SYME SHIELD BOWLING CONTEST

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 7 January 1930, Page 7

SYME SHIELD BOWLING CONTEST

(To tne Editor.)

Sir,—Under the heading of “Bowls and Bowlers,” by “Skip,” I notice that the writer is not quite accurate in some of his remarks relating to the Syme Shield contest played on New Year's Day in Hawera. In the first place he '-says that “eight” players from the Hawera. Club were playing for Manaia Club, giving them “eight” substitutes out of 16 players. This is quite wrong, and in fairness to Manaia should he contradicted, as they really only played with “six” substitutes. Not- much difference, certainly, but it is just as well to he correct in recording these little matters. Then again, out of courtesy to the club, it should have lieen explained that Manaia, owing to dearth of members at the present time, could not have been represented in the contest had these extra players not have been provided, and I think it shows rather had criticism to infer that Manaia would not have won a game against Hawera if these players were not helping. Great credit is due to these players, for they played as though they belonged to the visiting club, and I think it ill-becomes “Skip” to try and excuse the defeat of M. Squire and Foy, even though it may have been the case. “Skip” cannot deny but what M. Squire had a particularly strong rink, quite capable of a better result. Further, I do not know why “Skip” should question the right of It. Hicks to skip a- rink for Manaia, when in it previous paragraph he admires “the sportsmanlike attitude” of the other clubs in allowing him to skip. I hope the “personal surprise” he got will not put him on the “wrong bias.” Under the circumstances I did not think any sport would raise the question when the other clubs were quite unanimous over the matter Rules should (as in this instance) ho used for guidance and not made mandatory when brother clubs are engaged in friendly rivalry in this “most honourable and gentlemanly [game.” It is quite true the Sqmre- : Hicks game had its funny, sore side, and there was, as usual, an unusual amount of “banker’s notes’’ floating around; but to say that Hicks’ team, outside the skip, played good howls, well! f think “Skip” must have been up flip mountain and heard things. f agree that loud comment- from the bank should be condemned, and, also. 1 will go one further and say that rude remarks should not come from one that is on the green playing this “most honourable and gentlemanly game.” Thanking you for the opportunity of correcting a few wrong impressions created from the remarks by “Skip.”—* am, etc.. A BANKER.