RAKAIA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 827, 4 October 1916, Page 2

RAKAIA.

Church-goers in Bowen Street on Sunday evening had to negotiate a stream of water reaching right across the road. The water-race has been too full for some days back, and has overflowed near the large sump, which it has somewhat damaged, and rendered unsafe. The annual meeting of the Eakaia Bowling Club was held on Monday night. Mr .1. Penny presided over a very large attendance. The secretary (Mr F. C. May) read the annual report, which stated that, though the idea of a bowling club was mooted only 12 months ago, the club was now in a strong position, and had a first-rate green. The membership was now 47, and this was considered very satisfactory for a first season. Debentures to the amount of £72 had been taken up, and donations had amounted to £24. The sum of £2lO had been spent on the green, fencing, rollers, mower, etc., and there was a' debit balance o.f £l2 0/1. As most of the expenditure of last season is non-recurring, the financial prospects are quite good. Matches had been played with Ashburton, Methven, and Dunsandel, and return matches had been arranged, though the weather had interfered with the carrying out of the full programme. Thaiiks were due to Messrs Beidhcad and Clayton for assistance in laying down the green; to the ladies for refreshments; to various members for the use of their cars; to the Domain Board for financial and other help; to Mr J. Penny for managing the financing of the club; and to the National Mortgage and Agency Company for the gift of grass-seed. The report also asked the members to consider the advisability of forming a tennis court and a croquet lawn in the vicinity of the bowling green. The balance-sheet showed subscriptions £49 7/-, donations £24 15/6, donations from Domain Board £52 (i/9, debentures £72. The expenditure on the green had been £2Bl 17/2, sundries £lB 12/2.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The following new members were elected: —Messrs E. Fox, J. Gallaghan, W. Lee, E. Brittenden, G. Turnbull, Elliot, G. Pluck, S. Pluck, J. Hardy, and the Eevs. E. N. Blakiston and \V. T. Todd.

The membership of the committee was increased to nine, five to form a quorum. The following officers were appointed:—Patron, the Hon. C. A. C. Hardy, M.L.C.; president, Mr J. Penny; vicepresident, Mr J. Blackley; secretary and treasurer, Mr P. C. May; committee, Messrs J. Sowden, H. Haydock, J. Davidson, W. J. Morland, G. Feathorston, E. Pox, and the officers ex-officio; auditor, Mr L. Oxley; green supervisor, Mr J. Burrows. It was decided to hold future annual meetings during the first week in October. Messrs J. Penny and 11. Haydock were appointed a Match Committee. A long discussion ensued on the question of the formation of a tennis court and a croquet lawn, the debate centring round the point as to whether the Bowling Club should take the initiative in the matter. Eventually, it was agreed that Mr J. Penny should call a public meeting to go into the matter. The building of a pavilion, the choice of club colours, and the date of open ing were matters left for the committee to decide.

Mr J. Penny was presented with a suitably inscribed gold medal, in recognition of the work he had done in the formation of the (dub.