BOWLING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23941, 17 October 1939, Page 10

BOWLING

OPENING FUNCTIONS WEST HARBOUR The West Harbour Bowling Club held its official opening ceremony on Saturday afternoon in beautiful weather. There was a good attendance of members and visitors. The president (Mr F. Robertson) made reference to the loss the club had suffered by the death of one of its most active members, Mr W. Connor. He thanked the ladies' section for the support it had always given, also the band members for their attendance. Mr G. Ashton (greenkeeper) and Mr L. Page were also thanked for the excellent state of the green. Mr W. Johnston, centre representative, and Mr Smith, Mayor of West Harbour, extended greetings and best wishes for a successful season. Mrs Thompson, president of the ladies' section, thanked the men's section for asking the ladies to combine in the opening day. After Mrs Robertson had rolled the first kitty and Mrs Thompson the first bowl for the ladies' section, the president declared the green open for the season 1939-40. The band, under the baton of Mr Davie, gave several items during the' afternoon. The usual game, President v. Vice-presi-dent, was played. KAIKORAI A large gathering of members and friends attended the opening ceremony on the Kaikorai green on Saturday under very favourable conditions. Mr A. Hanna, after welcoming the visitors, spoke very enthusiastically on the splendid results achieved by the supervisor, Mr T. Cubitt. The serious illness of three valuable members was referred to, with the sincere wish that all would make a speedy recovery. Mr Hanna spoke in favourable terms of the work done by the executive of the centre in the interests of bowlers generally, and complimented the immediate past-president, Mr S. Devereux, on the enthusiastic and successful manner in which he had filled that office. Special mention was made of the long and silent .service rendered to the club by Mr J. McGregor. A foundation member, Mr McGregor had held office almost continuously, having occupied' the position of secretary and treasurer for about 20 years, and as he had now finally retired from that position, Mr Hanna conveyed to him the thanks of the members and their appreciation of the great work he had accomplished for them. Two other foundation members—Messrs A. Ellis and J. Masterton—had also been prominent in the successful working of the club. Mr Ellis responded to the invitation to say a' few words, and extended to the president his best wishes for a successful term of office. The Centre Executive was represented by Mr J. G. Butler, who complimented the club on the excellent appearance of the green, and wished the members a successful season. Mr Hanna thanked the members of the Ladies' Club for the beautiful array of spring flowers and decorations in the pavilion, which was much admifed by all present, and invited Mrs Wilson, president, to conduct the ladies' opening ceremony. The first " touchers " were rolled up by Mrs Hanna and Mrs Wilson respec* tively. Mr Hanna then declared the green open, and the playing area was Quickly occupied by the bowlers.