BOWLING NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23094, 21 October 1938, Page 4

BOWLING NOTES

Questions and Answers. “ Bowl Marks.” —See special note in this column. “ Old Hand.”—-The Southland green was opened in 1881. The club bearing that name was, I understand, formed in 1880, and the green was first laid down at the rear of the Souhland Club Hotel. The change to the new green took place in 1885. The late Mr James Brackenridge had a good deal to do with the starting of bowls in Invercar* gill. The Dunedin Club (1871) and the Auckland Club (1861). Thfe Bluff green was established in 1905. Thanks for your good wishes “ Novice.” —Yes, I would recommend you getting the book. There is no doubt that the author knows the game, and I consider that all young players should follow one line of advice, provided it comes from a good source. Shall be pleased to advise you and give . assistance at any time. Notes. Bowlers will regret to learn that Mr Carswell, owing to leg troube, has to use two sticks for walking. I am sure he will have the best wishes of all players for an early appearance in his favourite game. The decision of the Dunedin Centre at its meeting this week to not again enter into a contract with Mr Horton in connection with reports on the various greens is in a sense to be deplored, but the Centre Executive had no other course open to it after consideration of the replies sent in by the clubs of this district.. However, clubs which desire the services of Mr Horton may still obtain them by a special service feo. Clubs in Dunedin have much to thank Air Horton for. . The Dunedin Centre’s year book is now available from club secretaries, and it is also pleasing to note that copies of the new laws of the gafne will be ready for distribution in a few days’ time. . There are many alterations, and players should' giro them close study.

Club Openings To-morrow. Mornington.—-President, Mr L. T. Ireland; secretary, Mr R. Liddell. Otago.—President, Mr P. W. Stabb; secretary, Mr T. M. Gillies. Taieri.—President, Mr F 0. Sineaton ; secretary, Mr H. M‘L. Johnstone. Outram.—President, Mr A. T. Free; secretary Mr J. A. Adams. Club Opening on Monday. Waikouaiti.—President Mr J. 0. M'Clymont; secretary, Mr M. L. Tennet. C|ub Opening on Portobello.—President, Mr F. E. Bayne; secretary, Mr T. Ellison. St. Clair Club. Under happy auspices the St. Clair green was opened last Saturday in the presence ot a large attendance of members, wives, and visitors. Before extending a welcome to those present the president (Mr G. S. M. Crawford) referred to the passing of Mr Alex Kilpatrick, Mr Geo. Anderson, and Mr George Lanham, who had been valued members of the club, and the gathering stood in silence for a moment as a mark of jespect. Mr Crawford congratulated those who had worked on the green since last season, and expressed the hope for a successful year for the club, the membership of which had reached the century mark, Mr Calender expressed the good wishes of the Dunedin Bowling Centre for a successful season. Mrs Crawford rolled up the first bowl, and Mrs Burns (president) played the first bowl on behalf of the ladies’ section of the club, Mr Cratvford then officially declaring the green open for the season Afternoon tea was served in the pavilion, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion Caledonian Club. A large attendance of members and visitors were present at this club’s opening last Saturday. The mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) congratulated the club on the excellent appearance of the green, and wished members a happy season of play. Mr T. Smith represented the Dunedin Centre, and extended greetings from that body. During the afternoon Mr J. J. Marlow (Mayor of St. Kilda), Mr S. (president of the centre), and other officials visited the green, and extended their best wishes. Miss A. Qreenslsde (patroness of the club) rolled up the first kitty, and Mrs Newall the first bowl, after which Mr H.-A. Newall (president) declared the green open for the season. Afternoon tea was provided, and the attendance of the Waverley Boys’ Band and Piper Yardley helped considerably to brighten the function.

Mr Newall, in addressing the members and visitors, said that all would probably remember that on the opening day last year he made reference to the fact that our ancient game of bowls was written into the history of onr great Empire. Strangely as it might seem, since last year another great international crisis had faded the statesmen, and failure in a settlement not only threatened our national life, but even oUr civilisation. Someone had said that a wise providence had provided a man for the hour of humaniy’s need. On this occasion the British Prime Minister (Mr Chamberlain) was the instrument chosen to avert what threatened to be a world war. His effprts were, supported bv the opinion of the British public, and his deliberation called forth the highest praise, not only from the Empire, but from the people of foreign countries. The speaker felt that the occasion warranted some reference to the events of the last few weeks—the outcome was a great relief to a troubled world It had made it possible for them in New Zealand to view the future with hopefulness and more fully enjoy the coming bowling season. Dunedin Club. The sixty-seventh opening of the parent club of the South Island was attended by a large number of members, lady friends, and visitors. The conditions were ideal. Dr W. Newlands, the club’s president, extended a welcome to members and friends, and took the opportunity of thanking the lady members for their assistance in matters relating to the welfare of the duo socially. Ho also thanked the presi-

