BOWLING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3148, 15 July 1914, Page 57

BOWLING.

Secretaries are requested to forward particulars of games played and forthcoming matches. NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL. The usual meeting of the Council of the New Zealand Bowling Association was held on the 7th; present—Messrs J. J- Marlow (president, in the chair), James Allan, W. C. Allnutt, M. F. Barnett, J. H. Hancock, and C. R. Smith. CORRESPONDENCE. Colonel R. J. Collins wrote apologising for the absence of himself and Messrs Yeitch and Bush. Mr Yeitch was in Sydney. —Received. Mr George Court wrote tendering his resignation as a member of the council owing to ill-health.—The Chairman suggested that a wiser course would be to let Mr Court’s term expire by effluxion, of time. Ho took it that he only wanted to dissociate himself for the reason of illhealth. —It was resolved that the secretary write to that effect, expressing the regret of the council that it should be owing_ to ill-health that Mr Court was going to withdraw, and at the same time-appreciation of his services while a member of the council. The Hon. Secretary, Wellington Bowling Centre, wrote stating that at a recent meeting of the Wellington Executive a question was raised in connection with the team of bowlers now in Australia, and asking if an invitation had been received from the Australian Bowling Association for a party to tour Australia, and, if not, why consent was given to the tour by the Now Zealand Council.—lt was resolved that the secretary reply in terms of the letter granting permission to the team to travel -i.e., permission granted to the team to under the auspices of the association, subject to the approval of the Wellington members of the council, which approval had been given.—Mr Smith said that the newspaper reports being sent over were giving the impression that a New Zealand team was being defeated. He thought it would be a good thing if the newspapers put in a paragraph in reference to the team showing that it was a “Wellington holiday team,” and in no sense a New Zealand representative team.

The Secretary, Auckland Bowling Centre, wrote forwarding the following nominations for positions on the council for the ensuing season:—President, Mr M. Casey (Ponsonby); treasurer. Mr H. Fraser (Rocky Nook!; members of the council—Messrs G. Baildon (Grey Lynn), J. Kilgour (Carlton), J. Wooller (Remuera), H. Rankin (Mount Eden). — .Cold.icutt (Auckland). —Received. The Secretary, Southland Centre, wrote asking the council to grant permission for the centre to issue a certificate to the club only of the winner of the Champion Singles, Champion Doubles, and Champion Rink of the centre. —Mr A. E. Smith (Invercargill) wrote in connection with the same matter. —After considerable discussion it was resolved that certificates be granted for the ensuing season. COMPOSITION BOWLS. A considerable amount of correspondence was received in connection with the Bussey and Excelllte bowls. A request had been sent to Colonel Collins for a sample of the last named, cut in half; but it was explained that there' had apparently been a misunderstanding, as the bowl forwarded was not an Excollito bowl but a Bussey bowl. A sample of the Bussey bowl had heen forwarded also by the makers for approval.—After a very lengthy discussion it was resolved to approve of the Bussey bowl as sent by the makers, sample to be retained, it being pointed out that under the laws any Bussey bowl would. have to conform to that particular sample. With regard to the Excellhe bowl, it was decided that nothing could be done till a sample was to hand, and the matter was referred to the Executive Committee, with power to act. BOTH FEET ON THE MAT. Mr Smith moved, in accordance with notice given, the following amendment to Law 3, Clause 2: “The player f le livering his bowl must have the whole of both feet on the mat, otherwise the bowl may be stopped by the opposing side, and in that case it shall become a dead bowl.” In bringing forward the motion he was, he said, actuated by a desire to try to bring

