BOWLING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 October 1924, Page 10

BOWLING.

A couple of seasons ago one of the South Island greens was taken possession of by a certain so-called weed, and it was thought that for playing purposes the green would be absolutely ruined-. Ilowevel*, members continued to play on it, and found it answered the purpose remarkably well. The weed runs along close to the ground, and wants little cutting; it is also said to stand the dry weather well. The Eltham green is how covei'ed with it, and it is spreading on both the Hawera and Park greens, so that in a short time it should he known whether Nature has not stepped in and provided a substitute for - grass. The progress of this weed will be watched with the keenest interest. It should bo submitted to some expert to find out what it really is. There are a few bowlers who take an interest in the laws of the game, and can foresee that more attention must be paid to them if misunderstandings are to he avoided in the future (says “Number Two” in the , Evening Post). One of the questions which a meeting of umpires might consider is the position of the man who acts as what is known as an umpire in a single-handed match. No fixed system has been arranged which would serve to guide a person undertaking this important duty. As a matter of fact, the duties which devolve on him are not the duties of an umpire /at all, hut are merely those of a marker.! Some of those who act in this capacity merely straighten the jack and answer questions when asked. Others take it upon themselves to give information with respect to the head, declare the result, and mark it on the board, but neither acts in the real capacity of an umpire nor enforces the rules if a player, commits a breach. There is a possibility of a serious misunderstanding arising at any time under the present uncertain methods. A misunderstanding or quarrel occurred in the final of the New South "Wales singles championships and extended over a period of three months, and gave rise, moreover, to some degree of bitterness. A clear understanding arrived at by a meeting of umpires would be of value as a guide to future conduct.

A. new club, named the Imperial Bowling Club, has been granted affiliation to the Christchurch Centre. This club, which is composed of employees of Messrs. Wood Bros., the well-known flour-millers, came into being last season. . The width of the green is 70ft, and it will he able to accommodate four rinks. The members intend entering rinks in the pennant competitions. The firm is to he congratulated on providing a green for its employees (says “Skip,” in Christchurch Press). “With regard to the Christchurch re~ niit- passed by the Dominioi! Council, that the minimum size of the mat be 36 inches by 15 inches, it is interesting to note,” says “Trundler,” in the Auckland Star, “that in England they do not maintain the farce of a long mat for one foot. If we played with both feet on the mat, as they do in Australia, the Christchurch suggestioii would he very useful, but it is difficult to know what useful purpose will be served by such a long mat. Mr. R. J. Allely, of the Mount Albert Club, who is now in England, finds that they use a mat which is only I2in by 9in, although- their old rule used to ‘recommend that the size of the mat be hotless than 22in by 14in, or thereabouts.’ ”

At a recent annual meeting of the New South Wales Association, Mr. Hector Ross said that there should be an international cup for competition, similar to the Davis Cup in tennis. He understood that a cheque for £SOO would he forthcoming for a cup fund.