BOWLERS GATHER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 13 November 1928, Page 2

BOWLERS GATHER

SOCIAL AND WELCOME TO MR W. A. DEE TALK ON COUNTRIES VISITED AI, the Velma Hall last, evening the Maitai and Nelson Bowling (,'lubs tendered a welcome and social to Mr W. A. Dee, a member of the New Zealand team of bowlers who recently toured Great Britain, Europe. Canada'and the U.S.A. The President of the Nelson Centre (Mr 0. P. Russell) presided and was supported by Mr C. M. Collins (President of the Nelson Club) and other prominent bowlers. There was a large at tendance. Mr Russell, on behalf of the two clubs mid local centre, extended a very hearty welcome to Mr Dee, whom he said had always taken a great interest in bowling and might be called the, ''father" of the Maitai Club. His experience gained on his tour should be of advantage to the clubs, and Mr Dee would continue to tako a keen interest in the game. Mr ('. M. Collins also gave, Mr Den

a very cordial welcome on behalf of the Nelson Club. Mr Dee had had a great trip which must have been of interest and benefit to himself and should be indirectly to the local bowlers.

On rising to reply Mr Dee was greeted with much applause. He sincerely thanked them for their fine welcome and was pleased to see such a, large attendance of bowlers. For over two hours Mr Dee, then in a chatty manner gave, a very interesting account of his travels and the doings of the team and results of the various matches played. The party connected with the team comprised 34 men and 12, women. Mr Dei; mentioned that among other things which occupied their attention on the voyage from Australia was the preparation of a Maori haka. One of the 'members of the team had tutored them so well that they were able to cause the. people, of Great Britain much amusement. Mr Dee gave, a good deal of information in connection with the whole trip, the life, at sea, a brief description of the various European countries visited—ltaly, France, Switzerland—and other foreign countries, including Egypt, with its pyramids and ether things of interest. He incidentally mentioned that in this arid land ho had paid 2s 6d for a bottle of water. He visited the Casino at Monte Carlo, and the statements usually made of the enormous amount of gambling at this place were by no means exaggerated, for lie said the Casino was going continuously and the tables were packed night and day. He gave incidents regarding the conditions of the. lives of the people in the various cities he had visited, and said tiiat although much wine was consumed in the European cities he never saw a drunken man in any of them. IX GREAT BRITAIN In Great Britain the team was cordially welcomed and hospitably entertained from the date of their arrival until their departure. The first reception was a splendid one. Sir James Parr (High Commissioner), Earl Jellicoe and Mr Justice Herdmau were among those present. The lour in Great Britain was most enjoyable. In regard to the games played in England .Mr Dee stated that it was quite a different proposition from playing on New Zealand greens. Most of the greens in England were very much longer and the grass was not cut nearly so closely ami they were very heavy compared with New Zealand greens. IN AMERICA Mr Dee gave an account of his Canadian tour and of the games played in that dominion, and also interesting information and facts in regard to the great cities of New York and Chicago. The party received great hospitality in America, but the hotel accommodation was costly. He had paid as much as J2 dollars" for a double room. Though the practice of tipping was general, in all the countries he had visited, including Great Britain, yet in the Old Country it was not nearly so costly as only small tips were looked for. This also applies to Europe. Mr Dee referred to many other matters in regard to the tour, and concluded by stating that he had been to consider-. able trouble in collecting badges from the various clubs in different parts of the world with whom the_ team had played. In some cases badges were struck especially for the particular match. These badges had been mounted in the shape of a shield. He made a similar collection some years ago when he was a member of a former New Zealand team which went on tour overseas. Mr Dee then handed one of the collections to each club. This year's collection to the Maitai Club was received by Mr Ivo Tunnieiil'fe (secretary); and the one to the Nelson club was handed to Mr C. M. Collins (president). Mr Russell thanked Mr Dee for the splendid gift, which he was sure would be highiy prized by the Maitai Club. Mr Collins also accepted the gift with the best thanks of the Nelson Club for the unique souvenir. Mr Dec received great applause upon resuming his seat. The chairman thanked Mr Dee for the interesting evening he had provided. The, proceedings were brought to a close by the audience singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and the' National Anthem.