BOWLING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2734, 8 August 1906, Page 53

BOWLING.

•Mntarlti »re n^auud v forward pirUcol«ri tntnu fl»jM »■« mt fertkM&taf amMku.

BT RIVKEff.

I hare to thank Mr R. T. Wheeler, secretary N.Z.8.A., for his courtesy in forwarding the printed programme for the Exhibition tournament. As usual, the compiling is extensive and complete, Mr Wheeler sparing no pains to make conditions attaching to the various events thoroughly understandable. A new departure is the inclusion of entry forms. These, it goes without saying, will save entrants some little trouble, ac all that skips will need to do will be to fill in the names of their rinks and post the forms on to Mr Wheeler. Entry forms for doublehanded games and singles also find a place.

There ia one aspect in connection with the above-mentioned programme that calls for some explanation, and, straightway, I may say that whatever remarks follow, or however p« rtment they may be, I wish it to be understood that I hold no brief on behalf of any individual or ?.ny particular club. It has been the custom for many years t*o i«sue the programme for the annual tournament of the New Zealand Bowling Association shortly after the annual meeting, and on that production is printed the names of the office-bearers for the seaeon. To put it shortly, aftep the annual meeting, at which office-bearers are appointed, the programme makes its appearance. This year — it cannot be called season b/rausr, to all intents and purposes, the 1905-6 season is dead — the programme blossoms forth before the delegates get the opportunity of electing the officers for the incoming season. Why has this unprecedented action been indulged in? Do the present members of the executive reserve to themselves the right to frame rules which are altogether foreign, to the constitution of any body or association? Do they imagine that :n treating lightly the claims to recognition line to an incoming president — to say nothing of others — they are adding lustre to their own Etatus or promoting the feeling of good-fellowship which, happiiy. in the past has stood (out so prominently? . And, by this latest move, is it a case of keen everything in Dunedin and ignore clubs in other provinces of the South Island which so materially aided in keeping the game cefore the public? I have not thp slightest hesitation in saying that, in adopting the course they nave done, those members of the executive — I cannot believe the whole nine composing the executive are responsible— upon whose shoulders must certainly rest the "* credit" of initiating a deplorable precedent glaringly demonstrate their unwillingness to gauge at its true worth the high position and confidence reposed in them their felfow-delegates. Furthermore, a direct in6ult has been offered to the incoming president and vice-president (whoever the latter may be). In glancing over the names on he programme I find that, although the vice-presidency was filled two months back by the election of a Christchurch gentlemaH — presumably, and in the ordinary course, of filling the presidential chair upon the retirement of the present occupant — his name does not appear at all, but that of his predecessor does. How comes this? It has been the custom of our association that upon the termination of each year the vice-presi-dent is rewarded the following year by election as president. Mr F. J. Barlow's name was published in this column some time back : the Canterbury Centre had unanimously chosen him to represent them as vice-president; in Dunedin it was officially stated that Mr Barlow had assumed office. Under the circumstances, how comes it tJiat a gentleman's name — a <*entleman who at present does noli hold office, taking as official the intimation given me some weeks ago of his retirement owing to pressure of business, — appears in place of Mr Barlow's? It will, of course, be argued that until the annual meeting is held the nresent executive have powers to arrange a« they may in their superior wisdom see fit. and that it was necessary to

" push on." Why? Because a team of bowlers la about to visit Australia? If there wae need to hurry on the programme, why was not the annual meeting brought forward? Even if the programme had been issued by the cecretary on behalf of the association, no exception would have been taken but when we see in the distance a mammoth programme to be carried out in another cttyj and no one at the head of the huge gathering, the spectacle will be one beyond comprehension, and visitors from other lands will indeed be impressed (?) with tho modue operandi of the N.Z.8.A. ! I have gone into this matter confidently believing that all unbiassed members of the bowling fraternity from one end to the other of the Stouth Island will support me in ventilating what undoubtedly is an act of injustice. I appeal to the general body of bowlers for support, and trust that those who ccc through this matter in the pure light of day will not hesitate to enter their protests at once, determinedly, and vigorously, demanding the recall of programmes already issued — or other desirable course — and impressing upon the executive that, however anxious they may be to forward the Exhibition tournament and the game of bowls generally, there are other and more acceptable ways of arriving at a consummation than by seeking aggrandisement to which they havo no claim, and in a manner which eavoure so little of that hearty camaraderie we are prone to boast of. [Since writing the foregoing a special meeting of the executive has been held (Tuesday evening), at which it was decided, out of courtesy to Mr Barlow, to recall the programmes already issued and include his name as vice, president, and that instructions also be given the printer that the balance of programmes also bear Mr Barlow's name. — Rinkeh.]

