Manawata B.C. and T. Club’s Annual Report

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6626, 12 August 1931, Page 9

Manawata B.C. and T. Club’s Annual Report

Thogeneraland sectional reports to bo presented to the annual meeting of the Manawatu Bowling, Croquet and Tennis Club aro a 3 follow: ‘ ‘ General.— I Tho club's 1930-31 season was opened on October 4, and from tho commencement, tho weather conditions wero most adverse, and greatly interfered with the play. Tho various playing areas were in good condition, and wero splendidly maintained by the groundsman, Mr. J.’Metcalf. To more efficiently cope with tho work of maintaining the playing surfaces of tho grounds, tho committee decided that it was necessary to procure a larger mower, which, in addition to cutting the grass, would at the sapio time roil the tennis and croquet lawns. This has increased our liabilities somewhat, but such has been counteracted by greater efficiency. In common with most institutions, our club has felt the effects of the present depression, and' the income from, members’ subscriptions has dropped about £27 Ids 6d. By a rearrangement of tho club's affairs, the committee are now able to report that the' receipts (£324 4s fid) and expenditure (£330 16s Id) on working account now about balaiico. and the loss this year is £0 Us Bd. Applications were called for tho. position of, caretaker, under the new conditions, Mr. Knowles was appointed and ,has taken up his duties. A very large, amount of voluntary work has been done by members of the club and to tho following the club's best thanks ape due: Messrs J. Morris, A. Radford, Bates, l l ’. King, Cockburn, Benfell, G. Cambridge, Penketli, J. G. Radford, Robertson, J; Kershaw, and Miss Worrall; to Mrs. Oliiver who with her committee, controlled the tea arrangements rvith such satisfactory results; the section secretaries, Mrs. Sinclair (croquet), Mr. Wilkinson (tennis), and Mr. Bates (bowls) who have each dono such excellent work during a very trying season. To our general secretary and treasurer, Mr. D. f. Smillie, our special thanks are extended for tho largo amount of work done in the interests of the club, and his keen interest in its welfare.”

Bowling. * ‘ The club membership was well maintained, being slightly in excess of tho previous’ season. The club made a good showing in Pennant matches, holding second place. We have retained the Fletcher Shield for the whole of the past season. Messrs Corbridge, Radlord, King and Barnes succeeded in winning the Dixon Cup, but lost it tho following week to Woodville. The i’akaro Cup has given our Wednesday .earns a good, many competitions, our club having held it against all comers nearly all the season, finally 'losing to Pakaro in the last .week of the season. vVe are unable to get a fixture for the Ainslie Shield. We entertained the Australian bowlers and also sent two rinks to Wellington. The club games were. well supported, although we had some difficulty in getting .them played off. The club singles championship was won by Mr. J. G. Radford, with Mr. King runner-up. The pairs championship was won by Messrs Radford and Corbridge. Tho club pairs; section A, was won by Messrs Corriu and Bates, and club pairs, section B, although not completed, was won by .Messrs Corbridge and Penketh, these two having he most wins.” Croquet. ‘‘We regret that our membership was smaller than for some time. Our memoars proved very successful in the Manawatu tournament; —Mrs. Benfeil won the B singles championship; Mrs. Radford won tho B handicap singles; Mrs. Simmons and Mrs. Benfell the handicap doubles; Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. A. Radford runners-up in th 9 open doubles. In our club competitions Mr. J. W. Robertson won the Patterson Rose Bowl, Mrs. Benfell the Wilson Cup and Miss Gaustad the. Spinley Mallet. Our club paid a visit to Wanganui for friendly games, which were much enjoyed. Inter-club games were marred by broken weather.” Tenuis. During the past season, although the weather was not good, the tennis section was fairly successful. The Wednesday team was second in the competition, being beaten by the Palmerston North Club's team in the first match of the season. ■ The men’s championship was won by Mr. C. Eclthold, and tho ladies’ championship was again won by Miss Worrall. In the handicap singles the men's cup was won by Mr. E. Eckliold and the ladies’ cup by Miss N. Smillie. On Easter Monday a handicap tournament was held. During the latter part of the season, a series of dances were held, making a profit of £3 18s 4d, £3, of which was donated to the general fund.”