Bluff BOWLING CLUB

Southland Times, Issue 23024, 19 October 1936, Page 9

Bluff BOWLING CLUB

Opening Of Season

The bowling season was opened at Bluff on Saturday afternoon in excellent weather, and in the presence of a large crowd, which included numerous visitors from other clubs. A pleasing feature was the number of lady bowlers in the gathering. The Bowling Centre was represented by Mr A. Derbie, while players were in attendance from Invercargill, Waikiwi, R.S.A., Southland and Northend Clubs.

In the absence of the president (Mr J. W. Lopdell), who was representing the centre at the Georgetown opening, Mr A. E. Budd extended a welcome to those present. The club was always pleased to see visitors, he said, and still more pleased when they made themselves at home among port members. Before asking Mr Derbie to speak, Mr Budd thanked the green rangers for their fine work. It was his very pleasant duty to represent the centre at Bluffs opening for the season, Mr Derbie said. He had been present on numerous similar occasions, but he could not remember having ever seen the green looking as well as at present. It certainly was a credit to those responsible. The speaker congratulated the club on its performance in last season’s championship fixtures, and paid a tribute to Mr N. W. McGorlick for his successful play in championship events and his valuable services to the club. Players of his calibre were the ones clubs liked to have, Mr Derbie said. Continuing, the speaker stated that it was understood Bluff would organize a bowling tournament in connection with the forthcoming local centenary celebrations. He assured his hearers that the Centre would do anything to help the club on that occasion and felt sure bowlers throughout Southland would do likewise. In conclusion Mr Derbie expressed the hope that the club would maintain its high standing in the bowling world and wished its members a very successful season. Mr Budd then formally declared the season open and at his invitation Mrs

Budd bowled the first “toucher” of the season. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies and four rinks took the green. Although on the heavy side after recent rain, the green presented a splendid appearance. CARD EVENING. On Saturday evening a pleasant time was spent at a card party given in the pavilion by women bowlers. At the conclusion of play the winners were Mrs J. Thomson and Mr W. P. Butler. Lucky number prizes were won by Mrs G. Applegarth and Mr J. W. Lopdell. Play was supervised by Mrs A. E. Budd. At the supper interval Mr Lopdell, on behalf of the Bowling Club, thanked the ladies for their valuable support. The series of card evenings had benefited the club’s finances, he said, and members were deeply appreciative of the help given. The lady bowlers are looking forward with keen anticipation to their bowling season, which will be formally opened on Wednesday afternoon. PERSONAL. On Saturday Bluff was visited by Mr and Mrs Hedley-Millar, English members of the party which attended the Empire Congress of Chambers of Commerce in Wellington recently. The visitors, who were accompanied by some Invercargill friends, inspected the Thyrodone factory, where the method of production was explained by the manager, Mr E. Barnes. Mr W. B. Dixon, who was also present, gave an account of the oyster industry generally, outlining the methods of trawling and distribution and recounting interesting facts concerning the trade. Great interest was evinced throughout by the visitors who were impressed with the importance of the industry, both in the matter of the live oysters and of the Thyrodone product. After inspecting the factory, members of the party were the guests of Mr and Mrs Barnes at afternoon tea at their home in Gore street. Mr H. Jamieson, of the Bluff branch of the New Zealand Railways, has returned from a holiday visit to the West Coast. Mr L. J. Hitchcock, a member of the New Zealand Railways locomotive taff at Bluff, left by Sunday’s express for Greymouth, on holiday. PERSONAL. The Rev. D. S. Mason and Mrs Mason have returned to Dunedin after

a visit to their son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs D. E. S. Mason, Point Road. Mr E. R. Murray, of the Customs Department at Bluff, is at present on holiday. In his absence Mr A. R. Offwood, of the Invercargill office, is acting as Customs Officer. Mr A. L. Bailey, of the New Zealand Railways staff at Frankton Junction left this week to return to the north, after a visit to his father, Mr A. Bailey, Ocean Beach. ODD FELLOWS’ LODGE. At the monthly meeting of the Loyal Awarua Lodge, Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Bro. T. Gray, P.G., presided over a good attendance of Past Grands and young members. Brethren and friends passed the latter part of the evening at cards. At the supper interval, Bro. Gray, on behalf of the lodge, presented Bro. A. Valentine, N.G. with a pair of blankets. He emphasized the recipient’s fine personal qualities and work for the order and wished him and Mrs Valentine a successful and happy married life. Bro. Valentine suitably responded. OFFICERS INSTALLED. There was an excellent attendance of members of the Rebekah and Odd Fellows lodges in Willard Hall when the Lady D.D.G.M., Sister F. J. Smith installed the officers of Pride of Bluff Rebekah Lodge No. 16. 1.0.0. F.N.Z. Sister Smith was accompanied by the following officers:—L.D.D.G. Marshal, Sister Mitchell, of Pearl of Mataura Lodge; L.D.D.G.W., Sister Rendall; L.D.D.G.S., Sister Scott; L.D. D.G.T., Sister Poole; L.D.D.G.G., Sister McColl; L.D.D.G.C., Sister Smart. The four latter sisters were from Takiara Lodge. The visiting sisters performed an interesting and impressive version of the installation ceremony of the Rebekah Degree. The Bluff sisters installed were as follows:—J.P.N.G. Sister V. McKenzie; N.G. Sister Newman; V.G. Sister Jamieson; Rec. Sec., Sister Williamson; F. Sec. Sister Craw P.N.G.; Treasurer, Sister Burtenshaw P.N.G.; Warden, Sister Bigwood; Conductor, Sister Farrington; R.S.N.G. Sister Hunter; L.S. N.G. Sister Campbell; R.S.V.G., Sister Valentine P.N.G.; L.S.V.G., Sister Johnston; Chaplain, Sister McDonald; I.G. Sister White; O.G. Sister Randall.