BOWLS

Southland Times, Issue 21198, 26 September 1930, Page 5

BOWLS

THE APARIMA CLUB. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. (From Our Correspondent.) The annual general meeting of the Aparima Bowling Club, held on Monday evening, was presided over by Mr W. t>. Hunter (president) and there was a good attendance present. Before proceeding with the business of the evening, the cnairman referred to the death of Mr W. Hawke, who had been an old and energetic member and a motion of sympathy was carried in- the customary manner. The annual report (already published) and the balance-sheet were submitted, the latter statement showing a debit balance of £lO, but subscriptions outstanding would reduce this amount. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the charman said it was to be regretted that they were not entering upon another year in a better financial position. The expenditure had been above' the average, due to the extra work necessary in the upkeep of the green. They had put off the top-dressing too long, and when it was carried out it had proved more expensive than had been anticipated. The services of extra men had been necessary, and two dray loads of moss had been removed. Had the green not been attended to at the time, he was sure there would be no play for them this year, as the grass was being strangled and could not make headway. A number of items on the expenditure side of their balance-sheet would not be recurring, and the season should therefore be more prosperous. As far as there indebtedness was concerned he would like to see the liability liquidated, and to do so they had two alternatives—to increase their membership or raise funds by means of a bring and buy sale, or social evenings. He preferred the latter, because the ones held here recently in aid of different organizations in the town had been crowned with success, both financially and from a social point of view. He referred to the suggestions made by the Riverton Club as to the number of matches to be played, and also whether these should be confined to the evening. He complimented the greenkeeper (Mr T. Frew) on the excellence of his work, the secretary (Mr Dooley), the treasurer (Mr J. Crawford) who had given him every assistance, and the energetic band of workers who had rendered yeoman service by forming working bees and by their united efforts carried out an immense amount of work on the grounds, thereby considerably reducing the cost of upkeep.

Mr P. J. Eccleton seconded the motion. He complimented the chairman on the able manner in which he had presided at their meetings and on the amount of work he had done on the grounds during the season. He (the speaker) said they were a small band, but it was an enthusiastic one, and he was confident that before long the debt would be wiped off and that the club would show a credit balance.

Mr H. E. Philp said the chairman’s suggestion regarding the social evenings was an excellent one, and it had his hearty support. He would like to see the club free of debt, and whatever solution was arrived at, he felt sure all members would work hard to achieve their object. He also referred to the energy shown by the chairman and Master Ruric Hunter, who had given a great deal of time and labour in the interests of the club. He (the speaker) regretted that no mention had been made in the report as regards the ladies, who had always loyally assisted them, and were deserving of thanks. The motion was carried.

The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: President, Mr P. J. Eccleton; vicepresidents, Messrs W. S'. Hunter and H. E. Philp; selectors, Messrs F. Rouse and AV. S. Hunter; committee, Messrs R. J. Walker, J. A. Martin, D. Macdougall, F. Rouse, C. A. Caigou; green ranger, Mr John Crawford; delegate to centre, Mr H. E. Philp; treasurer, Mr J. Crawford; secretary, Mr A. G. Dooley; social committee, Messrs Gordon McLean and J. A. Martin; auditor, Mr L. W. Petchell; caretaker, Mr T. Frew. Mr Martin said the opening ceremony was generally held on Labour Day, and it was often found that several of their playing members were away spending the holiday elsewhere. It had been suggested that some other time would be more suitable. Mr Hunter stated that it had long been recognized that the green should be opened on the day mentioned. As it was a holiday many visitors came to the seaside, a large proportion being of the boVling fraternity, and they had always expected to have a game. It was resolved to adhere to Labour Day. The chairman said that the suggestion emanating from the south side club as regards limiting the number of matches to be played during the coming season was, in his opinion, an unreasonable one, and he was totally opposed to it. Mr Philp supoorted the previous speaker. He favoured the old order and arrangements. He maintained that visits from outside clubs put enthusiasm into the games. A motion.was carried recommending the executive not to accede to the request for one round of matches. The chairman said as regards the recommendation received that the matches be played in the evenings, he had had a conversation with one of the members of the Otautau Club, and had been informed that the club had been weakened by the removal to other districts of some of their best players. The Otautau Club had a number of young bowlers who were chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits and were not able to get away during the day, hence the club’s request for an alteration of the time of matches. Mr R. J. Walker said they could all sympathize with Otautau because Aparima had had the same experience in losing at times several of their best men. He thought every effort should be made to meet them, and if they preferred to play in the evening then their request should be granted. Mr Philp said he had no objection to matches being played in the evening provide'd an early start was made. It was decided to instruct the delegates that they arrange as few matches as possible for the evening competition. It was resolved to start work on the green at once, and to make an early start with the competitions. It was decided to purchase a merit board. Two new members were proposed.