ROSLYN v. LAWRENCE. By One of the Crowd.

Otago Witness, Issue 1950, 4 April 1889, Page 26

ROSLYN v. LAWRENCE. By One of the Crowd.

On Friday, 22nd nit., a dozen of the Roslyn men left by the 4.20 p.m. train for the purpose of trying conclusions with the Lawrence bowlers on the following day. Of course daylight disappeared long before we reached our destination ; but while it lasted we were much ' interested with the appearance of the country we passed through. Borne of the paddocks looked splendid,

r. , with long rows of goodly sized sheaves of grain a in waiting for the inevitable threshing machine ; r, aad some, large paddocks of turnips seemed to " promise Well. On the whole it was concluded that the farmers were having a good time this season, and a general wish was expressed that it might be the precursor of many more to follow. On arriving at our destination we were received by sereral members of the Lawrence Club, and the distance from the station to the Commercial Hotel was covered in remarkably good time, j Host Johnson had evidently reckoned, on his visitors being good feeders',, whatever their bowling abilities might be, for the dining table was literally groaning under the weight of the good things upon it. At one end was a large pile, resembling the Blue Spur in miniature. This, on closer inspection, proved, to be a dish of beef steak and onions, and the rapidity with which it disappeared, together with suadry etceteras near it, proved the* host to have been right in his conjectures.- After a rest and a smoke, a stroll round the town and a visit to the Chinese camp helped to pass away the evening, which was finished op with a smoke concert on a small scale. On Saturday morning, after a substantial breakfast, we were driven to the Blue. Spur in a handsome drag and pair. This was kindly provided by the Lawrence Club, and was care* fully tooled by Mr Arbuokle, one of their enthusiastic members. - The drive up Gabriel's Gully to this now celebrated spur was particularly interesting, more especially so as we were kept well informed by our whip upon all objects of interest tn route: Four of the party had made the trip on the last visit of the club two years ago. A marked difference in the surroundings was noticed, butmore especially in the small number of men at work compared with the previous visit — then all bustle and activity; now quite the reverse. A large pool of water — a small lake in fact—occupied the place where then a number of men were busily engaged. There was a general feeling of regret at seeing such a valuable property lying idle instead of having a large numb er of busy hands at work. This we understand is the result of trying to float another big company, or syndicate, or whatever it is called. It may be all right, but to ordinary minds it would seem to have been much better for the different owners to have amalgamated and kept the money in the district instead of having a large portion of it distributed amongst a lot of "Guinea Figs " residing in London or elsewhere. On returning a detour of the gully was made, and the party safely landed at the hotel at about 11 o'clock. Owing to the rather damp state of the green it was decided to commence play at 12.30, consequently an early lunch was necessary in order to finish up in time to catch the train. Another agreeable feature was yet in store for vs — for not content with providing us with a drag and pair, our friends nad now provided a sumptuous luncheon. We naturally felt somewhat bashful at having so much kindness thrust upon us, but overcame our feelings as much as possible, and " wired in." This over, a start was made for the green, which we found in capital order. Unfortunately we had noticed all the morning that the clerk of the weather was somewhat sulky, but now that we were about to begin he got positively angry, and commenced to pour down his wrath upon us. Having travelled so far, we were not to be put. down easily, so defied him. Great coats and umbrellas were brought into requisition, and a two hours' game was played. Three rinks were formed, and, considering the wretched weather, some very good play was exhibited on both sides. The i opposing skip in Mr Carlton's rink proved to be a. very hot member, his successful driving helpi ing greatly to bring his rink out victorious. However, in the sum total the hill men won by 17 points. Notwithstanding the adverse circumstances, a great deal of pleasure was derived from the game, the Lawrence men doing all in their power to make matters pleasant. After the game the usual compliments on both sides were indulged in, and the visitors were then escorted to the train by a number of the Lawrence Club. As the train left the station, three hearty cheers, with musical honours, were given by the visitors, who reached home safely at 7.30 p.m., after a most enjoyable outing. The train arrangements were excellent, a carriage being placed at our disposal for the whole journey, so that no changing was necessary. If there is anyone who thinks that there is nothing in bowling, let him try it, and, if possible, get drawn in a match to play the Lawrence Club. He will then find that there is something in bowling, andalso something in downright British hospitality. These two things go hand in hand at Lawrence. As the scores appeared last week I need not reproduce them.