BOWLING

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1926, Page 3

BOWLING

RUNANGA GREEN OPENED (Our Own Correspondent.) “Have we a Jonah in our Club, or is the Indian sign on us?” was tin remark made by»Mr. Heslin, President of Runanga Bowling Club, wher officially opening the green on Saturday in referring to the weather conditions not allowing any play to take place. He mentioned the fact that every year postponements had taken place, but the committee felt in view of the lateness of the season, that it was only fair that the green should be formally opened so that members might, take the first opportunity of fine weather and get playing. He therefore officially opened the green and asked that the Vice-President conduct Mrs. Heslin to throw up the first bowl, which was done, to the playing from the Runanga Band. The members and visitors afterwards adjourned to the pavilion where afternoon tea was provided by the ladies, after which a very fine social took place, songs and toasts being much in evidence. The band opened with a fine selection which was much appreciated by those present. Mr. Tom Halliday sang very nicely “Your Eyes have told me so,” and for an encore, “The Deathless Army.” Mr. Heslin proposed the toast of “The Ladies,” and referred in glowing terms as to what the ladies had done for the Club not only in providing afternoon teas, but in raising funds to make a real pleasure ground for the bowlers. Mr. Rae, Vice-President, in responding on behalf of the ladies thanked the President for his kind remarks and referred to the fact that the new wing on the pavilion was a standing monument to what the ladies had achieved for the Club. Mr. J. J. Moore sang, “You had better stay at home lad”; song,

t “Susie” Mr. J. Pender. !, Mr. Rae proposed the health of the 3 Band and in doing so, mentioned that j the Band made it possible for them 1 to have a fine social afternoon. He 1 sincerely thanked them for their 1 efforts and congratulated them on the ) progress made under their conductor, ) Mr. Reg. Jackson. t Mr. D. Kendrick responded, and said - the band was willing at all times to - turn out at any function that took t place in the township. t Mr. James Armstrong sang “When > Knights are Bold”; Mr. Rafferty “Pal , of My Dreams.” t The toast “Sister Clubs” was pro-, i posed by Mr. T. Bowes, who said that - he received apologies for the absence - of Mr. Cochrane, President of the I Grey Club and Mr. Kibble (secretary) - and other members. He also read conl gratulatory letters and telegrams from i Westport, Reefton, Hokitika and Mil- - lerton. He also included'in the toast <■ “Kindred Clubs.” ) Mrs. James Armstrong responded ) on behalf of the Croquet Club. Mrs. ■ Munson Tennis. Mr. Heslin respond- ■ ed on behalf of the affiliated Clubs • and referred to the splendid sporting j spirit of the Grey Club, who at all ; times gave their members the use of the green when they were unable to play on their own. Mr. Rae, as a recitation, gave I “Uncle,” and rendered it in fine style. Mrs. James Armstrong sang to perfection, “I have a very funny way with me.” Three cheers for the ladies was gvien and three for the President, and although members were unable to indulge in bowls they voted the afternoon the.best ever and concluded with “Auld Lang -Syne.” In the evening a smoke concert was held to celebrate the opening of the new wing to the pavilion. Mr. Heslin presided over a good number of members, being ably assisted by Mr. Rae. A lengthy toast list was gone ; through . including “Past Presidents” ' responded to by Mr. Ourrie. Mr. Devine responded on behalf of Mr. : Miller, the first President, who was : unable to be present and eulogised ' Mr. Millei* for what he had done for the Club since the first sod was ! turned. The President (Mr. Heslin) and Secretary (Mr. Bowes) were also toasted. Both gentlemen responding, thanked the members fog the sent!*

ments expressed and the cordial cooperation of executive and members alike. Mr. Bowes gave a resume as to how the Committee’s business was carried out, and i£ was contended the New Zealand Parliament had nothing on the executive in conducting the affairs of the Club. The caretaker was toasted with musical honours, and responded to by Mr. Collins, the caretaker. Songs were contributed by Messrs Brown, Halliday, Thomas, Rafferty, Barnes', Cook* Warburton, Munson, and Pender. A fine rendering “Larboard Watch” by Messrs Brown and Thomas, was much appreciated. Auld Lang Syne brought a letter day as far as - the Runanga Bowling Club is concerned to a close, with hearty cheers for the President,