first bov/!.

WELLINGTON CLUB

There was a large attendance of bowlers and visitors for the opening of the Wellington Club's season this afternoon.'

The president of the club (Mr. A. Fletcher) .asked the gathering to stand in for a few moments out of respect to" the following members who had passed away: Messrs. J. H. Mentiplay, W. S. Walls, T. H. Coitman, N. H. Nash (Palmerston North), and W. J. Thompson'. Mr. Flctcher read good wishes the club had received from others clubs. including Christchurch. Wanganui, Hutt, and Hataitai. He thanked all the members of the club committees for their help and cooperation;. and remarked that there was a remarkably good spirit in all the club's activities. He referred particularly to tlie work ot the green

committee—Messrs. Fowler, Thompson, and T. H. Meadows. Others he paid tribute to were Messts. Farrant, Christelisen, and Barney Thompson. Mr. A. Wylie, who had been the club's honorary solicitor for over twenty years, deserved thanks for the manner in which he had assisted the club. The greenkeeper (Mr. Pirie) who was showing renewed enthusiasm, and Mr. Wicks, who had given assistance in levelling the greens, were deserving ol' members', thanks. Other officers i mentioned by Mr. Fletcher were ' Messes. C. R. Ingram (secretary), Mr. i R. Laurie (treasurer), and Mr. J. H. O'Donnell (vice-president). Mr. Fletcher declared the season open. t'lay was carried on till 4 o'clock, after which members and visitors were entertained by a musical pro- . gramme. ; Mrs. Fletcher threw up the first , kitty, and Mr. Andrew Hamilton (the , oldest member) the first bowl. i THORNDON CLUB The Thorndon Bowling Club's . 38 season was declared open this aftert noon by the president, Mr. M. J. Casey, in the presence of a very large r gathering of members, their wives, and > visitors. I Mr. Casey spoke of the success of the club during the past season and said that while he appreciated the J honours that came their way, the greatest pleasure was that to be had . from the comradeship and good fellowf ship that came from the game itself, . and for which the Thorndon Club was , properly renowned. Mr. Casey acknowledged with warm thanks the fine services given by members of ! the committee and made special refer--1 ence to the members of the green committee, Messrs. J. M. Gibson and F. J. White, to the greenkeeper, Mr. W. H. Peters, and to Mr. P. W. Dixon, who had been responsible for the beautifying work to the grounds, i Mr. Casey voiced the deep regret of ; members at the deaths since the last . opening day of two valued friends. ; Messrs. D. Y. Wilson and H. Jay. ; Mr. C. H. Chapman, member for the . district, also spoke and congratulated • members upon the splendid greens and . the appearance of the grounds and » pavilion. t Mrs. Casey threw the kitty, and Mr. A. A. Gower, the oldest member, de- • livered the. first bowl. Members and : friends were entertained at afternoon i tea by Mr. and Mrs, Casey, The tables \ were tastefully decorated with Iceland . poppies and sweet peas. Mr. Casey later left to pay a round ' of visits, as president of the Welling- ! ton centre, to other clubs which opened ! their seasons today.