BOWLS IN FINE WEATHER

Southland Times, Issue 25501, 23 October 1944, Page 2

BOWLS IN FINE WEATHER

CLUBS OPEN GREENS FOR SEASON Bowlers in town and country had conditions much to their liking on Saturday afternoon. Several greens were opened and others which had opened the previous week were fully occupied during the afternoon. Two of the city clubs which held official openings, Invercargill R.S.A. and Southland, were honoured by visits from the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) who has been visiting Southland. Mr Fraser attended the opening of the new clubrooms at the R.S.A. and remained to take part in the opening of the R.S.A. green. He remarked that he has attended the openings of many bowling club greens, but he could say that he had not attended one where the appointments and surroundings were so congenial. Mr R. McKenzie, president of the club, officiated at the opening of the R.S.A. green. In addition to the Prime Minister the visitors included Mr N. W. McGorlick, who represented the Southland Bowling Centre, the Mayor (Mr Abraham Wachner) and representatives of various local organizations which were present at the opening of the new club rooms. There were also present representatives of sister clubs. It was one of the most successful opening days of the club, which by virtue of its prospective big membership promises to take a prominent part in bowls activities in Southland for many years.

Mrs McKenzie, wife of the president, rolled the first bowl and the green was opened for play. At the Southland green Mr E. S. Inglis (president) welcomed the visitors-. He was assisted in the opening ceremony by his wife, who rolled the first bowl and recorded the first toucher, and Mr T. R. Pryde, who represented the Southland Bowling Centre. The president referred to the loss by death during the year of three life members of the club (Messrs R. B. McKay, C. Dykes and R. D. Donaldson) and two other members (Messrs W. Copland and W. F. Irvine), and members respected their memory in the usual way. Later in the afternoon the Prime Minister visited the green, accompanied by the Mayor, and was given a welcome on behalf of all bowlers in Southland by D. K. Torrance, president of the centre. The Winton Central Club also held its opening ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Many visitors from country and city clubs were present. TOURNAMENTS TODAY Several bowls tournaments will be held in Southland today. The Waikiwi Club will conduct a rinks tournament; the Gore Club will hold a pairs tournament, and the Te Rangi Club will hold a pairs tournament, beginning at half past one this afternoon.