BOWLS

Southland Times, Issue 21219, 21 October 1930, Page 2

BOWLS

CLUBS’ OFFICIAL OPENINGS.

The official openings of the following bowling clubs were held on Saturday afternoon:

Te Rangi Club.

There was a large gathering of members, lady friends and visitors from other clubs at‘the To Rangi green. ' Mr J. Soar, president of the « lub » declaring the green open, expressed tne hope that the 1930-1931 season would prove successful, not only with respec o achievements in play but also on the socia side. A warm tribute was paid to tlie greenkeeper, Mr Drummond, who, .Mr boar stated, had put in a goodly amount ot work so that, in spite of the bad weather during the winter, the green was in excellent condition for the opening of the season. The Mayor, Mr J. D. Campbell, thanked the club for its invitation to be presen and wished the members the best of luck during the season. Mr J. Loudon, representing the executive of the Centre, said he was pleased to be present that day more especially as he had been at the first opening of Tc Rangi on Christmas Day, 1906, when he remembered the late Mr W. B. Scandrett officially declaring the green open for play. Continuing, Mr Loudon emphasized that the Centre endeavoured to be thoroughly representative of all the clubs and did its utmost to foster the interests of bowling in general. After Mrs Soar had rolled the first bowl, which was a traditional toucher, seven rinks were arranged between the President, and Vice-President, the team of the former winning by IS to 12. Waihopai Club. At the Waihopai Club’s opening, over 40 members and lady friends and visitors were present. The president, Mr L. Gray, welcomed tbe members and visitors, and said that, considering the somewhat unfavourable weather conditions and also counter- attractions, the attendance was excellent while, again, he was pleased to see so many new members. Mr Gray also favourably, commented upon the excellent surface of the green. After thanking the ladies for their presence, he called upon Mr Peterson, representing the executive of the Centre, to officially declare the green open. Mr Peterson expressed pleasure at the large attendance and congratulated the club on its splendid green and surroundings. In opening the season, he wished the members every happiness and success during the year. Mrs Gray then rolled the first bowl (a toucher), after which seven heads were played. Invercargill Club. A large number of members and their well wishers also assembled at the Invercargill Club’s green, when Mr James Smith, president, officially declared the green open for the season. He referred to the presence of several new members whose support augured well for the Club’s future. The Mayor, Mr J. D. Campbell and Messrs T. Meredith and G. T. Stevens, both of whom represented the executive of the Centre, also congratulated the club on its excellent green and surroundings and hoped members would have a most successful season.

In view of the fact that the green was somewhat on the heavy side, the executive decided not to incur the risk of damaging it by playing that afternoon.