Bowling.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1444, 24 July 1933, Page 1

Bowling.

MATAMATA CLUB.

Annual Meeting. There were 23 members present at the annual meeting of the Matamata Bowling Club held on Thursday. Mr. W. Egan presided. Motions of Sympathy. Votes of condolence with the relatives of the late Constable Connor and Mr. Keith Buckley were passed, all members standing. New Members. The following new members were elected: Messrs. L. L. Cubis and J. Mclntyre. Trophies Presented. In presenting a miniature cup to Mr. J. Green, winner of the singles championship, Mr. Egan said that Mr. Green had been runner-up for a number of years, and his win was a popular one. Mr. Egan also presented to Mr. A. Adams the trophy given by Mr. E. C. Banks for those who had never previously won a trophy. ■ in returning thanks, Mr. Green said he was no orator and was more fluent on the green. Mr. Adams mentioned that as a country player he desired to express his appreciation of the fine treatment meted out to country players by the Matamata club. Thanks. On the motion of Messrs. Simpson and Egan, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to those who had given services and donations of gravel, cement and other materials for improvements. A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded the greenkeeper, Mr. G. Stewart.

Election of Officers.

The following officials were elected for the ensuing year: Patrons, Messrs. Bowler Bros.; president, Mr. W. Egan; vice-president, Mr. W. Crabb; secretary, Mr. F. Banks; assistant-secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. W. Simpson; green superintendent, Mr. G. Stewart; executive, Messrs. W. A. Gordon, J. Were and A. Oates; auditor, Mr. W. L. Barkman; delegates to South Auckland Centre, Messrs. G. Stewart and W. Egan. Mr. Egan, who had occupied the office of president for the past five years, declined nomination for this season. At the unanimous request of the meeting, however, Mr. Egan was prevailed upon to accept office for the sixth term. After a lengthy discussion it was decided, on the motion of Messrs. W. A. Gordon and F. Banks, that the executive be recommended to appoint Messrs. G. Stewart, J. W. Simpson and J. Were as a match committee. Club Colours. On the motion of Messrs. Gordon and Kirk, it was decided to change the club colours to black and red. Mr. G. Stewart urged that any order for blazers be placed locally. Winter Committee. On the motion of Messrs. G. Stewart and F. Banks, it was decided that the winter committee be Messrs. J. W. Simpson, W. Were and W. Crabb.

SUNDAY TOURNAMENTS.

Bowlers’ Decision.

Matamata’s Emphatic Vote. Sunday tournament play was opposed by an overwhelming majority of members at the annual meeting of the Matamata Bowling Club. When this item was reached on the agenda, Messrs. F. Banks and T. H. Prowse immediately moved that the club’s delegates to the South Auckland Centre be instructed to vote against Sunday tournament play. Liberty of Action. The opposition was led by Mr. W. Hollis, who said that he opposed the motion as some players could only get a game on Sunday. He had no objection to others not playing on Sunday, and he thought those who wished to play should have similar liberty of choice. Some time ago he and others had enjoyed Sunday tournaments on the Okoroire green, and also at Putaruru, and he could not see that any great harm had arisen as a result of these competitions. Thin End of Wedge. Mr. J. W. Simpson held that the move was the thin end of the wedge, and theatres, tennis tournaments, etc., would come into being if bowling tournaments were allowed. He saw no great objection to 'a friendly game on Sunday, but was not in favour of tournament play. If all these games were allowed on Sunday they would soon be asked to work on Sunday, and he Urged workingmen to guard their day of rest. Mr. W. Avery pointed out that Good Friday was a more sacred day than Sunday, yet tournaments were played on Good Friday at Cambridge.

Mr. T. H. Prowse held that was no argument, and pointed out that many of the members were married and had children. Thus the position would arise that a member might have to send his children to Sunday school while he went to bowls. The children would not stand that for long, and for the sake of the children he hoped they would bar Sunday play.

Mr. G. Stewart said bowls was one of the finest games in the world and worth sticking up for, but with Sunday tournaments the game would soon lose its popularity. Previously some clubs had played Sunday tournaments, but they did not get permission and now they had been stopped.

Continental Sunday.

Mr. D. R. Gunn said he opposed organised Sunday play, as it would lead to a Continental Sunday. Mr. W. A. Gordon pointed out one aspect was that Sunday tournaments had affected adversely entries for week-day tournaments. In reply to Mr. D. O’Connor, the secretary said that the motion was against Sunday tournaments, and not Sunday play. The motion was then put and carried by 20 votes out of 23.

PURSUIT OF TROPHIES.

Mars Social Play. Matamata Bowlers’ Discussion. A pointed appeal by Mr. G. (“ Peter ”) Stewart that members should not join up hastily with the proposed new Goldfields Association, as two years ago the club had withdrawn because of friction caused by the pursuit of trophies, carried weight at the annual meeting of the Matamata Bowling Club, and the proposal was adjourned for six weeks for further consideration.

Goldfields Proposal.

The, discussion arose following the reading of a letter from the Goldfields Association, which said that the present shield tournament on Labour Day was to be discontinued, and a rota drawn up for inter-club matches. At these matches a selected Clothier Shield team would play in conjunction with the inter-club game. Points would be awarded the selected team at each of these matches, and the club with the greatest number of points at the end of the season would have the right to select the team for the Howden Shield. Such team need not necessarily be the same team that played in the shield games. This selection would be left to the discretion of the club winning the greatest number of points. Also the club, could change their teams at each inter-club fixture. This detail would be confirmed at the meeting to be held in September.

