BOWLING NOTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22247, 23 October 1935, Page 20

BOWLING NOTES

THE SUMMER SEASON OFFICIAL CLUB OPENINGS MID-WEEK TOURNAMENTS Bowlers have been fortunate during the past three weeks that the opening of the 1935-36 season has been favoured by exceptionally good weather conditions. Last Saturday was regarded as the general opening day, since the majority of the clubs held their official functions. Practically all the clubs have now commenced their summer activities. The season presents a large and comprehensive programme. Mid-week and holiday tournaments are again fully provided for by most of the clubs, there being no fewer than 170 of these events to be decided. Mid-week tournaments have grown exceedingly popular during the last few seasons, most of the clubs finding that these events wero well patronised. MAJOR FIXTURES ANNUAL CENTRE ATTRACTIONS The first contest of interest, so far as the big events of the season are concerned, is the pennant competition which will be commenced on November 16. Only three rounds will be played before Christmas, instead of the whole five, as has been the custom for the past two seasons. This event, althought it does not hold the same amount of individual interest as does a series of tournaments, is looked forward to by many bowlers on account of the opportunity it affords for the majority of bowlers to enter into friendly inter-club competition. The next major event on the list of official fixtures is the open singles championship of Auckland, which will be commenced on December 3. This competition was not held last year, on account of the New Zealand, championship tournament being held in Auckland. It is anticipated that there will be a large entry for this tournament. Then follows the annual Christmas tournev, which provides bowlers with splendid enjoyment during the holiday period. Play will again be conducted on the two-life principle. These three major evajrts should provide players with plenty enjoyment up to the New Year period. CLUB PROSPECTS ENTHUSIASM AT ELLERSLIE Judging by the various club opening functions, the same enthusiasm for the game exists. In addition to the large number of old players who will be again taking an active interest, it is pleasing to note that there is a large influx of new members. Ample evidence of this increase in membership is seen at Ellerslie, where, at the opening function, there was a splendid attendance of intending members. The large membership and the keen enthusiasm that was noticeable were reflections of the splendid executive work that has been a feature of the club's activities during the past several seasons. The Ellerslie Club, with 24 years of existence behind it, can still boast of threo living foundation members, all still well and doing good work in their new respective clubs. These three players, Messrs. J. J. Darby, M. M. McCallum and S. Somerfield, were all in attendance at the opening and were, no doubt pleased with the march of progress in the club. The excellent condition of the Devonport greens was a byword among bowlers last season, and, judging by the appearance of the greens at the opening on Saturday last, there _ is evidence of their good condition being maintained during the coming season. An interested participant in the play at West End was Mr. R. McDonald, president of the Wairoa Club, near Gisborne. He reports that bowling is flourishing again down there in spite of the damage to the green by the earthquake.