BOWLING NOTES

Free Lance, Volume XVI, Issue 849, 13 October 1916, Page 19

BOWLING NOTES

By Wrong Bias.

THE curtain was rung up on the 1916-17 season on Saturday last. Through rain on the previous day and sundry threats in. tlie gloomy sky of Saturday, it was a doubtful event until about noon. Then sunbeams, coy and flirting, began to peep out, and the bowlers took heart of grace and began to hunt up last year's flannels and handbags. By 2 p.m. there was a steady procession of hopeful citizens of uncertain age to the various bowling greens - of oitv and suburbs.

The leading event, of course, whs the mother club's opening, in Wordsworthstreet. Ladies graced the balcony of the pavilion with their presence, a string band, under Mr. McConiish was discoursing' gay music, and the_ velvety sward looked most inviting to the crowd of trundlers. .

About 2.30, President William Berry, of photographic • fame, mounted the pavilion steps, cleared his throat vigorously, and waded bravely into the opening speech for the' Wellington Club. He paid tribute to tlie memory of Mr. W. H. Waddell and Chas. Palliser, two members who had passed over to the Great Majority since last season ended, distributed thanks for various sendees l'endered, held up the glass of hope to coming events, cracked a "spirituous" joke, l and made a- strong appeal for the Soldiers' Christmas Gift Fund, towards which £60 had already been, subscribed. Finally, he called upon his sister to throw the jack, which Miss Berry did very . gracefully, and then the bowlers swarmed upon the. green happy as sandboys to play the time-hon'oureel opening match between .President's and VicePresident's teams. The latter won by 1-50. points to 117.

Most of the old' hands were present, and some hoary veterans amongst them. For instance. James Lo-eki© (now Father

of the Club) and J. H. Freeman (of the Thorndon Club) bath well over 80 and still as eager for a. game as ever —when the green isn't sowing seeds of rheumatism

The matches arranged for the season number 30, in addition to which there are the champion singles, junior singles, Club Pairs, and Nomination Pairs, the Nomination Rinks, and the Sectional Rink Match (which comes off on Anniversary Day. Outside all t-liis there is the Dominion Tournament in the second week of January, the whole of the proceeds from which are promised for patriotic purposes.

At the close of his speech, Mr. Berry "called, for three cheers for "the boys at the front," and the call was answered' with rousing effect.

Saturday morning's rain prevented the cutting of the Newtown Club's sward, and rolling of its surface could not be commenced till after 2 p.m. As a consequence, President C. 'M. Luke did not start to throw the. opening oration off his chest until just on 3 p.m. There was a very large assemblage of visitors, including many ladies. Mir. Luke first of all struck the war-note, remarking the decided" improvement in the Allies' position and prospects. Then he voiced the Club's sincere sympathy with all who had suffered losses in killed and wounded during- the last five or six weeks in the battle fronts. Mr. Luke next thanked those members who so freely assisted in the improving; of the Club's areeni surroundings and social room. The banks have been 'raised, the paths widened and asphalted, built-in flower-beds have been formed, new seats have been put in, and a complete equipment. of batten seats for the banks has been made. The social-room has been, painted white, and the interior has been re-arranged. The tops of the cardtables have been re-covered, and generally the- Club's property presents a fresh-as-paint appearance as the result of the efforts, made during the winter. Unfortunately Mr. J. Earle, the Club's caretaker, was laid low with a rather serious illness about three weeks ago, and the Chairman of the Green Committee —you all know Charley !—has had a rather strenuous time. However, Mr. Earle is progressing to what is hoped will be a complete recovery, and members generally will be pleased to see their genial officer around again.

Mrs. Luke, having thrown a mediumlength head., and Mrs. G-~ Scott, wife of the Vice-President, having hoisted the

Club's flag and the Senior Pennant, the President declared tlie season ope,n for 1916-1917 amidst the hearty applause of the players and their lady friends.

Upstairs the directors' wives dispensed much-appreciated _afternoon' tea in tlie very tastefully decorated socialroom of the Club—the much-admired handiw-ork of Mr. Caterer. The handsome* "blue-banner" of the Dominion bowling world was a .prominent feature in tire room. /,

During tlie afternoon six new members were elected, but the, Club still has a few vacancies in order to bring its number up to the 100 maximum.

The result of the President v. VicePresident game, played till -5 p.m., resulted in a win for the former's teams by 93 to 85.

The Victoria Club also opened its green on Saturday. President Marcus Marks, in his opening speech, made feeling reference to the late Mr. J. Avery, an old and valued member. After- cheers had been given for the ladies and "the bo3 T s at the front." Miss Marks (the President's sister) threw the jack and play started. Four . new. members were elected. A tournament is to be played on Labour Day.

Mr. James Kinnibitrgh (President) conducted the opening of the Hataitai Club on Saturday. and' Mrs. Kinni-bui-gli deftly threw the first jack. The green was too soft- to play on, but cards and afternoon tea afforded adequate compensation.

Tliorndoiii and Seatoun. open to-mor-row (Saturday).