things up to date, and give the council an opportunity of considering this very important matter. The form of his motion was nothing at all. He was not wedded to the actual words—only the principle involved, — and if they as a council oould evolve some better wording he would be perfectly satisfied. Briefly, there were three very good reasons why they should alter the present rule. First, the mat should be the base from which a player should play, and it was unfair that some players should have an advantage of playing off either or both the front and side of the mat. It was an undoubted fact that many players gained a considerable advantage in that respect, and as a mat was provided for the purpose of fixing the place whence every player should play, it appeared to be reasonable that in the interests of the game all players should be on the same footing. In any other game, they knew, that was the case. In cricket and other games certain marks were placed on the ground, and to these players had to conform. Secondly, the saving of wear and tear on the ends of the greens would be tremendous. He was satisfied that if they went through the season on the conditions proposed they would scarcely know their greens. Thirdly, the alteration would bring New Zealand and Australia practically into 'line, and as, he believed, the interchange of visits between these countries was likely to bo more frequent in the future than in the past, it was desirable that the game should, as far as possible, be played under uniform conditions. He had no particular feeling in the matter, but was satisfied that anyone who gave a fair impartial consideration to the question could not get away from the fact that the motion he was bringing forward was in the right direction, and if it did not come now it would come later on. Since he had framed his motion the Auckland people had considered the question, and had decided against the innovation. Tho Dunedin Centre had approved of it, but some were in favour and some against. For those reasons he did not know whether they should legislate definitely on the matter just then or whether they should arrive at what they considered a solution, and submit it to the centres.

Mr Barnett said that he agreed with tho principle, but not exactly with the wording of the motion. The Wellington people wore in favour of both feet being on the mat, but not just as Mr Smith’s motion proposed. Ho would suggest that the reading be at the moment of delivering the bowl.

Mr Allan asked whether, apart from the merits of the question, they were not dealing with the matter at the wrong time. He had not expected that such a motion would come up at the off-season. Before one could give a definite opinion one would like to play a game or two in the manner proposed. Asa body they could deal with most things that affected play, but it would bo a wrong* thing- that a few bowlers should deal with a question like the present in the off-season.

The Chairman said that two large centres had already approved of it. • ' Mr Allan said that there was very strong opposition all the same. The Chairman said “that to his mind it was a step forward. Mr Hancock explained how the New Zealand players had found trouble in Australia. He gave a practical illustration, showing that in delivering the bowl on the largo mat with their feet upon it they struck the front edge of the mat, thus altering the course of the bowl. The Australian rule on the point was read, and. it was suggested that the motion road “The player while delivering his bowl must have a portion or the whole of both feet on the mat.”

Mr Allan protested against the matter being proceeded with at all. , The Chairman said that if they as a body, were not competent to deal with the matter they wore not competent to deal with any motion that came before the council. The motion was remodelled—“ That the player while delivering his bowl must have a portion or the whole of both fc't on the mat ” —was put and carried. Mir Allan voting against it, and asking that his vote be recorded. Mr Smith said that now there arose the question of the size of mats. It seemed to him that the council should take some steps as to inviting ideas as to what was the best mat, and the most suitable for all sorts of weather and conditions. They should endeavour to get a uniform mat throughout the dominion. The council might then order an approved mat and provide it for all clubs. ALTERATIONS IN LAWS. The council proceeded to deal with alterations in the laws. Some progress was made, but when the question of bowltesting came up the hour was growing late, and as the subject was felt to be of too great moment to be dealt with hurriedly the meeting was adjourned till the 20th inst. MEETING OF DELEGATES. A meeting of delegates from various clubs in the Dunedin Centre was held on the 13th, Mr W. M. Hogg presiding. The object was to nominate office-bearers for the Now Zealand Council. The chairman explained that Auckland was entitled to elect a presi dent this year, and Christchurch was similarly entitled to appoint the vice-president. It was resolved to support the Auckland nominee for the position of president, and the Christchurch nominee for vice-president. It was also agreed to support the Auckland nomination for the position of auditor. The following gentlemen were nominated for the council: —Messrs C. R. Smith and 0. J. Payne (Dunedin), Mr Findlay (Invercargill), and it was agreed to support the Christchurch nominations for the remaining two members of the council. Mr Paterson inquired what had been done to fix the size of mats, and Mr Smith explained that it had been decided to limit the size of mats to 3ft 6iu or 4ft in length, with a width of from 15 inches to 22g inches. Mr Smith further stated, that ho favoured the proposal to ask the council to adopt a uniform mat for the whole of New Zealand.

