TE RAU BOWLING CLUB

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2142, 26 July 1907, Page 2

TE RAU BOWLING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

Hold 'at the Albion Hotel last evening, there was a very large attendance at the annual meeting of till To Ran Bowling Club. , Mr. JSheridan (president) occupied the chair. The Chairman read an apology loi absence from the late president, the lion. Mr. Carroll, and also a telegram from tlie president of the Wellington Bowling Club, Air. Neil McLean wishing the local organisation ovorv success.

COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The annual report of the coninntteo slated: “In presenting their annual rej.tit and balaiice-slieet your committee tender to the members of tlio club its most cordial congratulations o l a phenomenally successful year. Tlii balance-sheet showing a substantial credit balance has been duly audited and certified to by the club’s auditor (Mr. Frank Pcttio). “Tho past season has probably been the most enjoyable since the foundation of the.club, and your committee recommend’ that a hearty . vote ol thunks be accorded Captain Ferns for the use of his private green for practico purposes. “It is anticipated that the club’s now green at Boisdalo will be open early next season. “All club matches wore most keen-

]y contested, and tlio close finishes on eacli occasion bear eloquent testimony tj the capabilities of our painstaking handioapper (Air. AV. J. Hennessy). “Our club was represented at 1 1

Noi thorn Bawling Association’s North I,slum! Championship Tournament at Mnstorton last March by Messrs. Massey, Hennessy. Harris, and Pettie. who upheld the lionor and prestige of tlio club by securing the premier position of Champion Fours of the North Island, and meritoriously annexing the handsome and niuehcovoted gold medals of the Association The Hub liinv well feel proud of the brilliant achievements of their representatives. The Hon. Jns. Carrod (our worthy ex-president) was selected to represent the club at the

same tournament, but owin'? to important Parliamentary duties was prevented from competing, a fact which is much to be deplored, as the lion. 1 gentleman was in excellent form, and would have in all probability added to our laurels. Great as are the results and records of the pasi season, your committee confidently hope that thev mav be received as but ail instalment of still greater honors. “It is proposed to send two strong rinks to represent the club at the tournament to be held at Auckland next January, and if the teams make good practice your committee are most sanguine that our club will maintain the proud position it hold-to-day. In any caso, however, menibeis may rest assured that our se-

lections will put up a good and va liant fight, and if their well-wor laurels are wrested from the To Ram we shall have the full satisfactior that they wore defended to the lasi extremity.

“During the trip to and from Masterton our team was right royally entc-rtained by the members of the Hastings and Dannevirke clubs, and

accorded such hospitality as is characteristic of all true sports. Members will we are sure seize with avidit.- the earliest opportunity afforded of heartily reciprocating. “Whilst in Mastorton our team were most generously entertained by the Mastorton bowlers, and we are assured that the arrangements for them comfort and the magnificent, treatment accorded cannot be allowed to pass without special recognition.” ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Ai the ballot- hold on the 18th inst it was reported the following officer.' were duly elected for the forthcom-

ing season: —Patron, the Hon. Jas Carroll : president, Mr. J. Sheridan vice-president, Mr. G. R.Oman secretary and treasurer, Mr." Franl; Harris; committee, Messrs. J. F Pettie, A. W. Murray, Chas. Ambridge, To Kani Perc, S. Hei, and Captain Ferris.

GENERAL. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the Mastorton Bowling Club for the hospitality accorded to tlu local club’s representatives durii« % tlioir visit to town last season It was also decided to forward to the Gisborne Rowling Club a letter expressing regret at the great loss it had sustained through the death of its late president, Mr. J. A. Harding, and also one to Mrs. Harding sympathising with her in her bereavement.

A vote of thanks to the outgoing officers closed the formal business. ANNUAL DINNER.

Ono of tho pleasant functions in Ur.' history of tlio club was tho annual social, held in tho large diningroom of the hotel. The tables were tastefully laden with edibles and refreshments, and tho company, which included a large number of guests, settled down to enjoy the'proceedings Toast, song, and story kept the interest sustained, mirth was in the ascendant, and the evening passed all too quickly. After the usual loyal toast, liis Honor Judge Jones proposed “Tho Gisborne Bowling Club,” referred to as the parent body. The mover stated that while proud of their recent 'triumph, they felt it a privilege to show filial respect to their parents. Mr. TV. Puttie, president of the Gisborne Bowling Club, in responding referred to the extraordinary strides which had been made in tho game of bcwls in Gisborne since the club he represented had boon founded. He advocated an endeavor being made to secure the North Island championship mooting for Gisborne as early as possible. Mr. C. Ambridgc proposed “The Turanganui Club,” which w r as responded to hy Mr. C. J. Bennett who stated that his club hoped to send one or two rinks to the championship mooting this season. A feature of the evening was the presentation of gold medals to the Champion Pour, the President paying an eloquent tribute to their prowess, .and voicing the delight with which their victory had been received in Gisborne. The toast was drunk to tho strains of “See the Conquering Hero Comes.” Mr. Ambridgo responded on behalf of Mr. Massey, whose departure, he said, was regretted hy all the bowlers of Gisborne. Mr. Hennessy acknowledged the trip had been very pleasant and the great reception on the team’s return most appreciated, but the present function was among the most enjoyable in their experience. Mr. Frank Harris, “the chief.” got a. most hearty reception. Ho briefly recounted the doings of tlir team and said they were extremely proud to bring the coveted honour to Gisborne.

Mr. Pettie said the four had been imbued with the spirit that tliev were playing for the honour and glory of Gisborne bowlers. . Mr. R;. Johnston proposed “success to the Te Ban Club.” There bad

been an impression obroad that the four, wont away without practice, but be bad a shrewd idea that they must have put in some solid work oil Captain Ferris’s private green. (Laughter and applause.) Captain Ferris, in responding, mentioned that the Te Ran Club had been formed at the suggestion of Mr. Carroll, who thought the young Natives could excel ip that as well as 'll other games. As a mattoi> of fact a Native team under Mr. Harr : s bad done well in Auckland. Mr. Sain IToi. whose name also was coupled with the toast, said the Chili had been started bv members of tho Native race in 1904. But {hey had not- the application which characterised their confreres and, though the movement was started with enthusiasm. that enthusiasm was not sustained beyond the first season. Tlio Club would have dropped out of existence but for t-lie membership attracted from the other Clubs. The Natives dropped out of it altogether. He -.hoped _ that the young Natives would he induced to take an interest in the game and perhaps in the future to have a hold bid for honors. (Applause.) ' Mr. H. Lewis proposed “Kindred' Sports.” Could not the ladies be induced to visit the. greens more and perhaps form a Ladies’ Club. (No apparent enthusiasm amongst the members.)

Dr. Collins made an eloquent and entertaining speech in responding on behalf of cricket-. Mr. Joe Martin responded for football, and Mr. Hawley on behalf of tennis.

Some good vocal music interspersed the speeches. Songs were rendered by Messrs. Zachariah, Hookev. Dr. Collins, TV. F. Sinclair, Geo. Boulton; and other gentlemen. Mr. Sheridan gave two or throe appreciated recitations, the .most popular being ‘-‘Pardon, the Son of Reprieve” Mr. John Pettie introduced all-the. Gaelic humor into the recitation, “A TVoo Scotch Nicht.”

Captain Ferris proposed “On Visitors.” which was re-nonded to b Messrs. <>u ! n. Steele and Miller. Tin toasts of'“The Ladies.” “Tlk- 7’ro-V

o,vi. ‘“The Host and -r<njso .honored and n. mo--- on jo*’? 1 ’ oven in " wss concluded by the of “Auld Lang Syne.”