KAITUNA BOWLING AND TENNIS CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13106, 17 October 1904, Page 7

KAITUNA BOWLING AND TENNIS CLUB.

_ The official opening of tlio Kaituna Bowling and Tennis Club, which [miction took place on Saturday afternoon, was quite a success in every way, and, judging by the very large attendance and tlio intercut displayed hy those present, the club should experience a most prosperous season. :'lhe weather, which 'looked threatening about midday, cleared up splendidly, ,ind remained fino for the afternoon, and tho\green was in remarkably good condition considering " the quantity of rain that has fallen of late. Tho tennis counts have been considerably improved since last season, two of them having been dug up and lclaid at a cost of about £150. Tho bank at the end of these l\vo courts has been cut back for a distance of 15ft, and amongst the other improvements is ,1 better drainage system. The new courts, which had just been finished, wero a little soft, but as they will not lie in use again until Saturday next they should bo in perfect order when again played oil. In addition to tho members present there was a largo attendance of lady friends and others, tlio majority of whom were interested spectators of the games played during the afternoon. The invitations issued to kindred clubs wero largely availed of, representatives from the Caledonian, Roslyn, St. Clair, (jteen Island, Taieri, and Clinton Clubs being present. Afternoon tea, which was served by the ladies', assisted in no email degree to enhance the enjoyment of tho function.

In formally declaring the season open, Captain Sundstrom (president of the club) said he had very great pleasure in extending a welcome to all present. Ho was sure tin day would be a very good one for bowling, and ho hoped all who played would have a good game. The green, which spoke for itself, reflected the greatest credit on the'caretaker (Mr liocken), whoso time and caro devoted to the green would bo appreciated by every member present. He was sure tho club would have a good year, anil indications pointed in tho direction of tho green being in tip-top order; in fact, ho w,as doubtful if a better one eould bo found in Dunedin. For years past the club had been troubled by floods coming through the gully higher up, but that difficulty had now been overcome, as tho Drainage Board had very kindly como forward and had laid down a drain in tho street, which would relievo the club's property of all surplus storm water, so that there was every prospect of there being no moro floods, nor trouble from drains, with tho consequent disagreeable smell in warm weather. Ho ivould like to thank the Drainage Board for doing tho work so expeditiously. The fact that- a largo number of new members were joining spoke well for the club, and, in fact, the question of whether any more new members could be admitted would soon have to bo faccd. Tho tennis players were equally interested in the welfare of tho club, though they undertook tho control of their own finances, and had done a great deal to increase tile gcod-fcl(uwship existing between members. The courts were as fine as could bo found in Dunedin. Before couclud'iig, he had a rather painful duty to perform, and that was to refer to the untimely deatii of their worthy friend Mr James Hislop, who had been well known for many years Loth as an enthusiastic bowler and as president of tho Bowling Association. Mr Hislop's death was very sad, and he (Captain Sundstrom) was sure ho was voicing the' feelings of all present when he expressed the deepest sympathy with Mrs Hislop and her family "in their bereavement. Before asking Mr C. R. Smith to say c few words on behalf of the tennis players, ho would formally declare the green open, and would call on Mrs Sundstrom to roll up the first bowl, which the latter di;' amidst hearty applause. Mr C. R. Smith said that on behalf of the tennis players he had very much pleasure in welcoming visitors and new members to tho courts. It had given the committee great pleasw's to tho new courts finished in timo ro enable them to join with the opening of the 'Bowling Club, and ho was sure the old members of the club would do their best to see that all tho visitors and new members were well looked after that afternoon. The new courts were being opened rather early, and the committee had deeided that they should be closed after that afternoon until next Saturday to allow them to

eettlo.properly before "being played larly. Ho was pleased to be able to say that the Tennis Club had qjiite as:iargc, and h'e thought a littlo larger, accession of new membera than the Bowling Club, so that members could congratulate themselves on tho successful stato of affairs. Ho honed tho visitors would enjoy themselves thoroughly, and that the season would be a pleasant one. Tho courts would bo formally opened by a single game, to bo played by Mm Waters and Miss Brown. The game, which was watched by a largo number, was won by Miss Brown after a eloso contest. Tho formal part of the ceremony over, the players quickly adjourned to the green and courts, all of which we-ro fully occupied for tho remainder of the afternoon. Eight rinks of bowlers chosen by the President (Captain Sundstrom) fried conclusions with' a similar number picked by the Vice-presi-dent (Mr C. J. Payne), and after close competition tho President's sido wad victorious by 9-points, tho score.; being 150 and 141 respectively. Th'e scorcs were ns follow: — President—Captain Sundstrom (s), 19; Peterson (s), 19; Reid (s), 18; Forrester (s), 13; Wilson (s), 12; llatheson (s), 19; Green (s), 32; Gibson (s), 18;— total, 150. Vicepresident—Payno (s), 25; Mackie (s), 14; Corliss (••), 20; Carsweil (s). 19; Sneddon (s), 24; Lindsay (s), 14; Walker (s), 5; Sutcliffo (s), 20; — total, 141. After play ceased it was unanimously decided to close the green until next Saturday so that the risk of its being damaged while it was damp might bo obviated. Before tho proceedings wero concluded 18 new members wero clectcd.