WELLINGTON CLUB

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10717, 11 October 1920, Page 7

WELLINGTON CLUB

PROMISE OF - GOOD SEASON, SOCIAL VALUE OF THE GAME. The Wellington Bowling Club commenced the 1920 playing season on Saturday last, the official opening ceremony taking place at 3 p.m. There was a huge gathering of members, their wives and friends, and visiting bowlers from other clubs. , The appearance of the club’s grounds and pavilion has been greatly enhanced since last season. The new Peace Memorial Gates, constructed in concrete, have recently been completed, and provide an imposing entrance to the grounds. The clubhouse has been repainted and renovated, and the paths rolaid and the greens, of course, top .dressed. The greens have not propertly set yet. the- recent rains having prevented the necessary hardening of tho soil. The club was officially opened by the president, Mr M. A. CSrr. Apologies for absence were received from the GovernorGeneral and Lady Jellicoe, who extended their beet wishes for the season, the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W F. Massey), Mr T. M. Wilford (leader of tho Opposition), the Mayor (Mr J. P. Lute), and Mr James Hislop (Under-S< cretary for Internal Affair^). PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. The day of the opening of the season, said Mr Carr, was one of pleasure to the members of the club, although on each opening day that pleasure was tinged with regret at the loss of old faces. Tho club had reason to congratulate itself upon the excellent grounds it had iat tho commencement of the new season; ;t had to express its heartfelt gratitude to its pioneer members, who had endowed, the clnb with such glorious possessions. Ha was pleased to note amongst the pioneers who were present that day Sir Robert Stout. They had a very premising yeai before them, and he believed every member of the club and every Wellington bowler would do his utmost to make the season a record one, inasmuch as the Dominion bowling tournament was to bo held here. They had had at least a promise of sis rinks from Australia, it was a source of great gratification that one of the dub’s past presidents (Mr T. Bush) now occupied the distinguished position of president of the Dominion Association. He felt sure that next season’s tournament would be an unqualified (success. .In 1 conclusion, Mr Carr expressed appreciation of the magnificent work performed during the recess by the ground superintendent and caretaker (Mr Thomson). The Peace Gates, ho declared would not be officially opened till later in the season. The dub was indebted to Mr Glendining, to whom their completion was largely due. SIR ROBERT STOUT. Sir Robert Stout said that it was true he 'was one of the original members of the club, though latterly ho had not taken much part in the game. Ho had always admired the game of howls, to which he had bean initiated as a lad. It was one of the most sociable games (hat was played. Ho believoi the fellowship found on the bowling green was a great asset to social life, and on the greens all the past and present differences between men vanished. This was sufficient justification for the preservation of the game. The gathering then joined in singing the National Anthem, and ihe president declared the greens open for play, the “jack” being thrown—a good length ball —by Mrs .Carr; ■ • Many enjoyable game* were piayod during the afternoon. A successful season is assured.