CONTROL OF BOWLS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20638, 19 August 1941, Page 10

CONTROL OF BOWLS

harmonious terms GISBORNE-COAST CENTRE PATRIOTIC TOURNAMENT The harmonious relations prevailing among the bowling clubs of the district were well exemplified last evening, when the annual meeting of the Gisborne-East Coast Bowling Centre was held in the Gisborne club s pavilion. All motions carried received unanimous support, and when a clash in dub tournament dates appeared likely, one club’s delegates agreed to withdraw their application in favour of the other applicant for the same date. The oflieial opening date for the 1941-42 season was fixed for October 11. There was a full attendance of executive officers and club delegates, Mr. J. K. Popple, president for 1940-41 • being in the chair. The president moved the adoption of the report and statement of accounts, the motion being seconded by Mr. 11. A. Armstrong and carried. Mr. Popple stated that the year had been a successful one, despite certain setbacks, included among which were the death of the hon. secretary, Mr. D. Ci. Robertson, and the illness of his successor, Mr. W. S. Waite, lie was glad to be able to report that Mr. Waite was making good progress towards better health, and already was looking forward to bringing a Napier team to Gisborne to compete in the Peace Shield tournament. In consequence of the loss of two hon. secretaries, Mr. Popple added, the bulk ot the work had fallen on the hon. treasurer. Mr. F. Williams, whose great ability and keen interest in the game had made him invaluable in his dual office since Mr. Waite’s retirement. (Applause.) The president concluded with an expression of thanks to centre members for the support given to him during his term of office. Mr. J. J. Hartley President The election of officers resulted:—President, Mr. J. J. Hartley; vice-president. Mr. ii. A. Armstrong; hon. secretary, Mr. E. E. Somervell; hon. treasurer, Mr. F. Williams; non. auditor, Mr. 0. Blackburn. It was decided on the motion of Mr. Slight, that the centre championship events follow the same schedule as last year, the dates ot the respective competitions being fixed by the tournament committee. Discussing the Peace Shield tournament, one of the two major fixtures of the coming season, Mr. F. Williams stated that apparently there would be three days available at New Year. He suggested either that the centre nominate three days’ section play, instead of two as in the past, or that two days be devoted to section play and the third day to a consolation tournament. The latter suggestion found general favour, and was adopted unanimously, on Mr. Williams’ motion. On the subject of the Fisken Cup inter-club games, Mr. A. Slight remarked that these tended to clash with the Yelverton Shield matches. Clubs found a difficulty in getting teams to travel to contest both trophies, and he suggested that the Fisken Cup be awarded to the runners-up to the Peace Shield winners. Mr. 11. A. Armstrong pointed out that t.TFisken Cup was the only competition in wnicn country clubs could “have a snot", at. the town clubs. He thought that it would oe a pity not to give country clubs that chance. Moreover, the cup games, were valuable in bringing bowlers of the district together. He thought it would be a retrograde step to eliminate the competition. No Change in Competitions Mr. M. Doyle, representing Te Karaka, endorsed Mr. Armstrong’s remarks, lie thought it would be detrimental to eliminate the Fisken Cup competition. The hon. treasurer stated that the Tolaga Bay club had written supporting Mr. Slight's proposal. The letter stated that Tokomaru Bay club members had endorsed it unanimously. Mr. Williams seconded Mr. Slight’s motion. Mr. Slight, however, asked permission to withdraw his motion, in view of Mr. Armstrong’s reminder that the Fisken Cup was definitely inscribed as for inter-club play, and could not be allocated to a centre tournament. The meeting decided that the Fisken Cup and Yelverton Shield competitions be conducted as in past years. The meeting discussed a letter from the East Coast Provincial Patriotic Council, suggesting that the centre might organise a tournament or series of tournaments for patriotic purposes. On the motion of the new president, it was decided to hold a tournament on the same lines as for last season, in aid of the patriotic funds. The motion received unanimous and hearty support. It was stated that last year’s tournament raised over £25, and was most successful. Fixtures approved by the meeting included an all-day tournament for Wairoa, in the last week in February; a two-day tournament for December 26-27 for the Poverty Bay club; and an all-day tournament on Labour Day for the Gisborne club. Kakutia delegates also asked for Labour Day, but to avoid a clash, withdrew with an intimation that another date would he nominated later in the yea/.