BOWLING.

Evening Star, Issue 14688, 4 October 1911, Page 9

BOWLING.

ALL UNDER ONE FLAG. COMMON WEALTH TEAM FOR NEW ZEALAND. As an outcome oi negotiations that have been proceeding for soma considerable time past, a Bowling Council of Australia is now an accomplished institution, with the result that uniform rules have been adopted to govern the gams throughout the length and breadth nf’thc Commonwealth, “and the Dominion of New Zeal-atid, if the latter is inclined to join us,” as the official report puts it. Every green in Australia will be compelled to alter their hanks forthwith bycreating a 9in perpendicular bank of some substance (which must bp so protected that it will not injure the howls), which will become “ the hank within the meaning of the rules. As to the length of greens, 110 ft was fixed as the minimum and 120 ft as the maximum, rinks to he not less than 17ft nor more than 20tt wide; the unsightly dividing pegs (which will be familiar to those members of the All-White teams who toured the other side) to be abandoned, and an iron rod 18in by iin to be used. Tho size of fool-mat was altered to minimum lenght 4ft. maximum 4ft 6in, and width loin. Two feet on the mat is a rule that is often broken, especially by drivers, and the new rule will give the Opposing side every benefit, and no loss, if the umpire decides it is being infringed. The New South Wales rule 55 was adopted to assist in preventing straight woods, but the onus was placed entirely on the player by striking out “to his knowledge.” The New South Whiles interpretation of the rule ” measuring for shot ” was adopted. It was decided that all greens upon which interstate, or international matches were to be plaved should, if possible, be cut, rolled, and prepared for practice by 11 a.rn. on the day of play. All bowls are to bear the council mark by September 1, 1912, with the exception of Queensland, which have been allowed till the March, following. To sum up, the results attained by the first meeting of the council mean that for the future all games in all the States are to be played under equal conditions. Victoria start their pennants this season on 120 ft preens. Queensland lose their system of testing, and everybody lias to alter tho mats and make a perpendicular bank round tho greens. To New Zealanders an important decision arrived at was that a team should be sent over under the auspices of the council daring the coming season. The Australian Bowling Council have appointed Messrs Nathan (Victoria), Thomas (South Australia), and Scott (N.S.W.) the Selection Committee.

Queensland is to have the 1911 carnival, and the date for all these gatherings is fixed for Christmas holidays, the main fixtures being the four-bowl, single championship, 21 up, final 51 up, and a rink championship, 25 heads. Mr Nathan (Victoria) was elected first president of the new council, Mr Whitenouse (Sydney, and formerly of New Zealand) first vice-president, and Mr Munro first hon. secretary.