It was pretty generally, understood more than a week ago that Mr J. A. Millar's promotion would soon come about, and that when he next Journeyed to Wellington it would be for the purpose of joining the Cabinet. Lest I should diverge too greatly, ii may be as well to get right at the matter uppermost in my mind. Mr Millar, as most of us know, has only taken to bowling within the la6t three yeaie, but if he is comparatively new to the game, the enthusiasm he has exhibited and tho interest he ha? taken generally in the game have been sufficient evidence that had it, been his lot to remain in Dunedin it would only be a matter of timo before he would not only be numbered a"j amongst the leading rank of bowlers, but as an executive officer the association would undoubtedly ha-\c benefited, and that in no femall way

Roslyn'6 loss is Wellington's gain. I have met Mr Millar both on and off the green, and it has always been a pleasure to grip his hand. If so obscure an individual as I may bo permitted, I would like to say that, in 1 is taking up the responsible position of Minister of Labour and Marine, I wish him every success and a long reign, and believe (as many scores of other people do) that Mr Millar will not only make a model Minister, but will piove an acquisition in any Cabinet. Valley's trophies were presented on Friday evening. It's a pity the olub haven't gone into th« matter of making the green all that it could be. There are a good many patches of "gowans" croppiug up, and they will cause endless trouble by-and-bye.

Port Chalmers Club held a eocial last Friday night. It is usual for this club to liold a series of socials during the winter months. Unlike socials held regularly in other sports, the Port's evenings always prove thoroughly enjoyable and successful.

Rumour say* that in a certain club not more than 100 miles from the Post Office, there is a disposition to increase the caretaker's salary, the opinion of members being that their green shows every prospect of being the best in the district, and that within a reasonably short period.

A friend in Ashburton has thoughtfully forwarded me a- clipping from tho local paper giving an account of the annual meeting of the club. I return thanks, and make the following excerpts: — The annual meeting was held in Mr D. Thomas's office on the 27th ult. There was a Rood attendance of members, the' president (Mr D. Thomas) being in. the chair. Mr G. F. Dodds wrote tendering his resignation as a member of the club, and at the same time presenting a set of bowls to the club as a prize for next playing season, the Match Committee to have the power to arrange details. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Dodds. The annual report, which was considered satisfactory, was adopted. The Treasurer read the balance sheet, which, after some favourable comment, on the motion of the president, was adopted.The rules as revised by the executive were then take seriatim, and with a few slight alterations were adopted, and ordered to be printed. The election of officers was then proceeded with as follows: — President, Mr D. Thomas ; vice-president, Dr Hunter ; treasurer, Mr J. Snodgrass ; secretary, Mr G. MeddLns ; auditor, Mr 0. Jennings ; Executive Committee — Messrs P. Stewart, W. .uarrison, H. O. Craighead, F. Scrint, and J. Blackler ; Match Committee — Messrs Craighead, J. Stewart, and Dr Hunter; delegates to Sports Association — Messrs Snoagrass, Manchester, and M'Gregor ; delegates to Bowling Association— Messrs G. F. Dodds and Hancock; delegates to Canterbury Centre, Mr C. D. Hardie. The plans and specifications for a new pavilion, as submitted by Mr Vesty, and recommended by the executive, were adopted. It was decided to issue debentures to the amount of £75 to cover the cost of same, the said debentures to carry 5 per cent, interest. Debentures to the amount of £40 were taken up in the room, and the executive#coinmittee was empowered to proceed with the pavilion when the finances were satisfactory. Four new members were proposed. The winners of the club tournaments were presented with the prizes won — Mr G. ¥. Dodds as winner of the Champion Singles, and Messrs H. C. Craighead and J. Stewart, as winners of the* Doubles. Special votes of thanks were passed to the following gentlemen, who had presented prizes in the past: Mr Young, Dr Hunter, and Mr Denshire. Dunedin Club meet Caledonians m a fiiendly game of cards on Friday evening, end a function of a like nature will take place between Dunedin and St. Kilda. A well-known and much respected men> ber of Kaituna Club has informed me that my remarks in last week's notes were taken exception to by several old and honoured members of the club. Granting my statement was premature in regard to the greenkeeper, I am prepared to sty that anjwm who read the paragraph carefully could not pcesibly have misconstrued the meaning. "Bowlers who have only been members of a club for a couple of seasons, was never intended to apply to all and sundry, moTe especially to those gentlemen who have always taken a deep interest in the C I have to thank Mr Frank Wilkinson, secretary Master Builders' Association, for his kindness in extending to me an invitation to be present at the annual social of the association. Knowing many of those engaged in the timber trade in this district were bowlers, I made tracks to Victoria Hail on Friday night, and what a multitude was there! There are some builders on the greens, but 90 master buildeie ! And all in (or on, I should say) one floor, too! The president, of this great boav is Mr J. Ford, who says that although he is not a bowler, he succeeds in pxuling off a game now and then. By the way, he made a speech. It must surely have been impromptu. When he ascended the stage, he assumed a striking attitude, started to unroll a scroll (probably the plans of some new building), and gazed for a brief space at the hieroglyphics. lhe P he grabbed the paper fiercely in<™*h* nd : and said : " Gentlemen !" Then Mr Robert Orr (a Caledonian vice-president) caught hie eye, and winked a little confidence into the president. Gaining courage, Mr Ford said the trade— thie does not apply to the other "trade"— had had a good time: they were in a sound financial position (and certainly everyone had the appearance of it). But it was 6 o hard to got any further: Mr Ford thanked the company for their attendance, and afterwards made himselt scarce The dancing rolled on, and the company loobeU pleased. I wandor/d about, sometimes admiring the beautiful women, sometimes taking v look into the card room, and at other times I went into the— no, you don'i !— it was the committee room, the only place free from smoke ! And wherever one wandered one met bowlers. I think o\ery club was represented. His Woiship tlw Mayor (Mr G. Lawrence), and Me*sr« R. T. Wheeler, W. Watson, H. C. Foster, ami A. Fmlay from Dunedin Club; Mr A. W. Stabler (Kaituna), Messrs F. Wilkinson, Waklen, A M'Dougall, G. Clark, R. Mustard, Wales and Salmond (Ro«lyn), Mv»«rs Caidno an<J D. M'Farlane (St. Kilda), Me=-rs R. Orr. (Jr. Hodg-es F. Sibk-y, W. Far^uhaif-ou (Caledonian), and many othor-, took nart in the light fantastic. It was a gieat s-how. and I enjoyed the time spent among-t tho men of wood. And tho tuppcr \\a^ Minply irresi-tiblp.

