BOWLING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 166, 15 June 1936, Page 2

BOWLING

PALMERSTON NORTH CLUB. The annual report of the Palmerston North Bowling Club, covering the period ending May 31- ias > states:— , , , . . . “In presenting to you their annua report and statement of accounts, i committee has pleasure in stating that, despite the very unfavourable weather conditions which prevailed practically tnroughout the whole o the bowling season, club activities were well maintained and keen interest taken in the various club competitions. Owing to sickness and the departure from the district of some of our keenest players, our membership at the close of the season was numerically below that of last season. We are pleased to be able to record that Messrs N. H. V\. J. Croucher, J. A. Bell and AV. Keeling, who were on the sick list during the whole of the past season, are no" well oil the road to recovery, and we look forward to seeing ail these members taking their place in the activities of the club during the coming season. It is with sincere regret tt.j • we record the loss by death of two ol the club’s most popular members, Messrs T. J. Killick and W. M. Tapp. The club’s sympathy has been extended to the relatives. During the latter end of the season Mr G. T. Lawson, one of our keenest members and committeemen, removed to Auckland on transfer and promotion. We extend to him our congratulations and good wishes. “Competitions.—The usual club competitions were keenly contested, and winners were found as iollows: Champion singles, 11. W. H. Ramsay; champion pairs, A. E. Kerslake and J. K. Paton (skip) ; champion rinks, W. Proctor, J. O. Boniface, R. AV. H. Ramsay and T. L. Arnott (skip) ; handicap singles, L. Cowling. Our congrnluations are extended to the winners in each section. Centre Tournaments: These were again well supported by members of this club, eight pairs entering for the New Year tourney and nine rinks for the Easter tourney. In the latter, rinks skipped by E. Bary, L. T. Brown and J. A. Nash went forward to the postsection play. The filial was won by J. A. Nash’s rink, with E. Bary’s rink filling third place. We congratulate L winners on their meritorious performance.

“Green.—The condition of the green caused the committee considerable anxiety during the past season, and at a special meeting of members called for the purpose it was decided to obtain the advice of the Greens Research Committee. A special committee of three was appointed, comprising Messrs. J. K. Paton, A. Wilson and W. H. Simmons, and these gentleman are entitled to our best thanks for the time and labour devoted to the re-conditioning ot the green. The whole area has been resown and now shows every promise of being in good fettle lor the opening of the new season. Special thanks are due to Air G. H. Barrett for his valuable assistance to the committee during the levelling and re-sowing. Afternoon tea.—-Under the capable supervision of Airs L. T. Brown, this very necessary social side of the club’s activities was again well provided for, and our best thanks are due to Airs Brown, members’ wives and lady iriends who gave their support and assistance. “Finance. —As will be seen from the balance-sheet, the finances of the club are in a satisfactory position. The profit on the year’s working, without allowing for the usual depreciation, and after providing for the reconditioning of the green, amounts to £23 9s 4d. Depreciation oil the buildings and plant totalling £35 10s has been written off, leaving the surplus account at £677 10s lOd. Thanks are due to the sole selector (Air E. Bary) for the capable way in which he carried out what is always admitted to be a difficult and trying task; to our lion, auditor (Air Jtv. IV. Eglinton) the lion, treasurer (Air A E. Kerslate) and lastly to our energetic secretary (Air W. H. Simmons) whose keenness and close attention to detail matters resulted in the smooth working and satisfactory position of the club. Visits to and by other clubs ill the centre helped considerably towards tlie enjoyment of members. The centre visits to Auckland and Wellington were participated in by several members from this club, who all report a happy time. Unfortunately, the Wellington trip was marred by wet weather, and the afternoon was filled in at the Wellington Clubs’ green with song and story. In conclusion, we would draw your attention to the desirability of increasing our membership particularly Wednesday players. It is hoped that members will have their nominations ready lor the annual meeting.” The Palmerston Bowling Club’s green,' which had the surface completely removed in the autumn under a process of harrowing, alter which seed was sown, has a nice appearance. The green is well covered with the new grass, a good “take” having been obtained, and the club members should have a fine lawn on which to play bowls in the future. The. work was carried out under the supervision of Mr W. M. Horton, of the Greens Research Station, Palmerston North, assisted by Atessrs Paton, A. Wilson, and W. Simmons, green committee of the Palmerston North Club. Air G. Barrett was also a prominent worker on the green while the improvements were being carried out. An interesting picture in the pavilion of the Palmerston Bowling Club seems to indicate that bowling is a pastime which induces longevity. In it are six howlers who took part in a match on the Auckland green towards the end of the season, not one of these gentlemen being under 90 years of age and their sturdy appearance indicates that there is a, possibility of their becoming centemvians. The gentlemen who appear in the picture are as follow:—S. B'uck, 90 years, Edendale: J. Bendell, 95, Mount Eden (Auckland) ; F. Bennett. 90. Rawhiti : A. Selby, 90. Hnwick (Auckland); H. C. Clioyce, 96. Bemuera ; R. Newbegin, 90. Auckland. A rather interesting story which concerns a howler who is aged 96 is told by a Palmerston North resident. The former was plaving in a game at Rotorua two or three seasons back and bis opponent in the rink was giving a display of facetiousness, the idea being to convey the impression that youth was superior to old age in the art of bowling. But vouth received the shock of its life. From the moment that facetionsness anpea'ed on the scene, the elderly player concentrated intensely on his game, with the result that the young man received the best bowling lesson he is ever likely to he given in his life, being beaten shot for shot, much to the amusement and satisfaction of a small crowd of spectators, among whom was the Palmerston North resident who tells the story.