BOWLING TOURNAMENT.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 14095, 2 January 1919, Page 6

BOWLING TOURNAMENT.

MANAWATU CENTRE. The bowling tournament under the auspices of the Manawatu Centre was opened yesterday at the appointed time, 9 a.m., although the weather was threatening and the play opened in a sharp shower, happily of short duration. The devotees of "the royal game" had mustered in large numbers despite the unpromising conditions, and it was emphatic testimony to the fascinations of their beloved sport that of the rinks expected from outside clubs, some of whom had to travel from considerable distances, not a single member was missing. When they had gathered in their strength, eager for the friendly fray and impatient to begin, it was found that they numbered nearly twenty rinks, representing the Palmerston, Terrace End, Manawatu, Levin, Woodville, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and Foxton Club's. The proceedings began with "Goa Save the King" sung by all with lusty and fervent loyalty, after which a couple of short speeches were made. The President of the Centre (Mr o. A. Nash, M.P.), in a brief opening ad- ; dress, extended a corfllal welcome to : the players taking part in the tournament. He then referred to the happy auspices under -which they had assembled as compared with the circumstances attending their gatherings during the past four years; the sport having been carried on because it was the wish of the men who had gone to the war, men to whose early return all were now looking eagerly forward. The spirit and insistence of the British race had always enabled them to carry on to victory, and such had been the ease in the great war now practically over. (Applause). Mr J. H. Stevens, President of the Palmerston North Bowling Club, also extended a hearty welcome to the visiting players, and at the close of his remarks congratulated the President of the Centre as M.P. for Palmerston North. He called for three cheers for Mr Nash, and the response was remarkable for its heartiness. The real business of the tournament was then begun with vim and vigour, and although interrupted by a heavy shower during the afternoon, was continued with unflagging zeal until the day's programme was completed. SECTION A. First Round. Weber, Scott, Ramsden, Calder (s.) —25, v. Livingstone, Broughton, Harris, Pollock (s;)—l4. Burgess, Smith, Rankin, Ramsay (s.) —2l, v. Hodgson, Wilson, Radford, Spooner (s.) —15. Laws, Stacy, Welsh, Seifert (s.) 22, v. Burlcy, Grinliniton, O 'Gorman, James (s.) —18. Chatwin, Walsh, Pringans, Hewat (s.) —23, v. Needham, Stewart, Trott, Brown (s.)—2o. Jackson, McColl, Nye, Whibley (s.) 27. v. Wilson. Smith, Simmonds, Jolly (s.)— 20. Second Round. Ramsay 30, v. Pollock 10, Whibley 19, v. Brown IG, Calder 21, v. Seifert 17, James 27, v.' Jolly 20. Third Round. Hewat 19, v. Spooner 13, Brown 26, v. James 18, Seifert 22, v. Pollock 16, Jolly 20, v. Calder 14. SECTION B. First Round. Barr, Huntly, Christie, Rimmer (s.) — 23, v. Hancock, Dixon, Tattersall, Nash (s.)-22. , _ McEwan, Shortt, Jones, Pickering (s.) —25, v. Davidson, Williamson, Harfords, Garnett (s.)— IS. Jones, Hankins, Livingstone, Laurenson (s.) —24, v. Brittand, McGregor, Mcßreaty, Ransom (s.) —14. Goldfinch, Fraser, Crowe, Nicholson (s.) —54, v. Inglis, Roe, Jackson, Blackbourn (s.) —6. Second Round. Laurenson 22, v. Garnett 17, Clark 23, v. War drop 17, Pickering 21, v. Nash 16, Nicholson 23, v. Rimmer 18, James 23, v. Jolly 20. Third Round. Laurenson 18, v. Wardrop 15, Garnett 30, v Blaekbourn 14, Nicholson 24, v. Nash'2l, Clark 17, v. Pickering 16. Play ceased for the day with the completion of the third round. The fourth round will be commenced at 9 a.m. today. MEETING OF CENTRE. During the forenoon a meeting of the Centre was held at which Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., occupied the chair. Some correspondence with the Dominion Association, in connection with the questions to bowl-testing was read, and it was resolved to ask the ssociation to arrange for a visit of Mr Stuart to Palmerston to carry out an official test locally. It was also decided to inform the Association that in the opinion of the Centre the system of green-testing would never be satisfactory, and the former system of table-testing should be reverted to. In connection with the March tournament it arranged that a champion championship should be played on the first Wednesday, the pairs championship on the second Wednesday, and the rink championship on the third Wednesday. The President referred to the valuable services rendered by the secretary, Mr J. 11. Simmonds, and stated that fortunately he had been prevailed upon to continue in the position lor a further period. A vote of thanks to Mr iSinmonds was carried amid applause.