BOWLING

Otago Witness, Issue 3958, 21 January 1930, Page 30

BOWLING

By

Jack.

The various greens have been in spendid order for play and have rapidly gained in keenness as play has progressed. On the opening day’s play in the singles there was considerable grumbling in regard to several of the umpires, but the tact is that a number of men whose knowledge of bowling is certainly not extensive had to be pressed into service as there were not sufficient experienced players available to assist. Dunedin’s experience is no better and no worse than that of other cities where the Dominion tournament is held. One of the players in the Singles Championship did not appear too pleased when he put in an appearance at a quarter-past 2 in the afternoon to continue his games, only to find that the first game had been awarded to his opponent by default. An hour and three-quaiters was allowed for lunch, which surely was sufficient for every player taking part in the tourney, and if the player concerned did not take the trouble to ascertain the time for restarting play he has no valid reason for complaint. A Queenstown correspondent known among bowlers as “ The Thrush,” sends me the following notes: — Christmas, 1929, has come and gone witli its varying experiences. This has not been a characteristic season for Queenstown from a weather point of view. Notwithstanding the variableness of the conditions, however, it has been characteristic of the customary humour and good fellowship that always pertain, especially among bowlers. When the bowlers. are enjoying themselves so are the visiting onlookers, but one cannot imitate the antics of the bowlers —they have been acquired by careful practice. When tired of seeing the sights around the park the visitors could always appreciate the enjoyment they got in watching and hearing the versatile bowler. There were times when the bowling green vied with the Lilly Pond—indeed, the “ Croakers ” on the green offered quite a keen competition with the frogs in the pond. _ The frogs are rather monotonous in their “croak,” while the bowlers can give a great variation of “ croaks.” Where can you get a more choice variety’ of sound than the joyful mingling of notes such as the rich crescendo from Leith Valley, the sonorous notes from NorthEast Valley, the piping echoes from St. Kilda, the quarter-deck orders from Jellicoe of Caversham, and the Highland swirl from Balmacewen, and the inimitable shrieks of George. There was one extremely bright flash when the quiet evening air was stirred with the sweetest shrills that were ever heard from a saxophone. I wonder if Fred has slept since. Methinks his dreams must be often disturbed with the happy’ thoughts of that memorable night. I believe Fred lost his game that night—at any’ rate, he lost something, as he was hardly ever heard afterwards.

To pass from the bowling green (although to many that was to pass to bed and awake refreshed to new energies) New Year’s Eve was robbed of its enthusiasm by the chill air. Nevertheless the “ band,” gathered from many’ airts sought to stir the hearts and succeeded in leading off the midnight revelry with “Auld Lang Syne” at the dawn of 1930. Despite many disadvantages there were numerous Excelsiors who braved Bon Lomond, while numbers ventured to “ Hell’s Gate ” at Skippers and afterwards sought the more peaceful and restful joys of “Heaven’s Gate” at Paradise. Yet they did not stay there —some folks will never be satisfied even when they dwell with the angels. Que cannot pass without a word as to the characteristic consistency with whicn Queenstown visitors attend the church services at holiday time. If you want to hear real stirring congregational singing, attend the evening service at Queenstown Church. I would recommend this to choirmasters in search of choristers. And sc we pass on to the sombre duties of everyday’ life, but we are cheered on by the happy memories of our holiday associates, and when we have succeeded in satisfying our creditors during the toiling year’ we will hope to have a bob or so’ left to haunt once more the park and other resorts at happy Queenstown. The competition for the Matheson Rose Bowl is already creating keen competition amongst the North Otago count: y clubs. The holders (Hampden) were able to retain it by defeating Palmerston by 23—13. Palmerston led 10—1 at the fourth head, but thereafter only scored three points, whilst their opponents piled on 22. The green was very fiery. “ Dear Jack, —I always read your bowling notes with interest, and I am writing to you to say I do not agree with the letter by ‘Player.’ My reasons are: —(1) A player who pays subscriptions to two clubs and only plays at one must be a good sport and an enthusiast of bowls. (2) One must not loose sight of the wellknown fact that certain men like to play in tournaments together, not necessarily because they are very good players, but because they get on well together on the green and enjoy their games, and that is a far more likely reason than pot-hunting. I think it is a great mistake to rush to, perhaps, erroneous conclusions and hurt somebody’s feelings without cause. I do not know the players concerned. T shall be taking part in the Dominion Tournament, and am looking forward to a very happy time.—l am, etc.. Old Bowler.”

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS.

