BOWLING. NOTES BY JACK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2569, 10 June 1903, Page 54

BOWLING.

NOTES BY JACK.

SixrHttin «re requeued t« forward |>»rticu!iriorc»aieip!»je4 ted of forlhc»mlnc raitctaei.

The Roslyn clerk last year introduced a new idea, one which, I think, bears on the face of it it* cwn commendation, and that is, instead of having to wait for tv.o or three months after the season closes for the pcesentaition of prizes to the successful players in the club cc-niteste during the year, members hod a social gathering, and present the prizes generally within a fortnight after tho Queen's birthday. The function this year took plao:> kvt Thursday evening, md although it was as wild and stormy a night as that co admirably described by Burns in "Tarn o' Shsnter," yet there waa a very large attendance of .members and ladies,- as well a3 visitors from other clubs. Suitable refreshments were provided by the president and Mrs AUmtt, oik! not t'h^ least interesting part of the pioceedmgs was that of watching the young hxli-et* who had volunteered for the purpose handing round the various daintios. Although right in th<s very centre of a rabid prohibition district, there was also, so a little bird informed me, for I was not present myself, a wee drappie o' something stronger to comfort the hearts of those who are not ardent lovers of the ladies' beverage, tea, and ovcryihing went as morry as a marriage bell.

Ttjp President, in a few well-chosen remarks, reviewed the past season's play, and after congratulating the vaiioue winners of the prizes, presented them as follows: — President's rink piize, won by Messrs M'Kay, Diokson, Wedderspoon, and \Vil«on (skip) ; doublo-handod, won by Messrs Bolam and Wilson ; vice-pre-jitlent's prize, for players who have hitherto not won a prize, Mr Thompson : champion prize, Mr G. Wedderspoon The winning of the latter prize a'so entitles the holder of the champion cup to a chance in the a^ociation's oompatjitdon of ohamiwon agair>>t champions,

After the formal business was completed the evening was devoted '.o enjoyment. Songs and speeches wei'e the order of the evening, and all those who could not sing a eong had perforce to make a not exceeding two and a half minutes' duration. Amongst the latter were Messrs J. A. Millar, M.H.R , R. Ohisholm, J. C. Short (president of tho Dunedin Club), and Mr G. L. Stewart (lion, eccictary of the New Zealand 80/whn.g Association), ithe latter gentleman fairly bringing down tho house with his naive remarks that he was g!«d lie lied come that evening, and ho was positively certain that all the re^.t were.

It is a» old eayiag, and sometimes a true one, that "everything comes to those who wait." Aver fair ilrustraltion of xhe correctness of this old adage was in evidence that evening. Mr John M'Kay, the leader in the rink match, la a septuagenarian, and in ihe course of his remarks-, when rehirning thanks for his prize, he said ho had now passed his seventieth milestone in the journey of life, more that the- allotted time of tho Ps?lmdst, yet until this season, he had never before won a prize at bowls. By that he meant fco encourage the younger and less successful players to persevere on year aftrr year, season after season, and they would obtain their reward in tho long run It is ne<*!lesa to say that his remarks were much applauded.

Songs were sung at intervals uuring the evening by Miss Wilson. Messrs Allnutt, Wilson, and Clothier. A duet by Mrs Timson and Ali* Wilson was snLendily'y suntj, and a solo on tho piano v\as admirably played by Mi a s V. Allnntt.

About ]0.30 the party broke un. nft^r. as loyal subjects, singing "God save the King," each and all hoping in a future year to have the pleasure of cgaJn being present at another pre-semtation of prizes to the Jtoelyn Bowling Club.

Mr "William Thomson, who has been a member of tho Dunedin Bowling Chib for about a dozen years, v/aa met by his fe'.low members in the pavilion laet evening, when he was presented with a combined clock, thermometer, nnd baromoter (suitobV inscribed), and a fibherman's silver mounted flask on the eve of his irarriage. Mr J. C. Short (president of the club) occupied the chair, and there was a very good attendance of members. Mr Thomson, who is one of the most popular members, has filled at various times the office of committeeman, honorary secretary, and vice-president with credit to himself and to the advantage of th« club. Mr Short, in making the presentation, referred to the good service rendered by Mr Thomson to the club, and also to the esteem in which he was held. Xkjß recipient suitably replied, thanking the members of the club for their kindness in making the presentation. A pleasant hour was aftc-v.va,rds spent with, music, song, and speeches.