BOWLING

Evening Star, Issue 15928, 7 October 1915, Page 9

BOWLING

[By Measurer.] The season fairly began last Saturday in favorable weather. The wind was a bit in evidence, but as no championships depended upon results there was little to complain of. The' interest in bowling is very evidently not confined to bowlers. On several of the greens could be seen men who up to the present, at any rate, have not joined bowling clubs or helped them financially or in any other way. Some day they may become of use, and do something to assist the game. Bowlers, however, are willing to give away something for nothing on occasions. The game is fortunate enough to have supporters who look for no direct reward. Five clubs began operations last Saturday, and there was a big attendance on each of the greens. Dunedin Club, as usual, had gone to a lot of trouble. Welcome devices and bunting (mostly of patriotic colors) were evident everywhere, and the effect was striking. President Mercer made a fitting opening speech, and presented Miss Emery and Miss Grindley (president and secretary of the Ladies’ Committee respectively) with silver flower stands as recognition of their services. It was a deserved compliment. More frequent acknowledgment might be made by clubs of their indebtedness to their lady friends. There was a big roll-up of players—a double service was necessary. Truth to tell, the green did not play as well as it looked. Caretaker Taylor was taking no chances, and the grass was not cropped too close by any means. Consequently it required some push to get your bowl up on a long end, and there were hnrdles on the way. But Saturday's play was no criterion of how the green will play hater on. A feature was the music supplied by Flint’s Orchestra.

There were a. largo number of players on the Caledonian Green. President C. P. Greenslade made the introductory speech, and of course it was a. brief one. General pleasure was expressed at seeing Mr Greenslade about again well and hearty (he has had a long spell of illhealth), and another welcome face was that of Mr W. Dawson, a patron of the club. The green, though none, too keen, played really well, and it was generally admitted that Caledonian Club have a promising outlook for the coming season. Kaituna Club made no great display. But there was a large attendance, especially of ladies. President Lambourne's speech was to the point, and assured visitors that they were welcome. The green is looking well, and promises to he up to its usual form later on; while the surroundings showed off to the best advantage. Kaituna Green still fairly claims a front rank from the picturesque side. The many visitors were well looked after.

Mornington Club started under the happiest auspices. Their green is declared to be better than ever this year, and tins is something to be proud of. President Keilhs address was interesting, dwelling principally on the patriotic side of affairs, and he was able to prove that the club's members had done their share in the Empire’s cause. Mr« Kennedy (president of the Mornington Ladies’ Club) rolled no the first bowl, and a section of the Knikorai Band supplied charming music. Roslyn Club were well patronised, and nobody found fault with the green ; on the contrary, it was admitted that a reallv fine sward was provided. President Howard, in bis usual thorough manner, had seen to it that every preparation was made for the convenience of visitors, and the afternoon passed most pleasantly. A thoughtful act was carried out by the presentation to (Mr J. H. Mathieson 'secretary) of a silver entree dish. After a few years’ service it. is up to members to do something more than pass a vote of thanks to a hard-working officer. Kext Saturday other clubs will open. President T. Meekison, of Cavevsham Club, has invited all interested to be 7310sent. and President J. R. Blackie will be pleased to welcome all visitors on West Harbor Green. Mr Charles Speight, president of Otago Club, has also sent me an invitation for the same day. On the following Saturday Port Chalmers. Wakari, (North-east Valiev - , and St. Ki!da Clubs propose to start. 'President C. C. Rawlinson, of Valley' Chib, scuds mo an invitation, _ accompanied with a copy of the club’s ties and fixtures for the coming -pasop- I notice that on Labor Day a visit is to be made to Baldntlin. Tin's has been the custom for the last, few years, and the outing is now looked forward to.

Wellington Club have probably the. largest membership of any in Now Zealand. the roll number standing at 212. The Wellington season was practically opened last Saturday, and on the sanG day many of the Christchurch dubs made, a start.

The Invercargill season nominally started on Te Rangi Green last week, hut rain prevented any play. This week (Northern!. Southland, and Invercargill Clubs were to open. Mataura Club opened last week. Wyndham Club were to begin to-day, the ceremony taking the form of a gala day inlaid, of otir wounded soldiers. St. Kilda- Winter Club finished the present season on Tuesday evening with a most successful ladies’ ‘night. The card prizes (presented by President A. H. Allen) went to Mrs A. Cooper and (Mrs W. Ormond and to Mr F. Jago and Mr W. Ormond. All through the season the have had i>ho benefit of excellent musical talent, for which Miss Gladys btoneham has to be thanked, and a special compliment was paid her for her good work. Those who performed on Tuesday night were Mr R, Bryant, Mr C. Groves, (Miss M. Lemon, (Miss Shepherd, (Miss L. James (songs), Miss Noenie Kenny (recitations), and Miss Florence Lambeth (piano solo). The two last named are youthful performers who did well at the recent competitions. It can be plainly seen that with such performers a most enjoyable hour wits spent, President Allen briefly reviewed the- past season, and expressed the hope that next year there would bo no reason to qualify their enjoyment in any way. Although, it has been decided that the bowlers of Auckland assist in enuipping the Convalescent Home for Wounded Soldiers at Rotorua, it cannot be said that all are unanimous with (ho idea (savs the ‘Observer’). It is felt in many quarters that greater and better results would eneue by raising funds for the local patriotio and ■ wounded soldiers’ funds. Bowlers have already given freely, but each fresh effort seems to eclipse the previous one. The West End, but a small club _ from Ponsonby, opened a list one Saturday to assist the Auckland Patriotic and wounded soldiers’ fund. The result uas a welcome surprise, for although only a feev members Mere present, the magnificent sum of £11)0 was raised. As many other members will bo offered the opportunity to contribute their quota, it is anticipated that the sum will bo considerably increased. Judging from opinions expressed by other clubs’ members, it will not come as any Btirprifc to find lists for the same fund opened bv the sister clubs.