BOWLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3346, 12 October 1911, Page 6

BOWLING.

OPENING OF THE SEASON

The official opening of the season takes place on- both local greens ibis afternoon, and if the weather is favorable there should be large attendances. As evidencing the good feeling which exists between the Gisborne and Turanganui Clubs the vice-president of lbe Gisborne- Club (Mr F. Eure) is tailing a rink over to the Turanganui green, while the compliment is being returned by Mr H. J. Finn, vice-president of the Turanganui -Club. Play will commence at 2 p.m., and the official opening will take place at 3 p.m. on botli greens. The Turanganui Club are catering for the entertainment of their lady friends by permitting them to engage in croquet on one of their greens. NOTES' AND COMMENTS. (By “Toucher.”) The advent of summer finds out whether many people who are generally considered to be beyond any serious form of athletics are as old as they are credited with being. All through the winter they can hardly muster up enough energy-, seemingly, to get to their various places of business, but directly the bowling greens are open for play they renew their youth and become for the time .as spry as they have been any time- these last twenty years. This bowling game is a grand! one, not only for the pleasure of its playing, but also for the sociability of the players. Well, they will be at it again to-day, when the season will be formally opened on the two local greens, and “kissing kitty” will he a common thing in Gisborne during the next few months.

During the past few years, under more systematic conditions, there has been a remarkable revival of interest m the game, which, excepting only archery, is the oldest surviving outdoor play in the world. Herodotus attributes its introduction to the Lydians. It improves the conditions of life for many a man, who by its medium is taught to know and! understand his fellow men; it breaks down the barriers of exclusiveness which lie between one good man and another whose friendship would be mutually profitable.. Many an old bowler declares that in it for him lies the secret of perpetual health, and the joys of youth itself. It makes a man glad to be alive. One charm lies in the facility with which the beginner is initiated. Young men sometimes become expert in one season, and scores of good skips played their first bowl when, like Wendell Holmes, they were “well over 70 years young” —a bowler dies young no matter liow long be lives. A medical man of high repute writes thus—and one may believe that the game of bowls was in his mind: —“It is not strenuous exercise that counts; but the kind that hits the mark is the kind a man likes for its own sake, and that kind is something with the play spirit in it—-the life and go of a good game. The best form of exercise will call the big muscles into play—the muscles that do the work of life.” Lord Derby says:—“The man who will not find time for exercise now will have it amply provided for iris illness by-and-bye.” It was surely a bowler’s conclusion that “The man I don’t like is the man I don’t know” ; and: as certainly a non-bowling cynic who said, “The more I see of men, the more I like my dog.” ■ Health is ensured by the air and exercise, spirits by the zest of the game, friendships by the social intercourse, and, though they should not enter into the question, business interests are promoted bv the fellowships of the green. On fin© Summer evenings ardent players are very , irregular in their home-comings, and owe much to the forbearance of their kindly womenfolk, who, it is, a pleasure to find, are beginning to make the green a favorite resort. They, however, reap an ample reward in the good 1 health, and improved temper of their bowlplaying men, and in the opportunities for the friendship of the wives of members. As with the chess-player, happily the spirit of a true -bowler will l never tolerate ga.mblirm in connection with the game. It will, therefore, always remain what it is—a clean, manly sport. Perhaps it may not bo out of place to mention a few things that make a bowling club succeed, as given in a recent bowling authority. First is the cultivation of a cheery welcome to all players, and particularly to beginners. There should be an entire absence of “dourness,”- which is apt to affect the whole club, if even one member is so unfortunate as to be afflicted with the malady. “'One ounce of mirth is worth a pound of sorrow.” Never suppress well-meant enthusiasm. Keep an open door to the friends of members. The

approach and surroundings must be attractive —grassy plots for a lazy lounge, comfortable seats, shady bowers and sunny spots, flowers in profusion. The Child's banner should be displayed on every general practice or match day. The "wives of members will gladly dispense hospitable tea on the weekly lirflfholidav, taking it in turn throughout the season and on match days all may combine. The refreshments should lie free of cost to members, their friends, and visitors. The Club should purchase appliances—gas-ring, copper urn, capacious tea-pot, dainty ' crockery, glassware and silver; tea, sugar, and biscuits —-thus enabling the ladies to provide cakes and delicacies at the minimum cost and labor. The telephone should be installed in the pavilion. Good blackboards for announcements should be painted on the wall. Players should wear, clothing of the color and material chosen by the Club. One day in the week should -be reserved for general practice. Every member should he provided with nomination cards to enable him to opportunely secure for his fellow members the companionship of desirable friends. The names of nominees should appear on the blackboard. To sum up the things which make for success; Mirthful, if sometimes even noisy, enthusiasm among players; liberty to members; welcome to visitors; 'good appointments ; bright surroundings; officers and sub-committees who attend to their duties or resign. “A bright, central spot where all good men should meet,” is what a recent bowling scribe describes as the first essential of a scientific game and a successful club.