PLAY IN THE SINGLES

The seventeenth annual championship tournament of the Dominion of New Zealand Bowling Association was commenced in Dunedin on January 13. The entries this year show a serious falling off when compared with those for last year, when the tournament was held in Wellington. The figures for the various competitions are as follow, those for last year being given in parentheses: — Singles, 176 (264); pairs, 176 (224); rinks, 90 (130). It is interesting to note that in 1926. when the tournament was last held in Dunedin, the entries were: — Singles, 256; pairs, 232; rinks, 134. At 9 a.m. the players and spectators on the Dunedin green were briefly addressed by the president of the association (Mr

C. J. Payne), who stated that on behalf of the Dominion of New Zealand Bowling Association he had great pleasure in extending a welcome to all, and he trusted that they would have an enjoyable time It was universally recognised that the Dunedin greens were good, and he was pleased to be able to say that they were at present better than he had seen them for years. The president of the Dunedin Club would have liked to have been present, but was playing in the games, am! he had asked the speaker on behalf of the club to extend a hearty welcome to all After mentioning that they were certain to have good weather for the tournament Mr Payne went on to say that the com mittees had worked hard and had arranged for practically everything. He trusted that their efforts would be appreciated. If anyone had any suggestions to make, the council would be very pleaded to give effect to them if it thought they were good. A committee of ladies from the various clubs had undertaken a verv big duty in connection with the tournament, and he hoped that bowlers would show their appreciation of the manner in which the ladies had worked in order to attend to their wants. Mr Payne went on to say that in the past it had been usual to have one very big function in connection with the tournament, but. the authorities had come to the conclusion that it was not a success and that bowlers should be left more or less to themselves A big smoke concert was very expensive to the association, and it was doubtfu l if bowlers derived the pleasure from it that they should have had. Mr Payne expressed the hope that all the players would derive the greatest enjoyment out of the tournament whether they won or lost, and that they’ would do everything possible to help to make the tournament a complete success.— (Applause.) The greens were in splendid condition, and some excellent play’ was witnessed. I’he singles competition was continued on I uesday. when good progress was made, the number of players being reduced to six.

PAIRS COMPETITION.

Tiie tournament was advanced a stage further on Wednesday, when a start was made with the pairs competition. A little rain fell during the night, and about the time fixed for the commencement of play a thick drizzle set it. which threatened for a while to make it impossible to nlay during the day. Shortly before noon, however, the weather cleared, and it was decided to start the games at 2 pm. Just as play was started light rain set in again, and although it was not heavy enough to put a stop to the games, it made matters very unpleasant on most of the greens. The entries totalled 176, and 14 greens were required to accommodate the players. This competition was continued on Thursday, when section winners were found in all cases except one. while in five cases the nlay reached the stage that the green finals were decided.

RINKS COMPETITION

During the early hours of Friday morning the weather was all that could be desired, and the prospects indicated that the bowlers would enjoy ideal conditions. A start was made with the rinks competition, for which 90 entries had been received, necessitating the use of nine greens. The games were started at 9 a.m., at which hour the sun shone brightly, while there was practically uo wind. All hopes of a continuance of fine weather were rudely shattered, however, about 11 o’clock, when heavy rain set in, quickly driving the competitors to shelter. So heavy was the fall that by mid-day it was apparent that no more play’ would be possible during the day. This competition was continued on Saturday and yesterday. Provided conditions are favourable, the section play should be concluded to-night. The postsection play, which will be conducted on the automatic two-life principle, will be commenced to-morrow.

PLAY' INTERRUPTED

Heavy rain set in before 3 o'clock yesterday’ afternoon, and a little later, when about half of the sixth round had been decided, the play was brought to an end for the day. The games to-day will be curtailed to 21 heads, with a time limit of three hours, in order to bring the programme up to schedule.

PROGRESS RESULTS

The following players remain in the Singles and Pairs: —

SINGLES. P. Vance (Sumner), two lives. Dr Marks (Christchurch), one life, W. Foster (Caversham), one life. F. Lambeth (Balmacewen). one life. T. Sanders (Kaituna), one life. J. D. Best (Taicri), one life.

PAIRS. The following are green winners:— C. Littlejohn and J. Grant (Phoenix. Oamaru). A. W. Woolley and D. Ardell (Hataitai). H. F. Halliday and N. Burgess (Ilokonui). F. Carbines and J. W. Jones (Pousonby). T. M'Alister and F. Needham (West End, Auckland). The following are section winners:—Section A—W. George and J. Davidson (Clyde). Section Al—T. C. Coull and D. M. Fastier (St. Clair). Section B —E. S. Wilson and D. M. Stuart (St. Kilda). Section Bl—G. Batchelor and G. Cooper (Southland). Section D—A. J. Gregory’ and J. Hut-

chison (Dunedin). Section DI —G. Gladding and H. Jenkin (Carlton). Section G-—W. R. Todd and E. H. Tamblyn (St. Kilda).

Section Gl—Scott and A. Thomson (Caversham). Section I —H. Greenwood and W. Hobbs (Mornington). Section ll—Sinclair and W. Rolls (Featherston). Section J—W. Buchanan and W. P. 'Thorn (Mataura). Section JI —J. H. Matheson and A. Barnett (Roslyn). Section L—F. Anderson and W. Lindsay (Roslyn). Section LI —M. Barnett and Dr Marks (Christchurch). Section Al —Bates and W. Coltman (Carlton). Section All —A. Steel and G. A. Nelson (Dunedin). Section N—J. L’ssher and N. Prcese (Gore) Section N1 — G. Gallaway and H. S. Reid (Kaituna) to play’ E. Radd and A. Al. Thomson (Blenheim).

