QUEENSLAND BOWLERS

Evening Star, Issue 18161, 29 December 1922, Page 6

QUEENSLAND BOWLERS

A HAPPY CIVIC RECEPTION. SNAKES v. EARTHQUAKES. The party of Queensland bowlers who are visiting Dunedin just now are a happy hand. Bo much was made clear this morn, ing when a civic reception was accorded them in the Town Hall. It may be added that if our visitors can beat the''shots ot the other follows oh the green as well as they can cap the other fellows’ stories, they should have no difficulty in scoring wins. This morning the local speakers got in a couple of “snaky” ones on the Queenslanders, but the latter responded with a couple marked “earthquakes” that beat them badly. The attendance of bowlers and others at the reception was such as to tax the accommodation to the utmost, and included quite a number of ladies, mostly visitors. The -Mayor (Air J. S. Douglas) extended a hearty welcome to the Queenslanders, and remarked,, upon the goodfellowship that always attended the game of bowls, which, ho said, Should be called the national game, because everyone, irrespective of social position, creed, age, or sex. could take part. Great-grandfathers and great-grandsons could play together on the green, and of late years they could go further, for they now hadi our grandmothers, our mothers, and our daughters tailing part. A Voice: And mothers-in-law. (Laughter.) His Worship said that, apart from the pleasure that such visits as that of the Queenslanders gave to bowlers, there was a broader aspect, for they were all members of the British Empire, and were further linked up in that glorious word “Anzao”—a word that strongly appealed to New Zealanders. His Worship referred 1 to the fact that so many of the visitors had brought their wives with .them, and concluded with a reference to the Hon. Downie Stewart’s recent visit to Australia and the success of bis mission, in, the matter of arranging a reciprocal tariff, instancing this as another proof ot bho good feeling between the Commonwealth and the dominion. THAT SNAKE STORY.

Mr AV. Jacobsen (chairman of the Dunedin Centre, N.Z.8.A.) began by saying that most persons had a very hazy idea what Queensland was like. Some things that appeared in tho papers would point to that State being closely associated with snakes mid droughts. (Laughter.) Perhaps the visitors would teach them better than that. Tho fact that the party included a, city engineer and two electrical engineers almost suggested that they might bo looked upon as immigrants. All they needed was a parson and a brewer, and they could set up a township. As to His Worship’s remark regarding tho bowlers bringing their wives with them, he was not sure that it might be a case of tbo wives insisting on coming so that they might look after their husbands. (Laughter.) There wore, ho understood, two bachelors in the party, and he might throw out a hint that it tho matchmaking section could not get these two “ fixed up ’ before leaving Dunedin they must be very hard cases indeed. He trusted they would all enjoy their stay in Dio city._ Mr AAA Nicolson (past president of tho N.Z.'B.A.) also extended a hearty welcome. PRESIDENT SCORES WITH EARTHQUAKE. Mr R. J. Archibald (president of the Queensland Bowling Association) expressed deep appreciation of the kindnesses extended to tho party, which was only in keeping with those experienced over since they lauded in New Zealand. H any evidence, however, was needed for the necessity for New Zealanders travelling beyond their homeland it was revealed in tho repeated snake stories. (Laughter.) They admired New Zealand’s enterprise and scenic beauty, but regretfully came to tho conclusion that their education had been sadly neglected. (Laughter.) Ho might add that not one person in 500 in Australia over saw a snake, and if they did it would give them faff less concern than earthquakes appeared to give Die people of New Zealand. (Laughter.) However, they had all jicen charmed with the wonders of New Zealand, and would go back with very happy memories. Alemhers of bawling greens, he considered, consisted of tho cream of tho community; they were drawn from all classes; it was not necessary that they should bo of social standing or of any particular persuasion, cither religious or political. All that was needed was that they should play Die part of men to their brother men, (Applause.) Ho expressed tho hope that Now Zealand wouldl endeavor to go to Australia next year so as to keep tho compact of alternate visils. Air J. Johnston (vice-president) and Air P. W. Mason (manager) also responded, both being in happy vein. I At the call of Die mayor tho gathering gave three hearty cheers for the visitors, declaring them “jolly good follows” all. 'lho Queenslanders reciprocated with more cheers and a chant, in’ which they expressed the sentiment “ Long may you live and happy may yon be.” A verse of the National Anthem concluded tho proceedings, and those present adjourned) for morning tea.