BOWLING

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11650, 15 October 1923, Page 9

BOWLING

CLUBS OPEN SEASON 01 SATURDAY SEVERAL ENJOYABLE FUNCTIONS Several of the city and suburban bowling clubs opened their season on Saturday in real bowlers’ weather, and while the games played were merely scratch matches for the day, there was ample evidence that the play will be of that high quality for which Wellington bowlers are noted. Enjoyable social functions, in which the ladies participated, were held, and the proceedings , were highly enjoyable. Some clubs whose season was formerly opened on the previous Saturday, but whose members could not indulge in “a roll” on that day on account of the wet weather and soddened greens, wer able to chase the elusive “kitty.”

VICTORIA CLUB OPENS MR H. MAYER PRESENTS SILVER KITTY. GALA DAY AT GREENThere was an attendance of about 150 members and friends at the opening of Victoria Clubs bowling green on Saturday afternoon, and the scene and settings wore worthy of a glorious midsummer day. The members gathered together iu their spick and span white flannels, with black and gold hatbands and ties, together with a sprinkling of other club colours, prominent among which wore Wellington’s red and yellow, Seatoun's green, and Pelone Central's blue and gold. Most of the local clubs were represented, together with a number of ladies, while amongst outside visitors were Mr J. Spiller, of Auckland, and Mr Naylor, Hastings, both well-known players. A few Wellington veterans also graced the occasion. BN FETE. It was an afternoon of sunshine, with just enough breeze to make the conditions cool and delightful. Two sides of the ground were festooned with streamers and flags, while the upper room in the pavilion had been taken charge of by the ladies, having been most beautifully adorned with flowers and streamers, there afternoon tea was served. The ladies responsible were Mesdames Norwood. A. Dixon, R. Dixon, Crodber. Jackson, Hunt, Luke, Scott. Keith, Snadden. Evans, ilaughton, Edmonds, and Townsend. THE TWENTY-SEVENTH TIME. The president, Mr C. J. B. Norwood, in proceeding to declare the green open, said this was the twenty-seventh of the kind, and that was the third occasion on which he had been president, of which position he felt verv proud. They were to have opened on the previous Saturday, but he wondered how they failed to select Saturday, when it was the 13th. They had a lovely clay, a lovely green, and lovely ladies too —(hear, hear) —and lie hoped these were indications of a very happy season. Referring to the death of their late secretary, Mr Bert. Manning, he was sure if he could be with them he would say r T want you to be as happy as you can/' That was the spirit of that young man of fine personality, whom they all respected so much. The : directors hoped that members would wear the dress and colours of the club, which was a very select one and gave refinement to the club. For the present it was considered that play on Wednesdays and Saturdays would be sufficient fov the green until further notice. THE CEREMONIAL KITTY. They had many old members who had gone to other clubs by reason of change of residence, but they were glad to see them on a special day'every year, when they had a game and a real good rime. One of them, Mr Harry Mayer, had shown his regard for his old club by presenting it with a silver kitty to be used on opening day and on the day of old members match. (Applause.) It was a handsome donation to the club, and would be greatly appreciated. They had been fortunate in securing the services of Mr R. T. M. Edmonds as secretary, and the executive work would be safe in his hands. The green also looked well, and the club would be well served by their present green-keeper. He welcomed the visitors, whose presence indicated the popularity of tne club, and also the ladies, many of whom had done so much to add to the pleasure of the occasion. Mrs Norwood then sent down the new silver kitty, the president declared tho green open, and the ceremony concluded with the National Anthem. Nine rinks were played, Victorians being matched against rinks composed of visitors from other clubs, a delightful afternon being spent. Music was dispensed at intervals. RESULTS OF GAMES. Results of games played were as under i Wallis, Johnstone, Duncan, Levi f s) 19 Morgan, Combs, Martin, Hatch (s) 19 Campbell, Mackay, Mitchell, | Keith (,s) 22 Pole, McGill, Boyce, Spiller (5)... 15 Yardley, Itos*. Clousion, Reid (s) 14 Dement, Watkins, Hain, Fraser (s) 20 Robinson, Chisholm, Pawson, Mayer (s) 19 Stewart, Sigall, Jamieson, Snaddon (s) 13 Griffin, Thompson, Fairway, Hill (s) 17 Rawnsley, McGill, Chisholm, Bollon (s) 21 Middleton, McLean, Coltmau, Me Laurin (s) 21 Wallis, Skinner, Chittv. Bailey fo) 26 Made ey, Herron, St.onebanks, Ramrey (s) 18 Cole. While, Betty, Townsend (p) 20 Davies, Smediey, Dawson, McArthur (.s' 14, Paul. Mansori, McLeod. Scott m) 30 r-bituh'TW. Ros*. Frost, Naylor (a) 19 Danby, Clark. Thornlcy, Tucker (s) 21 KELBURW CLUB A SUCCESSFUL OPENING. CLUB’S STRONG POSITION. The several flub openings for the 1923--4 .season v. ere favoured with the best of weather on Saturday aftarnoon. There was a large attendance at Ihe Kflbiun ; !üb, including a. t/oed sprinkling ol ladies. Among Cio-u*. present wore :rir John Luke, M.P., and Lady Luke, and Mr F. Moadowcroft, who is a member of tie- KelUun Club hk weli' as pie-, .dent ->l the u tdiingtor. (.lenr.ro. Fi.'OoFLCTS BRIGHT. In dychmny tho club open for tho :.rai!i. Mr M. Huntley (president.) said a aim tiay tor llu; ceremony. 110 hoped ;h.:i ii augured well tor 1.1. e siuuos.-. ot tie' club throughout the season. 110 |\C/ V to see so many • present, and h;.‘!e litem all a hearty welcome, cspe dally the iadici-., whom they wore alKind to h*u thive. Howlers hun been looking forward with great keenness In liiis lime of the year, so that they niriht flin t* inn! c indulge in lln ir favourite pa.-rimt*. which has at nice hcalth-Kiving and most *n tovuble. Ti.c ni their club were in a very hrahiiv condition. Never iu the histor> of the club Imd limy been in such >. good position ae at the nicsent time

