BOWLING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18876, 31 May 1923, Page 4

BOWLING.

By Jack.

Probably the best traditions established by thel Caledonian Bowling Club regarding Booial functions were eclipsed by tl»e annual "smoko". last Saturday night. A good and healthy fraternal sentiment, short and well-expressed speeches, high-class musical talent, refreshment of the best, plus an honorary staff of stewards, untiring in their zeal to cater for the comfort of the guests, and only one rebult could, follow—namely, sucoess Such a galaxy of happenings was the good fortune that aicended the Caledonian Bowling Club's "smoko." The chief event of the evening was the presenting to the club of the championship banner. Mr Jacobson, the president of the Dunedih Bowling Centre, in making the presentation, referred to the high standard of bowling attained by the Caledonian Club, and to its unioue record in winning the banner four years in succession. Mr Foster (Caledonian president), in accepting the banner on behalf of the club, referred to the hard fight put up by _ the runners-uy—namely, Fairfield, St. Kilda. and Taieri. Ee also affirmed that the splendid green maintained by Mr John Ogg contributed largely to the Caledonian Club's success. Mi' R. T. Wheeler was delightfully reminiscent in his remarks when proposing the toast of "The Dominion Bowling Centre." Mr Nicolson, in his reply, stated that the Dominion Bowling Centre had only one policy, and that was the promotion of all that was best in bowling for the' dominion as a whole. The toast of "The Dunedin Bowling Centre" was in the capable hands of Mr A. Brown, and was responded to by Messrs Jacobeen, Connor, and Piddington. Mr Henaghen gave a most amusing speech in proposing the toast of "The Prize-winners" by referring to the silent and noisy traits of players. Mr Cavanagh, who responded, maintained the oomic style of the proposer, and brought down the house by a classical quotation _ which, he stated, was due to his association with the Otago University. Other toasts honoured were : "The Caledonian Bowling Club," MrJaoobsen; "Non-prize Winners," Mr Brockie: "Press" and "Performers," Mr Hungerford; "The Ladies," Mr HameL A presentation was made during the evening, on behalf of the club, by Mr J. Hamol to the popular and capable selector of the -club, Mr J. Abbott. Mr Hamel's speech was a masterpiece of humour, and was undoubtedly the erem of the evening. The following is a' list of the prizewinners during the past season:— Champion Singles.—W. Foster 1, V. G. Cavanagh 2. Handicap Singles.—o. Latham 1, F. Kettle 2. Setfond Singles.—C. Eyre 1, A. Summerell 2.

Rinks (Ferns). —J. Rosooe. C. Latham. T. Halligan, H. Andrews 1; G. M’Kenzie, C. Eyre, A. F. Browne, H. Isaac 2. Doubles.—W. Elliott and W. Gilligan 1, F. Evans and V. G. Cavanagh 2. Billiards. —Handicap Tournament. —W. Foster 1, D. Trainor 2. Second Tournament: J. Hamilton 1. A. Summerell 2. Chinaman Tourney: H. Isaac 1, F. Evans 2. ;

At. the invitation of the ''president (Mr J. Rhodes) about 200 members and friends of the North-East Valley Bowling and Tennis Club gathered at a social m the pavilion on Monday evening. The social, which was given by Mr Rhodes, was to mark the opening of the new billiard room, which has been built as. an annexe to the new pavilion. The "first shot" was played by the president's _ grand-daughter. Miss Rosetta Rhodes Justice. The evening was spent in dancing and playing draughts, cness, and cards, supper being provided at an interval in the proceedings. Brief but suitable addresses were given by Mr Rhodes, Mr Hector Mercer (representing the Dunedin Club), Mr W. Jacobsen (Centre), Messrs G. Dunn and John Arthur (past presidents), Mr W. Culbert (Men's Club), Mr W. Moi-roll (Tennis Club): Mr T. Sneeston (Social Club), and Mrs F. S. Wright (Ladies' Club), and musical items were provided by Messrs Bert Rawlinson, G. G. Dunn, Mr and Mrs C. Grace, and Miss Sinclair, Mrs Carmen acting as accompanist An expert demonstration of billiards by Mr Burtenshaw was greatly appreciated. The• members of the Otago contingent of the dominion bowling team which will tour New South Wales and Queensland during the winter left Dunedin by Tuesday morning's express train en route for Auckland, where they will embark for Sydney. Some of the bowlers were accompanied by their wives. The names are'aj follow:—Mr and Mrs Peter Walker, Mr and Mrs S. Hutohi-

son, Mr and Miss Mercer, Mr J. C. Whitelaw, Mr William Smith (Dunedin Club), Mr and Mrs Spencer {Anderson's Bay), Mr W. Blackwood (Cayersham). At Onmarii -the party will be joined bv Messrs .). K Broad, J. Dunbar, and Mr J. Grant (Phoenix CJub, Oamaru). Included in the list of fixtures in Australia are test (ramc! (four rinks aside) against New South WaJes. Tho dominion players axe drawn front all parts of Now Zealand —from Dunedin in the south to Whangarei in the far north. As the tour" necessitates considerable expense and entails a fairly length absence from home in stands to reason that the team cannot bo considered as representative of the dominion's bowling- strength, but nevertheless it includes a number of capable exponents of the frame, and it should acquit itself creditably. There was a large muster of bowlers at the Dunedin station to bid good-bye and irood luck to the local players, and the station was enlivened by bowling songs, and as the train moved off liearty cheers were given the tourists. Mr D. Bonnie, of the Balmncewen Club, who lias been resident in Balelutha- for the

past two years, has relumed to Dunedin. Bv the transfer of Mr W. Millar to Auckland to take charsre of tho Oucliunga Woollen Mills, the Roslyn Club is losing a popular member and a good player. Mr Miller was one of the, selectors of last season's Otago representative "bowling teams. Mr Alex. Steel, president of Dunedin Club, with Mrs Steel, entertained the club's lady friends at the pavilion last Wednesday night. An excellent concert programme, contributed to by Mrs Astley Black, Misses Steel. Miss Denford. Miss Wilkinson, and Messrs Henderson, Russell, Newton. Blackwood, Dunn, and Angell, was contributed, Mr L.- -Burk "playing the accomnmj'ments. A first-dnss supper was provided, and altogether the evening was a pronounced su.oc.esw. The lady friends, led by Mrs W. M. Hosrg. ai-e deserving of special recognition, for they were called upon on extra, occasions during the past season. Dr Hendry, in a humorous speech, presented the members about to leave on the Australian trip with certificates specifying their particular virtues. Mr J. C. Whitelaw was certified as a member of the "United. Federation of Humour, N.Z." : Mr IT. F. M. Mercer as the champion of the "Society of Optimists"; Mr S. Hutchison as a member or the "Coursing Association of New Zealand" (being the owner of two wonderful dogs); and Mr W. Smith *<< a member of tine "Royal Flukers' Billiard Association."-