MAITAI CLUB.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14539, 17 October 1917, Page 3 (Supplement)

MAITAI CLUB.

(From "The: Colonist," October; Ist.)

\ The formal opening of the Maitai 80/wling Club's season took place on Saturday afternoon, when' there, was a large attendance of players, the Nelson and Wakefield Clubs being well represented. . ; - ■'."."-.,

The*president (Mr J. E. Allen), in a neat speech, welcomed the- visitors, and expressed the hope that the coming season wotild be a pleasant and successful one. He also made amusing reference to the recent crowning of a"queen, and considered that on such an important occasion an hocour should be conferred upon Mr* James McEachen. whom he formally crowned as "Father and King of the bowlers of the Maitai Club." The president said Mr McEachcr. was an excellent member of the club, and had helped tho club in its infancy with monetary assistance, and at the present time, by handing in certain debentures. Mr Allen dealt in an

amusing manner with the privileges the honour conferred upon the recipient, and read, amidst much laughter, a list of honours which had been conferred, after which ho formally declared the season open.

Just before the time for play commenced, a light shower of rain fell, but it only" lasted a few minutes, and the remainder of the afternoon was beautifully fine. The green was in splendid order, and players were 5 delighted with its playing qualties, -which reflected thd greatest credit upon the caretaker ?Mr W. TombJin),* who has now relinquished his duties. The position.has been accepted by Mr Lechner, formerly of Reef ton, who has come ,to reside in Nelson.

Afternoon tea, which was much appreciated by the players, was provided by Mesdames Allen and Trencher, wives of the president and vice-president respectively, and handed round by a number of ladies.

The usual match. President v.. Vicepresident, was played, six rinks taking part, and wan won by the Vice-presi-dent by 117 points to 111. r'