Irrepressible Bowlers.—A Match at Midnight.

Otago Witness, Issue 1895, 16 March 1888, Page 26

Irrepressible Bowlers.— A Match at Midnight.

"Bowling on the brain" is (says the Taieri Advocate) what some of our respected townsmen are suffering from. On Thursday evening the complaint reached a crisis, and the results are chronicled below. — At 11 o'clock on the evening mentioned & knot of enthusiasts were dilating upon their powers on the bowling green, and the outcome of the conversation was a challenge. The glove was no sooner down than it was lifted ; a local storekeeper spiritedly offered to supply lamps gratis. The offer was accepted, and the contestants, accompanied by a crowd of supporters, immediately made their way to the green. The keeper of the pavilion was aroused from his slumbers and the key demanded from him. Bets were now freely made, each bowler finding supporters. The principals, wo may mention, were a well-known Boniface who is not often Van-quished in anything be undertakes, and a gentleman not entirely unknown in financial circles. Preliminaries being settled a request was made that someone should hold a lamp over the jack. None seemed eager for the task, but eventually an obliging person was found. A request was then made that someone should hold a bottle that had been thoughtfully provided; 14 pairs of hands were immediately stretched out. Three more lamps were placed in position, one at each side of the jack and one at the bowling end, and play commenced. Boniface did not start particularly well, but was encouraged by one of his backers remarking, "Now, old stocking, play better than that, or I'll lose my money." Thus encouraged he warmed to his work and succeeded in placing two bowls right oa the jack. This feat was received with uproarious cheering, which brought up the excitement and a policeman. The glare of the lights had attracted the local constable, who cautiously approached the place of the contest, expecting no doubt to capture some incendiarists, aad his surprise at the scene which met his eyes is not easy to depicture. The game went steadily on, each of the players passing each other by turns, and as the end drew near, the excitement was tremendous. It was agreed that the game should be 15 up, and when the scorer called out; " 13 plays 14," loud cheers went up and somespirits went down. For the next head there was breathless silence, broken only by the beating of the players' hearts. Cautiously and solemnly the bowls were delivered, and in a voice husky with suppressed emotion the scorer officially declared that Boniface had scored a victory. Willing hands immediately raised him shoulder high, and his vest and the welkin were rent at the same time ; the one with incautious handling, the other with cheers. It was not exactly fair to drop him so suddenly, but as a recompense for the misfortune he admits that he saw (gratis) a display of fireworks far excelling in variety Mr Pain's display. Just as we were going to press we were iuformed that the result of the match was arranged beforehand ; but this, of course, is only an envious rumour.

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