THE GAME OF BOWLS

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 74, 28 March 1936, Page 9

THE GAME OF BOWLS

AUSTRALIAN'S VIEWPOINT “ New Zealand Still a Hundred Years Behind.” CHASM AS WIDE AS THE “POND” ’*3os President Tom Heath, president of tho New South Wales Bowling Association, who returned from a tour of New Zealand, and met most of the highlights in the sport there, states the Sydney Referee. He formed certain conclusions, and among them was that New Zealand and Australia were separated by only a very thin margin in respect to differences in rules and general conduct of the game. “I am sorry to have to wake up the genial head of the sport here, but it has to be done,” Mr. Heath states. “I would say that there is a chasm as wide as the ‘pond’ that separates the two countries between the rules and conduct of bowls in New Zealand and Australia, and base the statement on personal knowledge and long study of the two.

“There are a number of things that it would bo useless for New Zealand or anyone representing its interests to even mention on this side, with a view to co-operation. Possibly, and most probably, only one State (N.SAV.) would support the two-life system. “No Australian would entertain for a moment' the time-limiting, as practicesd across the Tasman, and would view with scorn any suggestion for playing singles championships by the ends, instead of points, route. The outlook in New Zealand appears to provide games rather than discover the best from those entering for its competitions. “On this side that social aspect is only secondary to the competitive, and yet nobody can be found in our big events who does not in his own opinion get sufficient plaj\ We have no hesitation in taking off our hats to New Zealand in regard to her sectional scheme. Cold Facts. “But to proceed: In New Zealand a player canont take the mat and lay it where he chooses, despite the fact that he still conforms to the laws regarding the 72ft. allowance. If you want to ‘ trick’ an opponent, or a rink, or a pair, you must find some other mode. for 'ditch theory” is practically impossible from the point of a short end. “The scoring or marking is not a problem in New Zealand, nor is it here, but in ‘God’s Own Country,’ where they profess to time saving, a singles game is more often than not a sort of parley or debate between the man with the card and the player. “On many occasions, when defending this system, writers in New Zealand journals state that walking off the mat and holding a conversation with the marker is disallowed and not encouraged, but the cold fact remains that during two visits to the other side I did not see or hear anyone object, or any official attempt to stop the practice. . “I might go on indefinitely, showing the wide° gap between their and our rules and methods, but although the rank and file, particularly those who have played extensively in Australia, would urge reform in-the directions I have indicated, I am convinced that pure cussedness or something . akin prevents the official quarter from admitting any weaknesses. “Just as New Zealand wisely copied our weight-for-size laws, and got away from the all-in, go-as-you-please, and use-what-you-like methods, so * * should toss pride to the winds and conduct her competitions on similar lines to ours, not restricting stamping embarrassing her players, but giving them freedom of action compatible with equity for all.” .