BOWLING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 83, 1 November 1918, Page 5

BOWLING.

STRATFORD CLUB OPENING DCY. The Stratford green was officially opened for the 1918-19 season yest rday. Weather conditions were 'not 1iogother favourable, but there was a large attendance of players and <nlookers. New Plymouth, Inglewood, and Eltham Clubs were represented . In addressing those present, tie [’resident (Mr W. McDonald) said ha had to repeat the wish that be-iu expressed at every opening since 191 v, namely, that the great world wtr vould soon come to an end, bringi i

victory to the Allies, and lasting pea . i to the universe. The clouds appeared ; a be lifting now, and the prospects we e good. Since last season some men - hers had lost sons, others had lc.-. friends, and the sympathy of ever ; bowler would be with them. He trusted that they would make go< i use of the green, for they would fin 1 ome relief in the game ol bowls, and in this connection he hoped that the other members would make the games as interesting as possible. A few familiar faces were missing, some had joined the colours, others had left for more genial climes, while one, he regretted to say, had joined the greatmajority. No one would be more missed than the late F. G. Hartley,

hose genial disposition* earned for

him many Irieiuls. ills death had created a void that would be difficult to fill. It was pleasing to note that chore was a good influx of new members, and in welcoming them • tne President extended a little advice to the “green” players, namely to pula as much practice in the first * weeks as possible and stick to drav. - ing—“Stan.” could do the driving! During the season, various compet. ■ lions would he held, and old and new players would be well catered for. the entrance fees would go toward-., the patriotic funds so he would Ilk-, to’ see full entries. In welcoming th - visitors lie hoped they would have a pleasant afternoon. The green was in good order, reflecting much cred. on the new warden (Mr Harris), and indications pointed to a pleasant season.

Mr McDonald then called on th’ Mayoress to throw the jack, and Mrs McMillan having performed this cere mony, the National Anthem was play ed by the Band, and the green declared open.

The customary match. President v. Vice-President was then played, six rinks taking part. Some interesting and enjoyable contests resulted, the totals at the conclusion being 130-100 in favour of the President. Following are the scores, the President being mentioned first in each rink Pratt, Walsh, Avery, Leslie (s') 26 v. Price, Judd, Cottier, Lyons (s) 19; J. H. Thompson, Harris. HodgkinSpnrdle (s) 23, v. T. A. Nicholson, W. Rogers, Morton, King (s) 16; Porritt. H. Masters, Fookes, W. McDonald (s)

23, v. Hillock, McClaggan, Cold well, Edgecombe (s) 20; C. Thompson, Sanderson, Julian, Allan (s) 18 v. Lop--dell, Webb, Macphcrson, R. McK. Morison (s) 11; Woodhead, Randrup, Scott. S. Sharp (s’) 15 v. F. J. McDonald, R. blasters, J. Morey, 6Smart (s) 29; Wilson, Cronin, Rowe, J. W. McMillan (s) 25 v. T. Richard- - son, Carter, J. Masters, G. Sangster (s) 11. Lady friends of the Club dispensed tea during the afternoon, and were most attentive to the needs of patrons. The Municipal Band helped in the proceedings with several selections. Prior to the dispersal of players Messrs Morey (New Plymouth) and Leslie Inglewood) returned thanks for the hospitality shown by the Club and the ladies, and the latter speaker extended an invitation to the opening of the Inglewood green about a fortnight hence.