BOWLING.

Franklin Times, Volume 14, Issue 193, 19 October 1925, Page 5

BOWLING.

BUCKLAND GREEN OPENED.

IN IDEAL WEATHER

The Buckland Bowling Club was favoured with a glorious day for its opening ceremony on Saturday, and bowlers and their friends took advantage of the welcome change in the weather conditions and attended in large numbers. The visitors included Messrs A. G. Tonkin, E. B. Wright, and A. B. Barter, of the Auckland Bowling Centre, and representatives of the Onehunga, West End, Carlton, Waiuku, Tuakau and Pukekohe Clubs.

The president of the club, Mr E. Allan, in declaring the green open for play, extended a hearty welcome to the visitors and the seven new members of the club. He made feeling reference to the death, during the season, of two of the district’s old identities —Messrs F. C. Deed and John Jefferis. Mr Allan stated that the late Mr Deed, who was an enthusiastic member of the club, possessed a generous disposition, and his figure was always welcome oh the green. News of his tragically sudden end came as a great shock to members of the club, Whose sympathy was extended to the bereaved family. . The district was also poorer through the death of Mr John Jefferis. Although not a member of the club, Mr Allan said that Mr Jefferis had, long before Ihe club was instituted, frequently talked over the project. He was a prominent figure in Buckland, and he will be sadly missed. “After life’s pitiful dream is over they sleep,” said Mr Allan, “and our deepest sympathy goes out to their dear ones.”

Buckland’s Ambition. “I accepted the position of president of the club with the greatest diffidence,” declared Mr Allan. He pointed out that tie was not much of a player himself, while he was following that very capable officer, Mr B. Wright, who was a courteous official who always attended to duty and I hereby made a name for himself. While he (the speaker) took office wilh a great deal of diffidence, he said he had Ihe assurance of the support of a band of capable officials, who had a thorough knowledge of the game, and lie was sure that the season they were entering on that day would be on'e of harmony and success. He mentioned, in passing, that Buckland had lost the Tonkin Cup. but that every effort would be made to regain it. while there was a big chance of Buckland giving Waiuku a great fight when they challenged for the Northern Waikato banner. The chances in favour of Buckland winning were very rosy. (Applause). Mr Allan referred to the excellent condition of the green, and said that the appearance of the green and surroundings was striking evidence' of what the members had done. A short time ago the section was running wild with, blackberry and tree stumps. Hecomplimented the green superintendent (Mr Herbert Bullock) on the exeellnt condition of the green, and hoped that it would play as well as it looked. He also thanked the ladies for the part they had played in assisting their husbands to improve the ground. The object of the club, he declared, was to provide healthy recreation for ihe residents of the district, and he hoped it would be the sporting centre and beauty spot of the district, that would attract the'residents away from Ihe cows and pigs (laughter; and would cause them to forget-*the perplexities of life for a few hours a week. Mr Allan concluded by asking Mr A. B. Barter, the country clubs’ representative on the Auckland Centre executive, to address the gathering. Pretty Green.

Mr Barter thanked Mr Allan for extending such a cordial welcome to the Auckland centre representatives, and slated that, if there was anything he could do to assist country clubs he would be willing to do so.- He congratulated the club on the excellent progress made since its inception four years ago, on its fine green, and beautiful natural surroundings. ‘-'I can say with all sincerity that the Buckland green is one of the prettiest I have ever seen." declared Mr Barter, amid applause. He wished the club a pleasant and successful spason.

Mr Allan read apologies for absence from Messrs W. .Tefferis, a past president of the club and Mr C. Cooper, of Pukekohe. He called on Mrs Allan to throw the first jack, which she did. amid cheers, and he then declared the green open for play. Mr Allan also declared the croquet lawns open and asked Mrs N. A. Brown (president of the Croquet Club) to play the first ball. The membership of thp Croquet. Club is at present 35, while five or six new members are expected to join up next week. A dainty afternoon tea dispensed by the ladies enhanced the success of the ceremony.

Results of matches played are as follow: — Deed, Greenway, J. Fulton, J. Pirret ( S ) 17. v. Hull. Griffen, Madill, King fsj 14; Piggott, R. Fulton. Bullock, A. F. Hewitt (s) 22, v. Danes, W. Glasgow. Jamieson, Fitness (s) 13; Barber, Bilkey, Maiden, Barter (s) 17 v. H H D Wily, Butcher, P'irrett, Tonkin (s) 16: Allan. Wright, Higginson, Christiansen (s’) 16, v. McWatt, McNallv, Steele, E. Wright (s) 21; Stembrdge. A. P. Horne, R. Rae, C. K. Lawrie (s) 18, v. Heath, Stuart, Elmsley, J. Adams (s) 20; C. Deed, Barnaby. Pulman, Pollock (s) 17, v. Schofield. Webb, Ingpen. Cooper (s) 19: Crum. Stringer, J. Rae. Patton (s) 31, v. Jamieson, Hornbrook, Gill, McPherson (s) 11.