Their overdraft, which at one time stood at a very high figure, was now down to «£2oo, and he hoped boon to see it below jfcJOO, which was a very modest overdraft for a club with over 10U members. That happy position was due in lai&o moasuro to the sacrifices made by some of the club members, who, whenever occasion arose, cheerfully put their hands in their pockets and gave of their best. They were also very fortunate m having such a man for secretary as Mr R W Porter, who ungrudgingly toiled for the benefit of the club. (Hear, hear.) As to himself, it was just twenty yeais ago that he first took up bowling, and looking back he could see that it was one of the best things he had ever doAo in his life. The game took a man out of his worries, and gave him a chance to recuperate both physically and mentally. He was glad to know that the game was gaining in popularity every day, and that there were no less than juf.t on 14\090 bowlers in New Zealand to<clay. 'Hear, He congratulated the green superintendent (Mx F. S. Pope) and the caretaker (Mr Read) on the excellent statß of the green, and wished the club a most successful and enjovable season. (Hear, hear.) Mrs Routley (wife of the president) then threw up the “kitty,” and -^ r Routley delivered the first bowl of the season, SIR JOHN LUKE'S CONGRATULATIONS. Sir John Luke congratulated the club on the fine weather and the large attendance, and expressed the hope that | they would have a very enjoyable and ! successful season. Bowling was one of , the prominent features of sport in the 1 Mother Country as well as in New Zea- j land, and one good thirty about it was ! that it brought out the individuality of | the players and also encouraged sociaiibiiity, friendliness, and good feeling. He hoped that bowling in Wellington would, go ahead with leaps and bounds. He I congratulated the club on the reduction of its overdraft, and hoped that during the present season they would be able to wipe it out altogether. (Hear, hear.) Afternoon tea was served in the pavilion, and a fine programme of music was presented by an admirable orchestra. THE GAMES. Eight rinks were then formed, the results being as follows, the skips names only being given:—Angus 19 v. McCallum 19, Stephens 14 v. Inglis 17, MoColl 19 v. Wilson 11, Doherty 12 v. Gibson 1:2, Johnson 13 v. Porter 25, Duff 14 v. Parkinson 19, Gray 15 v. J. Ei. Widdop \ 15, Compton 19 v. Meadowcroft 15. j Tho pavilion presented' quite a holiday ; appearance with- bunting and the tables j in the social room wore beautifully de- • corated with flowers by Mrs Routley, who ! dispensed afternoon tea to members and ! their friends. During the afternoon piano and violin selections were given by Mr and Mrs L. de Mauny, which were greatly appreciated by the large gathering. Thus closed one of the most successful oj>ening functions o>f the club, the thanks of the members being due to tho president andi Mrs Routley for the hospitality dispensed. THORNDON CLUB A LARGE GATHERING. NEW CLUB FLAG HOISTED. There was a large gathering of mem bers and friends at the opening of the Thorndon Bowling Club on Saturday afternoon; and the green, though playing a iittlo heavily in consequence of the recent rains, showed a fine growth of grass arid was in splendid condition. A goodly number of ladies were present, and Sir John Luke, M.P., and Lady Luke visited the green during the afternoon o.nd partook of afternoon tea in tho pavilion. Mr George Johnson (president) extended a very hearty welcome to all present, saying that it was one of the best attendances they had ever had at any opening of the club, and he was particularly pleased to see so many ladies present. Ho congratulatei the members upon tho green being in such good order. It was very fortunate that they had such a fine afternoon for the opening, and he trusted that the club would have a very successful, sociable and in every way enjoyable eeason. (Hear, bear.) Mrs Jchnnnn then threw up the “jack” and Mr Johnson sent down the first, bowl of the season. Tho “jack,” used for tho first time on this occasion, was one specially presented to the club by Mr J. Clark for use an opening days. Mr W. H. Spencer (vice-prosklent) presented the club with a new flag, which was hoisted, amid applause, in honour of the occasion. LYALL BAY CLUB MAYOR OPENS SEASON. COUNCIL AND SPORTS GROUNDS. L.vall Day Howling Club’s green was opened on Saturday afternoon under glorious conditions by the Mayor of Web iington, Mr R. A. Wright. M.F.. who was accompanied by Mrs Wright, and who threw the first kilty down the green. ' There was a large company present, and the president, Air .lames Dillon, presided over the ceremony. GIFT OF BADGES, In welcoming the Mayor and Mayoress, visitors, and members, the president, said 'he club membership stood at t V-K and in J season the rial] won one tournament, while they were runners up in another. Tho prospects for the season 1 .okrd good, and competition would be keen. 'I hey vore glad to see the senior pennant rciT!<l it nied in the old way. The green \vn - belt» v r than they anticipated it would be, and augured well for a good -rax>n. ihU being due to the efforts of the* greenkrepor. Four silver badges had been donated by Urn late -rv rotary, Mr G. Ndl. for a rinks competition in the club. I'AEJILING THEIR OWN’ CANOE. '•'he Mayor rongratulaed bawling Gabs general'.*/ on tin* fart that they had proided and mnm 5 a iimd l mi.- own grounds, lor the Citv Council found il dilheull to ieet (lie imi'ds of die rommunily for .'round., for other sm-ris. The fuel vas dial, on a fine Saiiirdav iiHernonn ll.e ii v grounds were overcrow,led, and vvi*li « T rely prosport oT an increased popuuslioe the council would be compelled !*> ! .-.-'id, further grounds. 11 was also fo oc borne in mind that in the last few veme an insistent demand had come from 1,1. Women for . r»nrts grounds, and Mm / T t > C.xior-jl wn- <!oing its best to meet lie demand. A number of women's

