BOWLING SEASON OPENS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 October 1931, Page 3

BOWLING SEASON OPENS.

RECORD GATHERING ON LEVIN GREEN. VISITORS CARRY OFF THE PALM. The Levin Bowling Green was the scene of a notable gathering of bowlers yesterday afternoon when- the 193132 season was inaugurated. The occasion was favoured with warm summer conditions, and a threat of rain was not funfilled until the last heads were being played. The green was in splendid condition and a tribute to the attention given it'by the Green Committee and groundman. As is only to be expected so early in the season, the rinks were not so keen as later in 'the summer, but the turf was true, accurate and well covered. The attendance of visitors, local residents and players was very large, and many -ladies were present. Old members considered that numerically the attendance was a record. Among those present were the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs C. Blenkhorn, while visiting rinks came from Palmerston North, Foxton, Shannon, Mahakau, and Otaki, and at the conclusion of play, the honours of the afternoon rested with them, only one Levin rink Ibeing successful in defeating their opponents. Eight rinks were occupied during the afternoon, and quite a number of local players voluntarily stood aside to make room for the. visitors. Altogether the after;‘noon was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and was greatly contributed 'to by the bountiful afternoon tea provided by Mrs Smaill, assisted by several other ladies. Prior to play commencing, the President, Mr W. Smaill, extended a hearty welcome to the Mayor and Mayoress, and the visitors, and expressed pleasure at the fine weather with which they were favoured. He apologised for the absence of Mr W. J. Kirk, the club’s oldest life member, and Messrs Foss and Suhan. The President took the opportunity of drawing members’ attention to the improvements effected by the Green Committee this year, chiefly in the direction of raising the turf bank round the green, and erectdug a railing in, front of the pavilion. On behalf of Mrs Stoiaill he thanked those ladies who had kindly come along to assist her and had provided contributions towards the afternoon tea. On behalf of 'the Club he also thanked the wives of members who had taken charge of the afternoon tea arrangements last season, their services' in this connection being greatly appreciated. He passed on to members an invitation from the Croquet Club to attend fhe opening of their season and hoped the bowlers' would be well represented on that occasion. In concluding, he wished all bowlers, not only of Levin, but of other clubs a successful season and hoped that when they came on to the green they would leave all their troubles and anxieties outside the gate. He 'then called upon the Mayor to declare the season open. Mr Blenkhorn said he could not do better than compliment the gathering upon the fine afternoon, and echo the President’s welcome to the visitors to the best little green, in the best little town in. the best little country in the world. “The Mayor always has to say something like that,” commented his Worship in reply to the applause and laughter that greeted his remark. He sincerely trusted the visitors would have a most enjoyable game, and that they would go. away happy —but well and truly beaten. To the members of the Levin 'Club he would wish a very happy season, characterised by that sporting spirit and good fellowship that was always predominant on the Levin Bowling Green. The President had referred to the good work of the ladies, which was always appreciated by bowlers, and His Worship therefore moved a hearty vote of thanks in advance to those ladies who had gone to so much trouble in the .provision of afternoon tea. They did something more in this respect than grace t,he green with their presence. The vote of thanks was passed by hearty acclamation and His Worship then declared the green open for play. After the Mayoress had performed the time-honoured o)f “ throwing the jack,” and the Mayor had put up the first bowl, eight rinks were quickly occupied, and the green presented am animated appearance. THE SCORES.

Palmerston North —Fleming, Procter, Croucher, Stephenson (skip) 19 v. Levin —J, K. Allen, H. Holdaway, Challies, Smaill (skip)—-18. Shannon —Butt, Hyde, Grey, Bovis (skip)—2l v. Levin —Bryant, Arcus, Eoutley, Cameron (skip)—-14. Manakau —Green, Brown, Cotter, Evans (skip)—26 v. Levin —S. Jackson, Blenkhorn, Walker, Bowater (skip) —lB. Otaki —Bills, Twist, Beauchamp, Bailey (skip)- —21 v. Levin —Dempsey, Anderson, Sherwood, Monks (skip) —l7. Foxton —Ross, Walker, Mairs Huntley (skip)—2B v. Levin —Goldsmith, Bagrie, Cameron. Lemmon (skip)— 18.Otaki —Gillespie, Lowry, Witehell, Noble (;ski|p)— ! 2'2 v/. Manakau — Nees, Atkins, Sawyer,, Powell (skip)—ls. Foxton —Seadden, Robinson, Walton, Mattar (skip) —15 v. Levin —Kerslake, Pink, Channings, Parker (skip)—2o. Shannon —Aim, Alexander, Clayton, Cronquest (skip)—2l v. Levin— Capper, W. M. Allan, Pyke, Lan- . gelan (skip) —17.