BOWLING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2735, 15 August 1906, Page 58

BOWLING.

Sewetcrlts «re raqaertet v (fcmrd pvdraltr* ifpm »l«re< »«* •rftrtttcMnarmtcbes.

BT RinXPP.

Last week I commented rfc some length on the action of tile executive of the New Zealand Bowling Association in issuing the programme for the Exhibition tournament with what many consider undue haste, and, contrary to tk& usual custom, thereby emitting to print thereon the incoming executive. In that article I made particular reference to the office of president, which Mr F. J. Barlow, of Christchurch, had signified his willingness to fill. I have ne intention to harp on one string, and as the executive held a special meeting- on the evening of the 7th inst. (strange to say, after, my article was in type), at which Messrs Payne, Paterson, Allnutt, Peake. Miller, Sinclair, and Wheeler were present, the complexion, has slightly altered, but not altogether materially: Lest m» statements might be misconstrued, and in order to dissipate any supposition of a. personal attack against "the present executive as a body or individually, I may state that I bear them no grudge ; neither was the basis of my previous communication "manufactured." I had reliable data before me when I set out to ventilate a just grievance on the part of North Canterbury Centre, and although the report of the- meeting on the 7th met., to some extent, aa it was alleged, "would clear the atmosphere," I am "still of the- same opinion." Nothing was shown at the executive meeting vhy Mr Barlow's name should not appear on the programme; indeed, a motion was there and then carried that Mr Barlow be elected vice-president, and — mark you, out of courtesy— iis name be added to the nrograrame (those still in hand not enumerated) ! Just <~o show how much time has elapsed since it was known that a gentleman would be required to fill Mr M. Brown's place, it may be aft well to start from the latter's intimation *o Mr Wheeler of his inability to take office as president). This intimation was forwarded to the secretary of the N.Z.B.A. on Aprih 12. On May 28 Mr Baa-low was nominated as vice-president by North Canterbury Centre, and on July 12 it was stated in the Otago Daily Times (officially) that the nomination had been, received, and Mr Barlow would in due course take tp the presidency. On. July 17 Mr F. A. Saxton, secretary* v>f N.C. Centre, whose correspondence- had not been acknowledged, wrote Mr Wheeler asking if Mr Barlow's nomination ns vice-president had been accepted, and whether there wa3 an intention on the part of the executive to issue the programme with the names of the outgoing executive thereon. Then only Mr Saxtm received a reply to the effect that the programme was to be issued, but "another programme was to follow later on." This brings the matter right up to date, and without needless waste of space so fur as dates and letters are concerned, let me go into the why and wherefore of iioJding the meeting above referred to. At the outset Mi* Payne said that it was understood the press had some information that Christchurch bowlers had taken umbrage through the omission of Mr Barlow's name from the programme. "The meeting •.* as called to 6how that the executive had done the right thing ; if Christchurch bowlers were dissatisfied he (Mr Payne) took ail the blame. Mr Brown's resignation of April 22 did not stand good ; a programme could not be issued without the names of officebearers, end in order to cairry out North Canterbury Centre's de3ire th<; pr-gramme-had been hurried on ; 'out of courtesy' to Mr Barlow, the executive could now tavo his name printed on the programme." These are a few of the explanations Mr Payne offered. Then a motion was tabled that Mr Barlow be elected viee-presuleut ; it could not be done before. "No one could compel the executive to put Mr Barlow'e name on tho programme." Of course not — everybody knows that now, — and it didn't go on! Mr P. Miller said he thought it was hardly any use discussing tho matter ; it was, in his opinion, only a "storm in a teacup." Mr Sinclair agreed that in acting- as they had done the executive were "quite right." But Mr Wheeler capped the whole thing by saying the programmes had been printed some weeks ago, but that it was necessary to let them "dry !" Well, the governing body do not know everything, and the drying of programmes — I was present, by occupation a practical printer, and have had a little to do in this line, - but Mr Wheeler's statement simply staggered me. Is it possible that a special ink of ancient manufacture had to be used? Cum gjrano salis ! The issue of another programme 14- days before the tournament is another matter altogether. If that was the original intention, why was the association saddled with tho expensive production.' which has been posted far and wide? Would not a schedule programme have been sufficient? Just cne more it<»m. How comes it that though outside bowlsn in Christchurch have received copies of the programme "the North Canterbury Centre, up till August 10, had not st-en the yrecious document i" Bowlers, have not the North Canterbury Centre jusf oauee for complain— aye, and protest? f Since the above was put into type I have received intimation that a meeting of North Canterbury centre was held last night, when the programme was discussed and a motion carried which will probably need more careful and broader consideration at the hands of the executive than a hasty disposal of a matter affecting bowlers throughout the South Inland. — Rixkeb.]

At St. Kilda's annual meeting last woek Mr Galiaway said that ho was in a position to tell the members that Mr T. S. Culling' 1 ? health had inlpro^ed, and he hoped Mr Culling would soon again be amongst them.

