BOWLING CONTROL

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11438, 7 February 1923, Page 7

BOWLING CONTROL

WELLINGTON CENTRE INTERCHANGE OF VISITS DECIDED ON. OLD CONTROVERSY REVIVED. Numerous matters of current interest to bowlers were considered at the monthly meeting of the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Howling Association last night. Mr F. Meadowcrofs occupied the chair. TOURING TEAMS. With regard to the coming visits of the Wanganui representatives to V ellington, the Wanganui Centre wrote stating that the dates suggested by Wellington (March 14th and 15th) had been approved. It was hoped to bring a good number of rinks. The Taranaki Centre wrote to the effect that it proposed sending a team on tour this season, playing matches at Wellington on March 6th and 7th, Wanawatu on the Bth and Wanganui on the 9th and 10th. It was resolved to receive the visitors on the dates suggested. . Thc-e was also a communication from the Marlborough Sub-Centre stating that it was proposed to visit Wellington, this month, arriving in Wellington on February loth. A programme of play for the Friday ana Saturday, to include an official centre match, was suggested. It was agreed to accept the dates proposed, the official centre match to he played on Friday afternoon. On the Friday morning the visiting rinks are be distributed among the Hataitai, Lyall Bay and Island Hay Clubs. The president, secretary and treasurer were auoointed the selection committee for the centre rinks. It was also decided to entertain the visitors at a smoke concert.

It was resolved to accept the Wairarnpa Centre’s invitation for eight rinks to visit Carterton on February 23rd and 24th. POSTPONED MATCHES. With regard to the postponed interclub matches, it was decided to defer the consideration .of their abandonment or otherwise till next month’s meeting. “FOOT-ON-THE-MAT.” The old controversy regarding the “foot-on-the-mat” rule was revived ha the result of a communication from the New Zealand Bowling Association, which stated that at a meeting of delegates of centres and members of the council held in Auckland, the following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this meeting of delegates and members of the council congratulates the Auckland executive on the action taken in enforcing the rule re foot-on-the-mat, and trusts that other centres controlling tournaments will act in a similar manner.” When the letter was read, Mr G. Halliday immediately rose and asked the chairman wheiher he voted in favour of a rule which was killing the spirit of the game, and was of little real use. A man gained nothing by infringing the rule, which was not in the interest of the game of bowls. Mr H. E. Gilbert considered that the rule was brought in with an object. and should he supported. Mr J. Muir vehemently remarked that he had thirty-five years’ experience. and would not bow to a rule which was doing away with individuality. Mr J. S. Keith considered that the chairman could not do other than support the rule. The trouble at Auckland had apparently been over the interpretation of the rule by the umpire. The chairman said he would always support any rule made by a responsible body. If the rule was bad the onus was on those interested in howls to have it excised. Mr C. Ingraip. who was a sufferer at the Auckland tournament as the result of the enforcement of the rule, said his only complaint was that he ! had not received a warning from the umnire, as provided by the rules. Other delegates agreed with Mr Ingram, and it was resolved to “receive” the letter. VISITORS FROM AUSTRALIA.

Some time was occupied discussing details in connection with the visit of the New .South Wales howlers, who arrive from Sydney to-day. CHAMPION GAMES. It was decided to play the champion games cn the following greens: Singles, Victoria green; pairs, Hataitai; rinks, Kelburn. Mr Keith was annointed umpire for all games. HTJTT VALLEY TOURNEY. Permission was granted the Hutt Valley clubs to hold a tournament at Petono at Easter.