chibs wore bring formed, particiv avU croquet, and they would want "rounds and pavilions, which required mpilul. The Cil.v would do the best 't could wj(l) I iic moiit-v il had In dispose of Me rougrat dialed tin* bowlers n whnl illey laid done, and >•;> relieved Ihe city of providing "rounds for them, and it would be a relief if some other sports bodies would try and follow their <samplo. Mis AY right then sent down the kittv rod I lie Mayor followed bv sending down the first bowl, upon which ho declar’d the green open for the *-oasn», amidst lica rty applause. A few friendly rinks were played, visitors from other clubs beimr entertain'd, and afternoon tea was served in tho pavilion by members of the Ladies Croquet Club. Later the Mayor also opened the ton nis courts adjoining the bowling green. HUTT CLUB OPENING REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING. CROQUET AND TENNIS TOO. The Hutt Bowling - , Croquet and Tennis Club was en feto last Satmday afternoon, tho occasion being the official opening of the on son, which the members had long looked forward to. The ceremony v. os* performed by Air Treadwell (senior), the elu'b’s president, who hoped that the city eluh would bo welcomed with such beautiful weather as the Hutt Club had been favoured with. The gathering comvised representative howlers from AY.dlington clubs and Petone. After the opening speech Mrs Treadwtdj (junior) bowled tho first kitty on a fairly heavy rink and in ihe presence of a large attendance. Then the fcmvlor.s, tennis and croquet players left for tlieir respective courts and enjoyable friendly games were indulged! jn. Those in attendance were tho .guests of the Hutt Club in a welldecorated pavilion to afternoon tea, which was dispensed by the ladies. The rinks will be closed for the week for practice play and games for the season will commence Saturday.