St. Kilda boulcis held tlifir annual meet ing on Monday p\onji)«r. Thcu- weir pcihaps 40 odil in the local Town Hal! <iri'l nrctty well o%ciyo" fv had a word or two to say a- th> evening woi\ on. Mr J M

Gallaway (elected president), in opening th« "ball," remarked on the success of the club . during the past season, and in. doing .so. made feeling reference to Mr T. S. Culling, •. who, he (Mr Gallaway) was pleased to say, was steadily gaining in health, and there was every probability that Mr Culling would yet return to them. "Had it not been for Mr Oulling's generosity, St. Kilda Club might not be the accomplished fact it is to-day," said Mr Gallaway. The good work accomplished by the caretaker (J. Mitchell) has not been overlooked by members, and it is quite on the cards that his salary for the coming season will be substantially advanced. When the election of officers came on, Mr J. J. Marlow paid a tribute to Mr Culling, and hoped members wculd unanimously elect their lat© president to the highest honour they could bestow — namely, patron of the dub. To this request the response was hearty and - unanimous. Messrs J. J. Marlow and H". M. Ewing (both hard workers for the good ] of the game and St. Kilda in particular) are the vice-presidents. Mr John White (late of Outram) again acts in the capacity of sole selector, although, as will be seen from the list below, he has a couple of -colleagues to assist in case of emergency. Two old friends of - Dunedin Club— Messrs O. F. Liggins and G. P. Mollreon — take a hand in the~ management. The income last year was £75; this year it is £120 od-d, which is surely satisfactory. Seventeen new members were elected before the meeting closed. The following are the office-bearers of St. Kilda Club for the ensuing season: — President, Mr J. M. Gallaway ; vice-presi-dents, Messrs J. J. Marlow and H. M. Ewing ; Management Committee—President, two vice-presidents, Messrs J. D. Cameron, D. C. Cameron. G. Irvine, W. oacobson, C. J. Liggins, and O. Gore; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. B. Dick; assistant secretary, Mr H. M. Ewing, wit*> power to arrange matches; sole selector, Mr J. White ; Saturday Match Committee — Messrs C. J. Liggins, G. P. Mollison, and C. S. Spaul: Wednesday Match Commit-^ tee — Messrs J. G. Robertson. J. M'Curdy, and W. Dawson; Gireen Committee — Messrs White, Vickery, and Mollison; delegates to Bowling Association, Messrs Marlow and White.