VISITING LADIES ENTERTAINED. About 40 ladies and members of the executive of the Dunedin Ladies’ Bowling Association journeyed by motor car on Satturday afternoon to the residence of Air and Mrs J. Jackson Purdie, known as Larnach’s Castle, on the Peninsula. After an enjoyable afternoon had been spent m a tour over the castle, the president of the Dunedin Ladies’ Bowling Association (Mrs J. Wallace) and Mrs J. AV. Hardley (Auckland) thanked Air and Airs Jackson I’urdie for their hospitality.

DOMINION ASSOCIATION

MEETING OF COUNCIL

A meeting of the Council of the Dominion of New Zealand Bowling Association was held on Saturday evening, the president (Air C. J. Payne) in the chair. Others present were Messrs J. M 7. Hardley (Auckland). J. Kershaw (AA’ellington), H. B. Oakley and F. J. Good (Christchurch), and J J. Marlow and A. J. Sullivan (Dunedin). A letter was received from the South Auckland Centre asking for a decision on the point whether an executive rink composed of members of different clubs was eligible to play’ in a centre tournament.—lt was agreed that under the rules as at present constituted, such a rink was not eligible, and it was decided that the South Auckland Centre should be advised accordingly. Suggested improvements to the laws of the game were received from several clubs, and were referred to the local executive to be put in order for the July meeting of the council. It was agreed that any further correspondence on the subject should be dealt with in the same manner. Letters were received from several club’s approving of the decision to pay members of the council of the Dominion of New Zealand Bowling Association £1 per day for the time spent, in attendance at the annual meeting of the council. A letter was received from Air James Pascoe, at present in England, giving particulars of the annual meeting of the International Bowling Board. One of the principal points in the letter referred to the representation of New Zealand on the board, the writer stating that provision would be made for two delegates, one resident in England, and the other in New Zealand. Air Pascoe suggested the appointment of Air I. B. Thomas as the resident representative.—lt was agreed that Mr Thomas should be appointed provided he was not representing any other body on the board simultaneously. The president of the New Zealand Association was appointed representative in New Zealand. Air F. J. Good moved that in view of the small number of entries received for the Dominion tournament the annual meeting of the council should investigate fully’ the following points which in the opinion of the meeting had a bearing cn the matter of entries: — (1) Alteration of date of tournament: (2) system of play and programme generally: and (3) the effect of local tournaments on the Do minion fixture.

The president expressed the cpinion that, the tournament this year had been held too early. A date in February would have been more suitable. He thoughtalso that, the tournaments were far too long. The programme should be confined to rinks only. The rink championship was the main feature of the tournament. and attracted by far the greatest number of players. Other speakers agreed that the position should be reviewed and the motion was carried unanimously.

CANADIAN VISITORS

RAIN AT GISBORNE

GISBORNE, January 13

The Canadian bowlers’ visit to Gisborne was marred by wet weather, which prevented play. On Saturday afternoon the team was officially received by the Afayor and entertained on the Gisborne Bowling Club's green. They left for Napier to-day.

IN HAWKE'S BAY. NAPIER, January 14

The Canadian bowlers spent this morning in touring the district surrounding Napier and Hastings, civic receptions being accorded them at both places. In the afternoon they met a team representative of Hawke's Bay, the visitors securing the first win of their tour by a margin of six points. The scores were: Canadians 83, Hawke’s Bay 77. The game was commenced soon after a heavy shower of rain, the heavy green appearing to favour the Canadians.

BEATEN AT PALMERSTON NORTH. PALMERSTON N„ January 15. The visiting Canadian bowlers were beaten by the Alanawatu Centre to-day by 84 points to 79.

A WIN AT WANGANUI

WANGANUI, January 19. The Canadian touring bowlers arrived in Wanganui yesterday, and played representative rinks, winning by a margin of two points, by 78 points to 76. They were entertained by the Wanganui bowlers, and to-day visited many points of

interest in the city and district, and will leave to-morrow morning for Wellington.

A BOWLER’S TEN COMMANDMENTS.

Dr J. Rusk, of Belfast, an ex-president of the Irish Bowling Association. while on a visit to Sydney, contributed what he described as his latest version of the “ Ten Commandments for Bowlers —

1. Thou shalt put no other game before bowls.

2. Thou shalt not take unto thyself any golf club, tennis racket, or anything that would alienate thine affection from bowls.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of thy president or vice-president in vain, for the secretary will not hold him guiltless who taketh their names in vain.

4. Remember the Saturdays of the year, to keep them wholly for bowls. 5. Honour the officials of thy club that thy days may be long and free from care in the club of thy choosing. 6. Thou shalt not kill the reputation of any bowler.

7. Thou shalt not prove unfaithful to “ Bowls, ’ the lady of thy choice.

8. Thou shalt not steal the good name of any bowler. 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against any bowler, either by imputation or by direct Assault on his bowling capacity.

16. Thou shalt not covet the hardearned reputation of any bowler, but shall endeavour by constant, strenuous, and patient play to gradually raise thine own standard of play. These laws shalt thou keep in thine heart, chiefly for the good of thy neighbour, but also for the betterment of thyself.