Mr Paterson protested against the council dealing with the matter so hastily. He agreed that something was necessary to improve matters, but it would have been more satisfactory had the various clubs b-cn afforded an opportunity to discuss the mat question and submit their recommendations to the council. Mr Carolin voiced similar protests against the haste with which the council had adopted the new rule compelling players to keep both feet on the mat. The Chairman said that the new rule with regard to mats would save the greens very considerably. Mr Hcllycr stated that the rule had been sprung on players as a surprise, and he in-

quired whether the council was going to appoint referees to see that players obeyed the new rule. In reply, the Chairman said that the various centres would have to see that the rules were properly carried out. In the course of a desultory discussion it was apparent that opinion was fairly divided regarding the new rule, but the meeting closed without any official dictum for or against the both-fect-on-tho-raat rule. TAEIRI CLUB. The following is a summary of the report to bo presented at the annual meeting of the Taieri Bowling Club: — The club is to bo congratulated on the entirely satisfactory state of its affairs. The green is being treated with top-dressing, etc., and the Green Committee is hopeful of being able to improve the sward for next season. Hitherto, owing to the number of clubs in the centre, it has been a difficult matter to meet all of them during a season. Mr Balk’s scheme was brought forward to permit of all clubs meeting on a reduced number of Saturdays. In the case of the Taieri Club, this has been accomplished in 19 Saturdays, as against 15 the previous season. The club finished play in March, while in the previous year it took to the middle of April to get through. The club has played 119 rinks, against 100 for the previous season. Tile installation of electric heaters for the afternoon tea has turned out satisfactorily, and the ladies appreciate the change. It will be noticed by the balance sheet that tho innovation has caused a very small addition to the expenditure after the intitial cost. Mr C. Findlay’s gift of “ Feathers ” provided solid interest in competitions, and also helped the finances. The committee hopes also to record the gifts of a barometer and trophy from those players from Dunedin known as the Otago Daily Times rinks. Visits to other clubs in the country might be favourably considered. A number of the club’s players recently visited Lawrence, and were highly pleased with the trip. The lawrenc© players returned the compliment at a later date. Tho club has to congratulate Mr David Stevenson on again winning cur championship, his second consecutive win, and his fourth at intervals The*membership stands at 76, against 69 last year—a gain of 7. The not indebtedness is £9B 10s Id, against £129 7s 4d —a reduction of £3O 17s. Tho expenditure of £lO for electric heaters and other exceptional outgoings has been provided for out of revenue. The concert and dance netted £ls. The committee recommends that £SO be paid off the outside loan of £l5O. Tho prize list for the season was as follows:—lnter-club matches: Championship, D.'Stevenson (president’s prize); runner-up, W. Allan; rose bowl, S. Turnbull; runner-up, W. W. Turnbull ; doubles —D. Stevenson (s) and F - Bryce, jun. : runners-up—-A. Cameron (s) and W. H. L Christie. Tournaments: The club was represented at the various tournaments held, in Dunedin, and Messrs J. Tait (s), D.. M‘Lachlan, G. Scott, and E. Currie were the. most successful, winning second prize in tho Rinks (first grade) at Easter. The catering system should receive the full support of all members. The club has to express its best thanks to the ladies for their splendid assistance. The caretaker carries out his duties satisfactorily. NEW ZEALAND BOWLERS IN AUSTRALIA. The New Zealand bowlers touring Australia have had a fair measure of success since our last issue. They defeated the Chatswood ' Club by 17 points, scoring. 116 to their opponents’ 99. Playing against six rinks of the New South Wales players who visited New Zealand at the beginning of this year, the result was a drawn game. They' met with a reverse at the hands of the Newcastle District team, being defeated by a majority of 19 points. Against Maitland, however, they had a meritorious win, scoring, 144 to 96. They were defeated by a Northern Districts team by a majority of 21 points, only two out of tho six rinks finishing with a lead.