Northland Grey-Beards On The Green

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1940, Page 6

Northland GreyBeards On The Green

veteran bowlers turned up in force to the WHANGAREI BOWLING CLUB GREENS TODAY FOR THE ANNUAL TOURNEY OF THE VETERANS’ BOWLING CLUB. Fifty-six competed in what is considered a record attendance for the nine years in which the tournament has been in existence. Open to bowlers over (id years of age, the tournament this year included many players over SO. .Mi- E. Ulili'ord, 87 years old, was thought to be the oldest man. on the greens today.

He helped to put down the present greens. Another veteran is Mr D. Campbell, an 80-year-old, from Hikurangi. Several of the players sported moustaches or beards, but there was only one beard of the type that •’Grandad" displayed in the good old days. it was worn by Mr Rowsell, of Kaikohe. He is 80i years of age. Other competitors over 80 included Mr H. Stonex, who will be 81 next Saturday; Mr D. X. McLeod (81), MiBall, Hikurangi (82), and Mr J. Horne Onerahi (81). What Keeps Them Young? Most outstanding impression gained by a visitor to the rinks this morning was the remarkable agility and bearing of the "old timers.” "Bowls,” it was suggested, "must keep a man young.” "i don’t know,” remarked Mr R. Huyton, who was 81 last August, "it’s the past that keeps a man fit.” Mr Huyton used to be a keen athlete and at* one stage could do the 100 yards in even time. He followed his track career with football and other games, and thinks the physical training he received at sports stands him m good stead now. He has been bowling for 56 years. Bowled 56 Years Ago 3 Now green keeper at Kensington, he put his mst green down in Lancashire also 56 years ago. There was a spirit of revelry abroad before the draw for the fours competition was made, and veterans jested and teased each other with fhe greatest good humour. President of the club (Mr F. Cutforth) welcomed all members, and was glad to see many new faces. He regretted that Mr Steadman, who was to have drawn up the games, was 111. Large Gathering Mr Cutforth was glad to see such a large gathering, and to note that everybody looked so fit and well. “What about calling for recruits now—it’s a good day for it,” a wag with a white moustache called, adding: “We could go ’way with the archers.” Play commenced at 10 a.m., and at 1.30 p.m. the bowlers adjourned for their annual meeting. Name Now "Northland.” A decision was made at the annual meeting of veteran bowlers held in connection with the tournament that the name of the association be changed from the Whangarei Veteran Bowlers’ Association to the Northland Veteran Bowlers’ Association. The association has grown to such an extent that it now embraces' all the Middle and Further North bowling club members. It was also decided that the secretary should secure a suitable button badge for the association and that these be sold to members at cost price. Officers Elected. Officers elected at the meeting were; President, Mr F. Cutforth; vicepresidents, Messrs G. H. Morrish, G. Smith, D. X. McLeod and D. J. McLeod; secretary and. treasurer, Mr B. \ A. Wolff; committee, Messrs I). Rumbal, W. Telfer, S. Hutchings, J. A. Finlayson, W. Smith, T. H. Steadman and S. C. Jounneaux.