MEADOWBANK BOWLING CLUB.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10238, 30 August 1909, Page 1

MEADOWBANK BOWLING CLUB.

The following is the report to he read at the annual meeting of the ahove cluh, to he held to-night: "Your Committee has pleasure in submitting this,, the 27th, annual report, and have to congratulate the Club on a year of unexampled prosperity, the membership being larger now than at any previous time in the history of the Club. The new members are all very enthusiastic and promising playersj a number of them becoming so proficient in the game that they took part in the Easter tournament with considerable credit to themselves. "Quite a number of improvements have been effected during the past season, particularly the erection of a new and up-to-date pavilion, which has filled a long-felt want, visitors to the green during the season being loud in their praises of the handsome structure. "The green was opened on October 15th. the weather being beautifully fine.' We had a good attendance of visiting bowlers and friends of the Club. The usual match, President v. VicePresident, was played, resulting in a win for the President by a . narrow margin. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Miss Familton, assisted by a number of the lady friends of the Club, and added materially to the afternoon's enjoyment. "The weather proving exceptionally fine throughout the season, members were thus enabled to have a good deal of play, and much enjoyment was had in the'evenings. Useful practice games were played in good spirit, close contests being the order of the day. "During the year 'Thistle' matches were played on several occasions, and at times caused a good deal of excitement. The challengers, however, fail- : ed to wrest them from last year's winners. "Mr J. Dale won the Presidents prize for Singles after a closely contested game with Mr F. Pretsch, who takes second prize. This event was confined to first year's players. Messrs 1). Bee and S. E. Baker won Mr D. Patterson's prize for Doubles, Messrs Dale and Taylor being runners-up. "The rink competitions, unfortunately, were not completed, and the Committee are of opinion that in future these matches should be started earlier, or the principle of one try only being adopted. _ "Your Committee recommend that the remaining tries be played off immediately the green is, opened. "The usual inter-club matches were played against Phoenix, Timaru, Kai Toa, Temuka, Waimate, and Palmerston. In all these matches quite a number of our new members took part, and although we were not. so successful as in past years, still our colts in many instances excelled themselves. The'matches with Phoenix were played in the evening. This innovation proved a great success, and should enable us to have more play with our sister club during the coming season. "The green played exceptionally well during the season, and your Committee desire to thank the caretaker (Mr Fridd) for the care and attention bestowed on it. Owing to the heavy topdressing the green received last year your Committee considered that a light top-dressing in the spring would prove sufficient. Fortunately . this decision has beeii correct, as owing to the exceptionally mild weather tbe finer grasses liave grown throughout the j winter, and we anticipate- even a better turf than last year. . ■ "The financial position of the Club is sound, and although we have incurred a small liability in building the new pavilion we feel sure that if the prosperity of the 'Club continues we will be able to liquidate the liability in.the near future. "The thanks of the Club are due to Messrs D: Miller, S. Mollison, J. Taylor D. Patterson, J. Martin, and A. Ma'ckay for special prizes, and also to Messrs F. J. Chase, J. S. Gordon, E. Coxkead, and P. M'Callum for special donations. _ . "In conclusion the Committe desire to bring under the notice of members the valuable aid given by the ladies, who, with most praiseworthy consideration have so frequently enhanced our enjoyment by the supply of tea and refreshments, and our -best thanks are tendered to them."