Northern Bowling, Croquet and Tennis

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 175, 27 July 1939, Page 5

Northern Bowling, Croquet and Tennis

YEAR IN REVIEW The membership, which reached a record figure, and a sound financial position are features of the of the president (Mr. A. E. Lynch) to* be presented at the annual meeting of the Northern Bowling, Croquet and Tennis Club. The report states: “It was not a good season iu regard to the weather. Very high winds were experienced from October to the end ot January, 1930, out aiter then conditions wero kinder a nd members were able to get some enjoyment from their games. Last jear, the club established a record so tar ns membership and subscriptions were concerned. This year we have increased oui membership from 231 to 2 40 and the subscriptions have risen from £450 12» 9d to £453 14s Gd. This improvement has been made in the tennis and croquet sections. Possessing excellent playing arena, it was only natural that the club’s greens were much in demand for croquet, temiis and bowling matches arranged by the respective associations. For instance, the Dominion croquet championships were played in Palmerston North in January, and the headquarters were established at the Northern greens. The club provided mx greens, tho bowling section lending their No. 2 green for the croquet games. The Manawatu Bowling Centro played the semi finals and finals of both its New Year and Easter tournaments on No. 1 green, and ou several occasions this one was used for matches played against visiting bowlers, namely, the 'Queensland tourists and Wairarapa Centre. Toe Manawatu Tennis Asso- I iation played its north v. south games I 4L Northern and later made a donaticu

Ito tho club, which was much appreciated. It will be seen that the Northern greens were considered by outi siders to be equal to any other playing areas in the city. “During the absence of Mr. J. C. Young in England, Mr. P. O. Skoglund took over the duties of green superintendent until tho annual meeting, when Mr. J. Kershaw was appointed. Later Mr. Young again accepted tho office on Mr. Kershaw resigning, and to these three gentlemen the club is indebted for the good work done by 1 them. .Since the close of tho season every green has had a thorough topdressing in preparation for tho new r year, and it is anticipated that the playing areas will be in first-class order by opening day. j “The club made a determined effort to improve its financial position and has succeeded handsomely. Commencing the year with a debit balance of £33 12s, I am able to report that we have cleared this, paid £65 to replace an old motor-mower with a new one, paid £lO to the City Council for tarsealing our drive and paths, purchased an aerating machine, and ended the year with £l9 Gs 9d in tho bank. Members will realise that tho expenditure has been carefully watched and that, assisted by an art union and a handsome profit from the tea, the club has been able to develop in keeping with its requirements. “The club now has tvo full sized bowling greens, twelve tennis courts, and five croquet greens, and ‘with its growing membership should continue to make steady progress. “1 cannot conclude without paying] a tribute to the work of our caretaker (Mr. G. Lynch). Ho had the j responsibility of the nineteen playing | areas aud, with the many fixtures j played at Northern on various greens, ' together with drought conditions for the last three months of the season, ho did well. Wince the season ended * every green has had thorough preparation and Mr. Lynch and his assistant

Jhavo every confidence that next season ' tho greens will be in excellent order. Finally, 1 would liko to express this club’s and ray own personal .hanks to tho secretary-treasurer (. r. P. S. Larcomb) for tho very way lie has handled tho club's business.’’