Mr James Robertson, who rotired from the directorate of St. Kilda Club last week, in proposing Mr H. M. Ewinjr as a vicepresident, eulogised the latter's work on the club's behalf, and prophesied that Mr Ewing was a president in embryo. lam glad to see merit recognised, for Mr Ewing is a grand worker and has the enthusiasm which goes for the making of first-class bowlers, and, what is more, is a fine fellow

to meet off as wel as on the green. Of Mr Robertson it is only right to say that it is a pity he has not more time to play bowls, for he is. a popular as well as an enthusiastic bowler. He declined all overtures to again hold office, after having seen the club through the bog. It is hard to single out anyone who is not popular in St. Kilda Club. They are such a happy family that things just go along smoothly. Even Mr Galiaway (chairman) had to rule himself out of order the other night. By the way, there is one gentleman in whom the members have implicit confidence, and that is Mr J. White, who was again appointed sole selector. An extremely happy selection !

Quite an unconscious joke (so it is said) : '"If Mr Ewing carries out his duties as satisfactorily officially as he did unofficially I am sure we shall all be pleased." — Mr GalJaway at St. Kilda meeting; the first time he ever perpetrated a joke. To Mr M. M'Lean, hon. secretary Lawrence Club, I beg lo tender thanks for kindness in forwarding copy of local paper containing report of the annual meeting, from which I extract as follows: — The twenty-third annual meeting was held -on Friday evening in the Council Chambers, Mr D. L. Christie (president) in the chair. The report showed that after last annual meeting the committee approached the Bowling Green Company requesting them to make certain improvements to the grounds. As a result, the company expended over £120 in enlarging 1 the bowling green and forming' an asphalt tennis court. Owing to the delay in enlarging the green, caused chiefly by the unseasonable weather experienced during spring- and the greater part of summer, it was deemed inadvisable to commence bowling before January. Although the grass had not grown all over the bowling green, some excellent games were played. These were greatly appreciated by the members. Only one rink was able to attend the tournament at Dunedin, where they failed to distinguish themselves. Three rinks visited Milton to play teams representing Milton and Balclutha, and were victorious in both matches. At Easter three rinks visited Dunedin and played against Roslyn, Caledonian, and Port Chalmers, winning the two former and losing- the latter. The President (Mr D. L. Christie) presented a prize of the value of £2 2s. which was won by a rink skipped by Mr Darton. the second prize (20s) goina^to a rink skipped by Mr Wakefield. Mr W. Anderson, a former member, presented a very handsome bowl bag to be played for by colts (singles). This was won by Mr Leary after some very exciting games. The finances of the club are in a very healthy state-, as will be seen ovl reference to the balance sheet, there being a credit balance of over £7, notwithstanding the purchasing of a new roller at a cost of £11. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year: — President, Mr A. Campbell; vice-president, Mr W. G. M'Kinlay; secretary and treasurer, Mr M. M'Lean (reelected) ; committee — Messrs Christie, Clark, Darton, Eyes, Roscow, and Taylor; auditor, Mr D. Corrigan ; Bowling Association delegates, Messrs G. Jeffery and P. Miller ; tennis delegate, Mr C. G. White. The followine new members were proposed : — Messrs W. Fort, E. Browne, and E. Gunton. The Chairman presented Mr H. H. Leary with a handsome bowl bag, given by Mr W. Anderson for competition by the colts. In making the presentation Mr Christie expressed the hope that Mr Learv would this year win a pair of bowls to fill it. In returning thanks Mr Leary said the bag was a handsome one, and to make it complete he would endeavour to accomplish what the chairman had suggested — viz., win a pair of bowls. The matter of arranging for a social to the ladies was also l«ft in the hands of the committee. Mr W. M'Kinlay returned thanks on behalf of the newly-elected president (who was unavoidably absent) and also on his own behalf for his election to the office of vicepresident. It was no joke when, during a. discussion as to the advisability of replacing St. Kilda blazers, someone suggested that a waterproof material be supplied. As if it ever rained around these parts !

Dunedin Club meet St. Kilda on Friday night in the latter's pavilion. There will be a trial of strength — over the card table. It goes without saying there will be a rush for places.

Mr P. Miller, at Caledonian pavilion on Friday, said the time- was rapidly approaching when the pastime of bowling would be the game for young as well as old people.

Mr W. Taylor (last year's champion of St. Kilda) filled in a lull in the business at the annual meeting by singing " The Cottage by the Sea." Although his voice is not as robust as of old, the veteran still retains his " silvery tenor."

Mr C. F. Liggins offered, on behalf of a friend, a prize for St. Kllda colts for the incoming season. He thought the new members should receive all the encouragement possible. It was to the ranks of the younger players the club (any club, in fact) had to look in the future to keep the game going. His words impressed members, for Mr Liggins ie one of those gentlemen who seldom offer snggcetions without knowing thoroughly the matter in hand.

The annual meeting of the Canterbury Club was held on the 10th. Mr F. j. Barlow (president) in the chair. There was a large attendance of members. The election of officers resulted as follows : — President, Mr James Greig; vice-presi-dent. Mr W. Sey ; hon. secretary, Mr F. A. Saxton ; treasurer, Mr Charles Hill , committee — Messrs M. S. Brown, F. J. Barlow, J. Thomson, J. Clark, and T. Rallinshaw ; delegates to tiie North Canterbury Bowling Centre, Messrs F. J. Barlow and J. Creig; delegates to the New Zealand Bowling Association, Messrs Keast and F. J. Barlow. Mr T. W. Rees-o moved—" That the club enter two separate teams for the A and B pennant matches." Mr Baines seconded the motion, which was lost after ,=ome discus&ion. It was resolved that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to appoint a single selector for teams in future.