Also it was felt that the Clothier Shield team was played far too early in the season, often in bad weather and on heavy greens, and that was the end cf it. in the new proposal it would be a source of interest for the whole season, and would result in the real champion team being found, which team would have a good chance of winning the Howden Shield for the association. The Goldfield and Fraser Stars would be played for as a continuous rota without a tourney. Stars for the winners would be abolished and a pennant procured, which would be flown by the holders of the stars until taken from them.

Regarding the champion singles, it was agreed that the group singles champion and association singles champion be found at the one tourney in one day, at one entry fee of ss, with a £2 2s trophy for the winner, as well as the right to compete at Hamilton. The centre was to oe asked to hold their champion rink tcurney later than usual, so as to fit in with association. A sub-commit-tee had the matter in hand. Proposal Explained.

Mr. W. A. Gordon said the idea was to hold club matches between the eight clubs in the Goldfields area. Mr. Maingay suggested two matches with each club, but he thought one, which would give seven games, sufficient. If Matamata did not join in, in all probability they would lose their matches with Morrinsville and Te Aroha as a result. He felt they needed more inter-club matches on such a basis to improve the standard of play. He would support the proposal if confined to one match against each club. In reply to the chairman, Mr. Gordon said that Mr. Maingay had suggested that matches against Thames, Waihi, Hilcutaia and Waikino should be played at Te Aroha. Mr. G. Stewart said that he did not favour one rink only in the competition. It tied up skips and led to trouble previously. He favoured pennant matches. Mr. W. Egan said it would be disastrous to lose games against Morrinsville and Te Aroha. Mr. Stewart said if they did enter they should travel the full distance and not play distant teams at Te Aroha. Mr. Gordon agreed, and said it did not mean much extra time to travel to Thames. In reply to Mr. W. Hollis, Mr. Gordon said that Matamata nad j pulled out of the Goldfields Association two years ago, and the club was now asked to go back. (Continued in Wext Column)

VALUE OF GREEN.

Causes Discussion.

Placed at “ Absurd Figure.” In presenting the financial statement at the annual meeting of the Matamata Bowling Club, Mr. J. W. Simpson, treasurer, drew attention to the figure in the balance-sheet representing the capital value of the green. He thought £750 was an absurd figure, and he would like the matter to be discussed. He suggested the assets be set down as follows: Green, £400; machinery and gear, £4O; less £l4 depreciation, £26; outstanding subscriptions, £4 14s 6d; bank balance, £4 3s sd; total, £434 17s lid. Liabilities were for debentures only, the amount being £286, and this left an excess of assets of £l4B 17s lid.

Messrs. F. Banks and W. Egan moved that the matter be left in the hands of the treasurer, Mr. J. W. Simpson. Mr. Gordon said the green cost £9OO, and in reality it did not matter what value was placed upon it. It was what it was worth to the club. The value had been written down by £2OO. It would make no difference to the club if they did not write the figure down. Mr. J. W. Simpson: It would make it more sensible. Mr. Gordon: It is not always wise to value a property at what someone would give for it for some other purpose. Mr. Simpson: According to the books it cost £lOlB.

Mr. Egan : And since then concrete paths and other improvements have been effected.

Mr. D. R. Gunn said the meeting should decide whether they were going to value the green as farm land, building sections, or as a bowling green. It was not altogether fair to leave it to the treasurer.

Mr. G. Stewart thought it was quite all right to leave the matter to the treasurer. The motion was carried.

Mr. Egan suggested the club should enter for the sake of games with Te Aroha and Morrinsville, and forfeit the matches against the distant teams.

Mr. Stewart pointed out that that meant they could not enter for the Howden Shield.

Mr. J. W. Simpson said the scheme was somewhat complicated and at best was purely for four players. It appeared to be no good for a social club, and it was for this reason—to promote play and sociability among members that the club had pulled out previously. Trophies Cause Trouble.

Mr. Stewart said that since the club pulled out previously the club had lost the shield and stars, but had improved and gone ahead. Previously there had been rows and trouble, but since pulling out the standard of play had improved, and there had been no trouble. Mr. W. Hollis suggested club games might be arranged with Te Awamutu, Rotorua and Tauranga. Mr. Egan said Rotorua owed Matamata a visit. Mr. A. Oates said the Tauranga match was the best of the year. Messrs. F. Banks and A. Oates then moved that the club affiliate with the Goldfields Association. Messrs. D. R. Gunn and D. O’Connor moved an amendment that the matter be reconsidered in six weeks’ time.

Mr. Stewart suggested that in the interim the committee go into ways and means of obtaining fixtures and report to the suggested meeting. Mr. Stewart’s suggestion was accepted by the movers. Mr. F. Banks thought they should affiliate at the cost of £1 Is and so find out all about it. The club would still pull out of distant matches. The amendment was then put and carried by 21 votes to 2. On the motion of Messrs. F. Banks and B. Barnes, it was decided to invite the secretary of the Goldfields Association to attend the special general meeting to supply full particulars of the scheme.