BOWLING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18562, 24 May 1922, Page 6

BOWLING.

By Jack. Few bowlers in New Zealand, if any, can claim such a- record of achievement on the bowling green as the veteran Taieri skip, Mr W- Carswell, and a short account of his career as a bowler should prove of interest to readers. Mr Carswell first became a devotee of “kitty” in the eighties, and ho quickly demonstrated a marked aptitude for the game. His first big success was achieved in 1888, when he came first in the New Zealand Ranks Championship, held at Dunedin in April, and was placed third in the Singles at the same tournament. In the rinks Mr Carswell played No. 3 for Mr D. Mackie, and the trophy was a ten guinea cup. Though at that time Mr Carswell was only a beginner, it was predicted, by keen followers of the game that he would be among the champions in the near future.

In 1889 Mr Carswell won the Singles Championship of the Adrian Bowling Club, Falkirk, Scotland. He entered for the Scottish Championship (£100), but lacked the experience necessary for such an important contest. In 1890 Mr Carswell returned to New Zealand (about - thfe end of January), but did' not play howls that season. Id 1891 he was first in the Rinks Championship of New Zealand, held at Christ.chutch (with a trophy—a 30 guinea cup). He retired from.' the Singles when well through, and also from the. nnk competition for the North and South of Waitaki Cup, owing to being in all the events on the last day of the tournament. Mr Carswell played throughout the week without losing a game. In 1892 h§ won the Singles Championship of New Zealand.

Mr Carswell was unable to spare time to play bowls during the next six years, but in 1899 he was again back at his favourite pastime, and signalised his return to the green by winning the Singles Championship of New Zealand, held at Christchurch. He was first in the Doubles at the same meet-' ing, and second in the Rinks, being beaten by the last shot- after a tie. In the same season Mr Carswell was first in the Singles Handicap of the Taieri Club. - In 1900 he was second in the Rinks Championship of New Zealand, held at Dunedin. In 1901 he did not compete at the championship meeting, but was first in the Singles Championship of the Taieri Club, -and first in the Singles Handicap of the same club. In 1902 lie was first in the Rinks Championship of ,New Zealand, held at Dunedin, and first in the Doubles at the same tourney; also first in the Doubles at the Invercargill Easter tournament.

In 1903 held the Doubles (Challenge Feathers) of the Taieri Bowling Club for 14 games, losing the fifteenth game by one shot. In 1904 was first in the Consolation Rinas in the New Zealand Championship tournament at Dunedin; third‘in the Singles Championship at the same Hourney, and was second in the Championship Singles of the Taieri Bowling Club-. LJ-s In 1805 did not eoHpete l at New' Zeaalnd Championship, ChristSTibcli. Second Champion Taieri 'Bowling .jCni'b, beaten by one shot. First Doubles, Taieri Bowling Club, Third Rinks, Easter touriiaiueut, Invercargill In 1906 did not compete in Rinks or Doubles, New Zeeland < Championship, held at Dunedin. Firsj,,; Rpiki, Easter tournament, Oamaru. ‘ v ~/ • .'■ In. 1907 was first in the Rinks Championship of New Zealand, held at Christchurch. A eensational win was,,,recorded in the semifinal of tins match. ' Taieri were 5 .shots down and one end to go against Johns ion (St. Albans). Taieri then got 6 ehots with one bowl to play. First in Championship of Taieri 8.0., and first in Championship Doubles Taieri B.C.

In 1906 was first in Rinks Championship of New Zealand, held at Dunedin; first Rinks Easter tournament, Invercargill; first Doubles same meeting. In 1909 was first in Singles Easter tournament, Invercargill, and second in the Doubles same meeting. Won 14 gamef on ena. In 1910 was first in rink section. New Zealand Championship, held at Dunedin; first in Doubles Handicap, Taien B.C. In 1911. Svas first in Doubles Taieri B.C.

In 1912 was second Rinks Championship of Zealand, held at Dunedin, being beaten in the final by bis own clubmates; another record for Taieri Club. Participated in the win of the Rour-rink Championship of Dunedin Centre for the second time.

Mr. Carswell did not bowl during the next two years.

In 1915 was . first in Singles Championship of Taieri 8.C., and second in Champion of Champions, Dunedin Centre.

In 1916 was first in Singles Championship of Taieri 1 8.C.; third Champion ot Champions, Dunedin Centre; first Doubles Handicap Taieri B.C. In 1917 was first in Singles Championship of Taieri B.C.

In 1918 won three interclub games in succession by a total of 72 points. In 1919 first Singles Championship of Taieri 8.C.; first in Champion of Champions (gold medal, given by Dunedin Centre). In 1922 Mr Carswell skipped the winning rink in. the dominion tournament, held iu Dunedin in January, and the many spectators who witnessed the final between the Taieri and the Ponsonby rink skipped by Mr Parsons, were much impressed with the deadly accuracy of the Taieri players. Mr Carswell further added to his many laurels by again winning the Singles Championship of the Taieri Club.

A correspondent from Ravenaboume forwards the following particulars with reference to the activities of the late Mr Edward Eellett, M.P., in connection with the West Harbour Bowling Club; —“First and foremost there is no doubt that the formation of the West Harbour Bowling Club was largely due to the efforts of the late Mr Kellctt. His work as secretary of the club at' its formation, and for several years after, was no sinecure, and one and all admit that he was the right man in the right place. The work and the time ho put into the matter showed that he'was a man who had an ideal which he thought was for the betterment of his fellow-men, and he did not spare himself in the attainment of his object. At all times he took ap active part in the doings of the club, and to show his interest in the younger members ho on several occasions presented prizes for the colts. Several of the original members of the club who greatly assisted in its formation in 1913, have passed to the Great Beyond ,— namely, Messrs O.; Greenslade, 11. Veaie T. Donaldson, Chas. 1 Baird, sen., and Ohaa. Baird, jun. These greatly assisted the late Mr Kellctt M.P., in the founding of *lio club, which is one of the best assets that have come to tlri district of West Harbour. Mr Kellctt was the president of the club for the present year, and his death is a hard blow to the members;, but he and the others mentioned above have left a record of which their relatives ought to be proud, and which the members of the club ought to appreciate. The late Mr Kellctt took an. active part at all times in the district affairs, being an ex-councillor, Past Grand President of the Druids and a member of the Masonic Order, boating club, and several of the other clubs.”