Bowling Tourney Washed Out

Northern Advocate, 31 January 1939, Page 7

Bowling Tourney Washed Out

Continued heavy ram this morning caused the complete abandonment of of the Whangarei Bowling Club’s annual full rinks tournament for the Campbell Hose Bowl. “A complete washout,” was the comment of several players. Although skies remained overcast, cessation of the rain early this morning gave rise to the hopes that the day would clear.

However, shortly before 9 o’clock light misty rain commenced, gradually developing by 10 o’clock into another heavy downpour. Visitors Foregaiuer

In the meantime, owing .to apparently favourable conditions, word had been sent to members of other Northland clubs, and by nine o’clock a large number of visitors from Dargaville, Hikurangf and other centres had joined the crowd of Whangarei and Kensington bowlers and those from further afield who had arrived during the week-end.

There was a big gathering under the shelter of the pavilion, all gazing .•hopefully at the sky and speculating as to whether there would be any play. The management committee was called together to discuss the position, and its mind was made up by the ceaseless downpour. Tpumey Abandoned

At 10.15 Mr J. H. Marwick, club president, announced the abandonment of the fixture.

Application would be made for another date so that the tournament could be held later in the season, he said.

Those visitors who would remain in Whangarei were invited to take part in a tourney on a smaller scale should the weather prove favourable tomorrow.

Mr Marwick thanked the members of other club's for the wholesale support they had been prepared to give on this occasion. Nice Weather for Ducks The rain reached its peak as the gathering dispersed, and in several places the greens were inches deep in water. “It would be fitting weather for the father of bowls —Drake—to be here,” cne member was heard' to remark, “but no ducks,” he added viciously. Croquet Tournament Postponed 1 The* inclement weather also prevented play in the Whangarei Croquet Club’s annual tournament, which was to have commenced yesterday. Play was obviously impossible yesterday, but a number of visitors arrived in Whangarei this morning for the fixture, enthusiasts being present from Auckland, Dargaville and Kaitaia. ' No decision was made to abandon play until the last minute, when thp weather left no other course open. This was a matter of great regret, as the club had received record entries for the fixture. A Sydney ' cable announces the death of Sir James Murdoch, a prominent Australian and sport- ) ing man.