BOWLS

Southland Times, Issue 23949, 16 October 1939, Page 2

BOWLS

CLUBS HOLD OPENING FUNCTIONS SEVERAL CITY GREENS READY FOR PLAY

Bowlers in city and country had a field day on Saturday. Glorious weather enabled the many green openings to be held in ideal conditions, and with most of the greens in excellent playing order an enjoyable afternoon’s bowls was experienced. Seven of the nine city clubs, ana several country clubs held opening functions. All greens were well patronized, several rinks from country clubs joining in the city club celebrations.

TE RANGI The Te Rangi Club, which won two of the centre club competitions last season, was honoured with the presence of the Mayor of Invercargill (Mr J. R Hanan) and the president of the Southland Bowling Centre (Mr W. H. Gazzard). Both took part in the official opening and congratulated the club on its strong position in bowls in Southland and also on its green. . Mr G. Streatfield, the president of the club, welcomed visitors and Mrs Streatfield rolled the first bowl. Certificates and trophies won by the club in last season’s competitions were presented to the president by Mr Gazzard. WAIHOPAI Mr W. J. Duncan, senior vice-presi-dent, officiated because of the unavoidable absence of the president (Mr T. Bird) at Waihopai. Mr A. Derbie represented the Southland Bowling Centre. Mr iDuncan expressed regret that the president of the club was. unable to attend because of indisposition and he said that all hoped he would soon be well enough to take his place on the green. He complimented Mr E. McKenzie, who had undertaken the duties of greenkeeper, on the excellent condition of the green and the grounds, and said that it was the intention of the club to recognize Mr McKenzie’s services later in the season. Mrs Bird rolled the first bowl and Mr Derbie declared the’ green open for play. GEORGETOWN At Georgetown Mr J. J. Anderson, president of the club, welcomed members and visitors. Mr T. Pryde represented the Southland Bowling Centre. The continued progress of the club and the good condition of the green augured well for the new season, said Mr Anderson. Mrs Anderson rolled the first bowl. SOUTHLAND A big number of bowlers attended the opening at Southland green. Mr E. Smith, president, officiated at the opening and he was assisted by Mr L. Gray, vice-president of the Southland Bowling Centre. Mrs Smith rolled the first bowl.

NORTHEND Mr W. Randle, president, was assisted by Mr T. R. Pryde (Southland Bowling Centre) and Cr E. J. McLauchlan, chairman of the Reserves Department, at the opening of the Northend green. Mr Pryde praised the condition of the green and its surroundings, and emphasized the necessity of full support for the South Island championship tournament which was to be held at Invercargill at Christmas and New Year.

Cr McLauchlan expressed the thanks of the council to the club for its excellent control of a part of the city reserves.

Mrs R. Blue, president of the Northend Croquet Club, rolled the first bowl.

Mr S. C. K. Smith, a member of the New Zealand Bowling Council, visited all of the Invercargill greens during the afternoon and expressed the good wishes of the New Zealand Bowling Association for a successful season.