BOWLERS FOREGATHER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 679, 12 April 1923, Page 6

BOWLERS FOREGATHER.

SMOKE CONCERT AT TERRACE END The members of the Terrace End Bowlin" Club and their friend:; met at the club's pavilion last evening, the occasion being a smoke concert, to ring down the curtain on the highly successful 1922-23 season. Every chair ai the large tables was occupied and the club president (-Mr R Edwards) was in the chair. Between toasts, song, story and music were liberally indulged in the items being of a very high order indeed. When men foregather on such occasions as this it is often a difficult matter to present a really good concert programme with the necessary variety. East night, however, proved a very happy exception and a spirit of animation, good fellowship and enthusiasm permeated tne proceedings right'through to the vigorous "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight. In proposing the toast, "Success to Bowling."" Mr Edwards referred to a previous utterance of his concerning municipal greens. On that occasion he had said he was opposed to more greens in Palmerston North at the present time, lie was afraid ho had been misunderstood in this matter. He could assure them that he was an out and out supporter of municipal greens and a friend of the bowlers who used them. He was'of the opinion, however, that Palmerston North had sufficient_ municipal greens at the present time and if they had any more the various clubs would soon be short of members, and good membership was essential. He trusted that in time the membership would overtake the greens. If this happened by ai! means have more playing areas. Referring to the Palmerston North greens generally, Mr Edwards said that, at-the tournaments, visitors had been very complimentary regarding them. The town certainly did have good greens and with its fine open spaces and splendid soil thero was no reason why it should not have the best in New Zealand. (Applause ) Continuing, the president voiced the wish that the Terrace End Club would at some future date have a more commodious and comfortable pavilion than even the present one. He predicted great things for bowling in Palmerston North. Wellington bowlers had expressed the opinion that Palmerston North was beginning to get the better of them. The town had a great advantage with its rich soil, whereas some of the Wellington greens were practically bare of soil. In conclusion, Mr Edwards referred to the great benefits derived from the game of bowls. "Howlers are always loval men-loyalty shows a disciplined and well regulated mind, and you will always find th°at a loyal man is an intelligent man." (Applause.) Responding to the toast, Mr S, R. Lancaster agreed with the proposer that Palmerston North had sufficient bowling greens for the present. It had been mentioned that another green should be laid down at Terrace End. He thought this would bo a big mistake. In fact it would be an insult to the Terrace End Bowling Club (Applause.) The Terrace Enti Park was not a suitable place for another green. It was destined to he one of the beauty spots of Palmerston North and was not intended for a sportsground. "Since I havo- been interested in municipal affairs," said Mr Lancaster, "three children's playing areas have been established, and even if 1 am not successful in the forthcoming Mayoral contest, I will have the satisfaction of knowing that one thing I set out to do has been accomplished. Continuing, Mr Lancaster said he thought Terrace End could be made a very popular part of Palmerston North. lie thought the huge gravel pit could be converted into a beauty spot and transferred into an ornamental lake. The sides could bo sloped trees planted and a couple _of artesian wells would supply sufficient water. In conclusion, Mr Lancaster assured the Terrace End bowlers that if at any time he could be of any assistance they had only to call on him. The toast was also responded to by Mr 11. McKcown. The frill toast list was as follows:—"The Kin"": "Manawatu Bowling Centre, proposed by Mr 11. Snell and responded to by Mr A Wimsett; "The Army and Navy," Mr li. Fletcher-Mr A. Williams; "Success to Bowling," Mr R. Edwards—Messrs S R Lancaster and 11. McKcown; "Kindred Clubs," Mr R. Edwards-Messrs 0. A E Ferguson, 11. I). Edwards anil I. El'gar; "The Ladies," Mr J. DavidsonMr W. M. Moore, "The Visitors," Mr A. Wood—Mr H. W. Thompson; "'The Press," Mr W. Moiiatt. During the evening items were contributed by the following:—Messrs Alf. Blandford. C. Houston, J. Davidson, R. Faina, G. Titchener, 11. Cole and F. Hubble. Mr I. Speight presided at the piano. Much credit for the very successful function was due to the secretary, Mr W. M. Moore, who left no stone unturned to ensure a very enjoyable evening. The gathering concluded with cheers for tne president, secretary and pianist and the «inging of "Auld Lang Syne.'*