BOWLING

Evening Star, Issue 22367, 17 June 1936, Page 4

BOWLING

DUNEDIN CLUB'S SOCIAL The Dunedin Bowling Club held a social last night in the club’s pavilion. There was a large attendance, and among those present were representatives from the New Zealand Bowling Council, the Dunedin Bowling Centre, and all the affiliated clubs. Mr H. L. Smith presided. Extending a welcome to all present, the Chairman said the Dunedin Club was known as the “ mother club. Among those present were Messrs \\ . Connor, 11. Hanning, and_ G. A. Nelson, members of the New Zealand Bowling Council, who were to Ire congratulated on their election to the governing body. Mr Hanning had been a member of the council for 33 years, and was the man behind the guns in the conduct of all the tournaments held in Dunedin. He had nothing to learn as regards bowling legislation. Proposing the toast of “ The New Zealand Bowling Association,” the Chairman said that prior to 1913 there were two separate governing bodies in New Zealand—one for the North and the other for the South Island. It was felt, however, that only one governing "body was necessary, and after a good deal of negotiation the New Zealand Bowling ’Association was formed in 1913 In 1914 the first Dominion tournament was held, and this was a great success. The association conducted the annual tournaments, which wore hold alternately in the four centres. These tournaments left no doubt in the minds of bowlers as to the ability of those in control. He could assure the members of the council" present that their efforts on behalf of bowlers were appreciated. Bowlers were .particularly fortunate in the class of men who came forward to take office on the governing body. • The majority of these men had made their mark in business, and as long as they had men of such standing coming forward they had nothing to fear as regards the future of bowling in New Zealand, It gave him much pleasure to propose the toast, coupled with the names of Messrs W. Connor and 11. Hanning. In reply Mr Connor briefly referred to the constitution of the New Zealand Council, and paid a tribute to the work carried out by Mr J. .1. Marlow on behalf of bowlers. Had it not been for the confidence and assured assistance given by the bowlers of Dunedin, Mr Connor said, he would not have accepted his present position on the council: Mr Hanning referred generally to the work carried out by the council in the past, and paid a tribute to the men who had done so much for bowlers. He also paid a tribute to the work carried out by Mr Marlow, the first president of the New Zealand Association. Mr Marlow was a tower of strength on the council. Mr Hanning added that all matters brought forward at the meeting of the council at Wellington next month would receive every attention. In conclusion he paid a tribute to the work carried out by Mr W. A. Scott, as in his hands bowl-testing had been greatly improved. Proposing the toast of “ The Dunedin Bowling Centre,” Mr A. Steel said that the centre was composed of sound and just men. Even in the game of bowls someone riiust govern, and everyone knew that the members of the centre bore the", brunt of. the business and tried to improve the game for the rank and file. The’ thanks of bowlers were due to the centre for the time and thought given on behalf of bowlers. They all knew that these men gave of their very best, not only iu connection with the rules of. the game, but also for the benefit and pleasure of all concerned. These men also gave their time and thought in connection with the social side of the game. The work carried out by the centre popularised the pastime.

Replying to the toast, Mv J. H. Hinton referred to the governing work carried out by the executive of the centre. The work was not easy, but every member was imbued with the thought and wish to do the very best for bowlers. One could imagine the result if there were no governing body, and on the Dunedin Centre Mr G. A. Nelson was looked upon as a valuable man. He was a past master at administration. Mr. T. Smith also replied, and in the course of his remarks referred to the excellent work carried out by the centre and the fine spirit of comradeship that existed among bowlers. Proposing the toast of “ The ‘Dunedin Bowling Club,” Mr J. .). Marlow said he had Been a member of the club. The chairman had referred to the Dunedin Club as the mother club, and all the members must be proud of their organisation. The club had loft no stone unturned to make the game popular. The members were excellentbowlers, and the club held a great reputation for good fellowship. It was only by comparison that one could measure results. The club had a privilege of providing the first president to the Dunedin Centre. In those days the president had a hard road to travel, and in comparison the president of today had a body of trained men behind him. Referring to the early history of the club, Mr Marlow said the foundation of the tournaments was based on the efforts of the late Mr C. Fraser. Mr Marlow referred to the many men who had assisted to build up the club and who had done so much for bowlers in New Zealand He also paid a tribute to the men who had solved the problem of bowl-testing. Replying, Mr Smith said it was fortunate that the formation of the Dunedin Club had bean well and truly laid. They had only to look at the honours board to see the names of the men who had taken such a prominent part in the history of the city and of the club. The Dunedin Club had a great heritage. He recalled the fact that one man had said it was an honour to be proposed as a member of the Dunedin Club. The comradeship displayed by members of the club was very pronounced. Such was the spirit which was so prominent • among bowlers. Other toasts honoured were “ Sister Clubs,” “ Performers,” “ The Stewards,” “ The Press,” and “ The Ladies.” Items were contributed by Messrs A. Pettitt, A. Lungley, J. Pringle, J. Leech, and S. G. Angell. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. ; The chairman presented the prizes won last season to the following:—G. A. Nelson (first in club championship singles), K. Morrison (second), R. Hanning (first handicap singles), D. Gray (second), W. E. Thorn (first colts’ singles), L. J. Potter (second), D. Gardiner (skip) and W. E. Thorn (lead) first in club pairs, R. Hanning (skip) and H. Walker (lead) second; T. M'Hugh (lead), J. C. Rigby (skip) first champion pairs; D. Gardiner (lead), R. Gardiner (skip) second; J. •I. ,S. Nicolson, D. Gardiner, Mark Higgins, and P. Cuff (first in special rink competition); C. Pettit (first billiards). T. M'Hugh (second); T. M'Hugh (first snooker tournament), W. Smith (second): P. Cuff (first Chinaman tournament), H. Siedeberg (second).