BOWLING IN THE SOUTH

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 18 October 1935, Page 4

BOWLING IN THE SOUTH

CLUB OPENING DAYS PARK USHERS IN NEW SEASON "t OTHER FIXTURES ARRANGED (Note? by ‘‘Be Up”) * Once more the bowling greens of - South Taranaki claim the attention of *\ - *'inid-\veek or week-end enthusiasts for ; *v. -this grand old .summer, game. The wea- ”- ther,' .which held us in the crip of winter "until only a week or j-.o ago, has broken fair with blue skies and balmy air to encourage the first uppearanco of players in appropriate garb.' It is still a little too soon for , late afternoon games, but with daylight; saving and the advance of October should see every green occupied. Every club reports playing surfaces in splendid condition following an abnormally long and dry summer, and also sustained and, in many instances, in- -- creased membership—both happy aug. mics for u successful season.

CLUB FIXTURES Forthcoming fixtures are notified as follow : Saturday, October 19.—Opening day at Kaponga, Patea, Lepperton, West End, Vogcltowu, Fit-zroy and New Plymouth. Wednesday, October 23.—Opening day at Opunake. Thursday, October 2-I.—Opening day at Eltharn, Stratford, Avon, Tariki and Inglewood. Saturday, October 26.—Opening day at Waverley, A,uroa and Waitara. Monday, October 28 (Labour Day).— One-day tournaments at Hawera and Opunake. Saturday, November 2.—Opening of shield fixtures (Saturday section), Park v. Patea, at Park; Hawera No. 2 v. Kaponga, at Kaponga; Hawera No. 1, a bye. Wednesday, November G.—Shield fixtures (Wednesday section), Hawera v. Manaia, at Manaia; Opunake v. Park, at Opunake.

Last Saturday saw the first official opening in the Taranaki Centre for the 193-5-36 season. The Park club “did” the honours and a glorious spring afternoon saw tlio green crowded to its fullest capacity. It was a record attendance and only one Park player (the president) was able to participata ill the games. In addition to the Go visitors playing, there were many others on the bank, and during the afternoon they changed places with those more fortunate to be in the first draw. * * * * * The green fully maintains its previous high reputation, and on the day was surprisingly fast for so early in the season. Congratulations were extended to greenwarden \Y. AY. Thomas who, although undertaking the responsibility for the first time, lias given early proof of his ability to attain to the success of his predecessors. The president of the club, Mr J. ■J. Goodwin, and his members were most assiduous in entertaining the vis-j iters, who were loiql in their praise of. a most eniovnble and .successful opening by this popular club. j OPENED IN THE PAIN Hawora carried out its official function on 'Wednesday, but the weather was most unkind, and from about 1.1-3 o'clock a steady rain fell until well alter three o’clock, making the. condition of the green such that it was deemed inadvisable to allow any play. In spite of the weather conditions, however, a large number of visitors attended and President D. McCormick conducted the official ceremony under cover of the pavilion. A happy atmosphere prevailed despite the disappointment of no “roll up. It was difficult for any member t 0 recollect a previous occasion when play had to he abandoned on the official opening day. *****

Air A. fait (Kupungai. returning thunks, on behalf of the visitors, stated that although they were deprived of a gallic, they enjoyed their association with the Hawora club members, and extended best wishes lor a successful season. * * * * Of A large framed photograph in. memory of the late Air Robert Tail, early singles champion, a former president, and at the time of his death club patron, was presented to the Hawora club on Wednesday by Airs Tail. Air. J. J). Tait, son of the deceased, and a member of the club, handed the gilt to the president (Air D. .McCormick') at the opening ceremony. In accepting the photograph, Mr McCormick said that fye was sure that no gift was needed to keep alive, the memory of one who had been so well known and respected as the late Air. Tait. He had been of great service t 0 the cl oh during his long association with it, and the club would be pleased to hang the photograph in the pavilion with those of fither members who had ron- j tiered signal service to the club. j

FLOWERS FOR THE LADIES

After Mrs McCormick had thrown up the first kitty and Mrs R. Tait had rolled the first bowl to open the Hawera bowling season on Wednesday', bouquets from the committee and members of the club were presented to both ladies by Mr H. E. Shaw.

During the next 10 days inter-club visits will be the order. There are still several clubs to hold their opening functions, and in the southern division the Manaia club has vet to announce a date. To-morrow will see Patea and Kaponga “at home,” an< from ail reports both are to receive many visitors. Presidents Seown (Patea) and Cran (Kaponga) look for a fine day and the pleasure.of renewing many old acquaintances. ■X • X X -ir *

It is interesting to note that the Wanganui club will this season be celebrating its jubilee year, as announced by the president, Mr H. F. Tilley, at the opening function on Saturday. The committee huve under consideration suitable arrangements for celebrating the jubilee, and present members as well as former members now scattered throughout the Dominion will await the announcement with interest.

A new green is being prepared by the St. John’s club, Wanganui, and this should fill a long-felt want on the [part of the suburban club. When the j green is ready' for play, probably in | the middle of summer, the new green may be used for giving the old one a I spell. i * * * * * I Many foundation members from all parts of the Dominion gathered at the Hataitai (Wellington) Bowling Club’s green for the opening of the season on Saturday. The occasion was of more than usual interest, as it marked the silver jubilee of the club. Tlio official opening was performed by the Hon. C'. . E. Macmillan. Minister of Agriculture. *** * . * Don't emulate the donkey who thought himself a deer, and only found out the difference when he attempted to leap a wide ditch, states “Boomerang’’ in the Sydney “Referee.” Take the little hurdles in your stride, and leave the ditches in your game till later

It takes a wise man to make a fool. , Don't associate with the wise birds when learning the game, else you will never join the exclusive army of “fools” who succeed. Looking at the head when you are. about to grass' the bowl causes you to ! run narrow. “Get” the length with a I lirst look when you go on to the mat, I then forget what you expect to do I when your bowl reaches the head, and j concentrate on the track that takes I you there i * * * * *• Seventy-five per cent, of players waste sec res of bowls every month in the season by bowling across their knees, and consequently running narrow. Don't join up with the seventyfive per cents. Face well away on the back hand, which is the fatal hand. Don't twist. If a head displays itself that you should have no hesitation in exploiting in a practice game, play it. Not playing the shot as you see it causes you to lose confidence in j [yourself, and if persisted in you be- | come a regular funk, and finish yel- j I low all over. | If you feel nervous, or annoyed, don’t show it. One old skip goes about humming a tunc when the old ship looks like foundering, just to reassure the passengers. * * * * Don't make a habit of playing or having a preference for one hand. Any player who is conscious of being better on one hand than the other, should go out and take half an hour on the weak hand only, as often as possible. •*' * * * A howl at the hack is worth four short of the head. You can play a strong shot and get away with it, hut short howls are like empty pockets, they get you nowhere.