Three Years’ Hard Work Culminated In Opening Of Oamaru RSA Green

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27515, 9 October 1950, Page 7

Three Years’ Hard Work Culminated In Opening Of Oamaru RSA Green

NORTH OTAGO NEWS

Over three years ago a scheme to provide relaxation for returned men in North Otago was envisaged by a small band of returned servicemen. This scheme was brought to fruition on Saturday last when the Oamaru RSA Bowling Club held a ceremony at which the green was declared officially opened. The opening was the culmination of three years’ hard work, the biggest part of which was done by voluntary

labour, and the comments made by t ent indicated that the work was m was heard about the playing qualit attendance of over 200 at the funct afield as Christchurch and Dunedin.

The first kitty was rolled up by Mrs J. K. Kirkness, wife of the president of the club, and the first bowl by Mr Kirkness. When extending a welcome to those present Mr Kirkness outlined the laying of the green from its initial stage when the area was little more than a shrubbery. He spoke of the work of Messrs J. D. Forbes, H. E. Wedde and H. C. Jeffery, the pioneers of the green. When the Garden of Memories was constructed the transformation of a once ugly site would nearly be completed, he said. He made an appeal to all to support the Oamaru RSA financially, so that the clubrooms could be completed.

the many guests and members p'resiot in vain, for nothing but praise ties of the green. There was an tion, including visitors from as far

The occasion was an historic one, Mr M. F. E. Cooney said. The green would serve two purposes. First, it would serve as a reminder of those men who played their part in two world wars, and, secondly, it would give those men an opportunity of enjoying themselves in the

healthy game of bowls. With the completion of the Garden of Memories and the RSA clubrooms, the approach to Oamaru would be further enhanced, he said. They would also provide added attractions to the town.

so play was held in two groups—one before and one after the afternoon tea adjournment. The bowls ran smoothly over the even surface with a good draw for first-of-the-scason’s play, and both visiting and local bowlers were unanimous in their congratulations and expression of the opinion that it was a line green which would be a great asset to bowling in North Otago. Afternoon tea was served by members of the women’s section of the RSA. Smoke Concert Mr Kirkness was in the chair at a smoke concert at night, at which there was an excellent attendance of members and visitors. The speakers were the Mayor. Mr M. F. E. Cooney, Messrs Duncan Wilson (North Otago Bowling Centre), W. J. Taylor and J. C. Kirkness (RSA Bowling Club), C. Spearman (Christchurch RSA). I T Catto (Oamaru RSA), P. McGregor (Oamaru 2nd NZEF), A. L. Familton

«It is the responsibility of the public to see that the clubrooms are completed,” Mr Cooney said. “ We realise the part played by our men In two world wars, and now it is up to us to play an equally important part to make the clubrooms a reality.”

(Oamaru Homeservicemen’s Association), J. D. Forbes and representatives of sister clubs, H. C. Jeffery, G. Gale (Christchurch RSA), H. E. Wedde, A. Bremner, H. F. Maude and A. C. Piper.

The green would stand for centuries as an indication of what could be achieved by free co-operation, Mr T. L. Hayman, M.P., said. He extended congratulatmns to the members on the vision and spirit which had brought the green into being. He expressed the hope that the clubrooms would be completed at an early date, and assured those present that he would do all in his power to “ assist in the completion of another amenity of this town. Others who wished the club success m the future were Messrs E. Cameron (vicepresident of the NZRSA and president of the Oamaru brdnch), D. Wilson (president of the North Otago Bowling Centre), and J. Spearman (Christchurch RSA Bowling Club). Mr J. D. Forbes proposed a comprehensive vote of thanks to all who had assisted in the construction of the green. .. Before declaring the green open, Mr Kirkness announced that the Dunedin Disabled Servicemen’s Association had given a cup for competition between the Oamaru and Dunedin Clubs. Afternoon’s Play There were too many bowlers present to accommodate them on the one green.

Mr Wilson presented the club trophies, including the Markham Shield, W. J. Oats Memorial Cup and Colts Rosebowl given by Mr Forbes., and a presentation of pipe and cigarettes was made to Messrs E. W. Grenfell and W. S. Stevenson in appreciation of their voluntary services to the club. The opportunity was also taken to make special mention of the good work done by Messrs H. J. Griffiths, B. Chambers, A. Cameron and S. Lee. Musical and humorous items were given by Messrs lan McWhirter, G.’Jamieson, W. J. Mitchell and Piper Campbell. Meadowbank Opening

The official opening of the Meadowbank Bowling Club was also held on Saturday afternoon. The president, Mr J. Harris, welcomed a large attendance of members and visitors. Representatives from sister clubs, Messrs A. Marshall (NO Bowling Centre), T. Mitchell (Phoenix). T. Kennedy (Awaraoa), J. Kirkness (RSA), E. Henderson (Pukeuri), W. Budd (Weston), J. McGimpsey (Kurow), A. Lindsay (Maheno) J. Sommerville (Lake Waitaki), and Mrs Button (Meadowbank Ladies’ Club), all wished the Meadowbank Club a successful season.

Mrs Button, president of the Ladies Club, rolled up the first kitty, and Mrs Harris, wife of the president, the first bowl of the season. There was an attendance of over 100 and the eight rinks were kept in full use throughout the afternoon.