BOWLS

Southland Times, Issue 23024, 19 October 1936, Page 4

BOWLS

THE NEW SEASON NINE CLUBS OPEN Nine bowling clubs in the Southland district officially opened their greens on Saturday afternoon. Of these six were city clubs, Georgetown, Bluff, Invercargill, Waihopai, R.S.A. and Southland, and three country clubs, Edendale, Mataura and Otautau. The weather was fine and although most of the greens were in a heavy state some enjoyable bowls was obtained. Georgetown. At Georgetown, where there was an attendance of about 6C bowlers, there was an added interest owing to the opening of the club’s new club rooms by the Mayor of Invercargill, Mr John Miller. Mr W. White, president of the club, welcomed the visitors. It gave him great pleasure, he said, to officiate at that particular opening because a milestone in the club’s progress during its few years of existence was about to be celebrated. He referred to the new club rooms, the building of which was the result of enthusiasm and the co-operation of the members. For a young club it had something to be proud of, and he hoped members would enjoy the benefits of their labours. The president handed the Mayor the key to open the main door of the pavilion. “I officially declare these club rooms open,” said Mr Miller amid applause, “and I hope they will be used and not abused.” Mr Miller commented upon the fact that he was at the opening six years ago when the property was set aside for use by the Georgetown Bowling Club. It was a part of Bain Park, which had been so generously given to the district for sport and recreation by Mr Andrew Bain, who had celebrated his 80th birthday the previous Saturday. The building was a substantial and attractive one and a credit to both club and nark. Mr J. W. Lopdell, president of the Southland Bowling Centre, added his congratulations on the club’s splendid achievement in so short a life. He wished it success. Miss White rolled the first bowl and the green was opened for play.

Waihopai.

The Waihopai green, although looking in first-class order, was a little heavy, having been affected by the recent rains. Mr W. H. Pickford, the president, after welcoming the visitors and members expressed the wish that all would have a pleasant game. He read a telegram received from Mr H. Morgan, of Greymouth, wishing the club a successful season. Mr T. Pryde, who represented the Southland Bowling Centre, congratulated the residents of Gladstone on their very fine sports ground, which, he said was the envy of many of the town clubs. He also congratulated the club on its fine performance in winning the four-rink championship competition for the second year in succession and also on winning the city rinks last season.

In presenting the cup for the fourrink championship, Mr Pryde Jocularly I’emarked that he would like to see another club victorious in the coming season. A club which won too often was not showing a socialistic spirit in evidence to-day, Ire said. An innovation, inaugurated by the centre this year, was the presentation of certificates to the club winning the various competitions. This system was favourably commented on by the bowlers present. The president called upon Miss Pickford to roll the first bowl. He then declared the green open for the season. Miss Pickford, assisted by other women supporters, provided afternoon tea. Invercargill Club. The official opening of the Invercargill Bowling Club was held on the club’s green on Saturday afternoon. There were 60 present, including visitors from other clubs. Mr J.. Richards, the club president, welcomed the visitors. He commented on the fine appearance of the green and said that the prospects appeared favourable for a successful season. Mr D. K. Torrance, who represented the Southland Bowling Centre, and Mr J. H. Tattersfield, representing the City Council, also spoke and wished the club success in the coming season. Mrs Richards, the wife of the club president, rolled the first bowl. A match was then played by teams picked by the president and the vice-president. R.S.A. At the Invercargill R.S.A. green there was a large gathering of members and visitors. Mr A. Kynaston, the president, welcomed the visitors and called upon Mr J. D. Campbell, vicepresident of the Southland Bowling Centre, to open the green for play. Mr Campbell congratulated the club on the improved state of the green and wished it success.

Mr J. H. Loudon, formerly Southland’s representative on the New Zealand Bowling Council for many years, was accorded the honour of throwing