dent, vice-president, and treasurer ofi the Dunedin Centre for their attendance, and mentioned that this club appreciated the work of the centre members for their attention to details in. carrying out the bowling programme. After the first bowl had been roiled up by Mrs Newlands the president declared the club’s season open. Following this ceremony the president proceeded to open the ladies’ action on the adjoining green. In this section Mrs A. Steel ns president and Mrs W Abbott secretary. Mr Fred. Peake, who this year celebrates his‘so years’connection with the club, was warmly congratulated by his many friends. Fred, has done wonderful service for the club in the daya of old. Kaikorai Club. This green looked exceptionally well, and members and visitors must have been impressed with the great improvements which have been made since last season. The president, Mr J. J. S. Johnson, in ms opening remarks, referred to the good work of the green supervisor and greenkeeper. He also expressed the desire to see an increased, membership, and he hoped that the housing scheme which was responsible for a number of new, homes in the district would bring about that result. The centre’s official party paid a visit to the green, and Mr J. J. Dav|s (vicepresident) took the opportunity of coiifratulating the club in having in Air am Devereux the centre president for the season. ' ■ '

The official centre party, which consisted of Mr Devereux, Air. Davis, and. Mr Richards, also visited the St. Clair, Caledonian, Caversham, Anderson's Bay, Tainui, and Logan Dark Greens, and their presence at the respective greens was much appreciated;

Anderson's Bay Club. Warm sunshine following a wet early morning favoured the Opening of this club on Saturday, when there was a large attendance of members and friends. Mr Wm. Lisbner, in his opening remarks, welcomed the. visitors and: expressed gratification at the splendid condition of the green, after which fie declared the green open for play for the 1038-39 season, Mrs Lishner howling the first bowl. Mrs Arthur TilbUry, president of the ladies’ section, also spoke, and declared the season open for the ladies. The centre was represented by Mr Rowley, , who urged players to interest themselves in the newly-formed Umpires’ Association, and extended an ' invitation to lectures during the season. Afternoon tea was then served by the lady bowlers in the pavilion, which Was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Players took full advantage of-the open* ing day, all eight rinks being;fully engaged. The club has decided to extend and improve the pavilion, an(] these alterations will commence almost immediately. It has also been decided that the Social activities of . the club should be extended, and to this end the purchase of a billiard table has been approved, Members are looking forward to a happy season both from the playing and the Social side.'

tournaments and Fixtures. . Christmas Pairs.—Probably Monday and Tuesday, December 28 and 27. Easter. Tourney. —Singles, pairs aftd rinks, commencing on Thursday, i pril 6 ana continuing On April 7,8, 10, and 11. Saturday Shield Matches.—First game Saturday,' November 5. Wednesday Shield ’ Matches.—First' games, November 9. Interprovincial Matches.—Otago , v. Southland, at Dunedin, February .25; Otago v. Canterbury, at Christchurch, April 1. New Zealand Bowling Association championships at Auckland commence Monday, January 9. Saturday matches commence on November 5, and selections, should be sent to this paper not later than 9 a.m. on the Thursday. Holmes Feathers Competitions (Fourrink).—The first series will commence during the week ending November 12. A " Diggers ” Competition. At the Dunedin Centre’s executive meeting held on Tuesday evening a letter was read from the secretary of the Invercargill Returned Soldiers’Association, asking if it would be possible to make arrangements for a a annual bowling match between the returned soldiefs of Otago and Southland the date suggested being the same as the interprovincial match, which this season will be held on Saturday, February 25, at Dunedin. The meeting decided to refer, the letter to the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association. It was stated that if the local association was prepared to approve of the suggestion and govern the necessary arrangements the centra would assist the project. In many parts of New Zealand contests similar to the one mentioned are played annually, and the writer can see no reason why an Otago-Southland contest could not be arranged, as there are a large number of returned meg now members T)f bowling clubs, many of them being very capable exponent# of the game.

Umpires’ Association. A meeting' of the recently-formed Umpires’ ' Association will be held in the Caledonian Society’s Board Room, T. and 6. Building, Princes street, on Friday, November 11, to confirm tha laws and regulations that have been drawn up by the executive. All clubs should see to it that they have, at least one representative present at this meeting. As soon as matters confirming the regulations ate passed the association will give oil bowlers in this centre an opportunity of attending a meeting to be called for the purpose of going through the new set of bowling laws recently adopted by tha New Zealand Bowling Council. All bowlers should endeavour to become conversant with the amended laws of the game, and the Umpires’ Association will no doubt afford them that opportunity. Bowls and Markings. Although I have frequently; dealt with this particular ( question in this column, 1 have received a note from a player asking for details, so it may not be out of place to again give the law dealing with bowls and their markings. “ All bowls must bear a distinctive mark of similar design permanently engraved, apart from any number, on both discs of each bowl. Bowls which have been in use and which bear a distinctive mark on the large disc and a number on the small disc will oa sufficiently marked to comply with tha regulations if the numbered disc » permanently engraved with the owner'* initials, or with a design similar to that on the large disc.” ■ Anv new bowls must be marked a* stated in the first part of, the. law. Plavers this vear must have either a 1932, 1934, 1936, or a 1938 test stamp also on their bowls. At the conclusion of this season the 1932, stamp will go out. Bowl testing will,commence probably about Wednesday nest.