URENUI BOWLING CLUB

Taranaki Daily News, 31 July 1931, Page 4

URENUI BOWLING CLUB

IMPROVEMENTS COST £l4O ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS. SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED. The annual meeting of the Urenui Bowling Club was held in the Urenui hall on Wednesday, when a fairly full meeting of members tvas presided over by Mr. S. Topless. The report submitted by the secretary (Mr. L. Bicheno) stated that the season had closed with a membership of 20, a decrease'of six from the previous season. Buildings, consisting of a pavilion, tool-shed and outhouses as well as entrance gates had been erected at a total cost of £142 13s sd. A donation of specially made hinges for entrance gates had been made by Mr. A. Gibson. A new lawn-mower would be needed for the coining season, but everything else necessary was on the green and in practically new condition. Much preliminary work had been necessary on the green and its surroundings and that, combined with a later start on the pavilion than was anticipated, had delayed the official opening until November 27. The official opening had proved a red letter day in Urenui history. The whole of the North Taranaki executive members and many members of the various clubs had responded to the invitation, and the green had been fully occupied with rinks for the afternoon.

Only two rinks had been entered for the North Taranaki competitions, and, as had only to be expected for a club in its first season’s play, only one match had been won throughout the season. Owing to the lateness in commencing the bowling season, the singles competition for the Hardwicke bowls had not been finalised, and the pairs competition for Mr. W. H. Fuller’s trophies had not been drawn.

With a slightly increased membership, the club should be in' the near future a self-supporting institution, it was stated. If, however, only two rinks were playing in the competition, the other members were’ left at a “loose end” on at least half of the playing Saturdays and their interest was sure to flag. There was little inducement, under those circumstances, for new members to join. The refreshment account showed a profit of 12s lid after the crockery had been paid for. The annual ball had been successful and had yielded a profit of £l7 14s 6d. Thanks were aceoixled Mrs. R. H. Pigott and all the other members of the ladies’ committee for that result. Officers elected were: President, Mr. R. H. Pigott; vice-president, Mr. W. H. Fuller; executive, Messrs. S. Topless, G. Loveridge, S. Managli, T. Lee and J. Phillips. Mr. Topless declined re-nomination for president. Mr. Bicheno, who had been, honorary secretary for two years and had previously signified his intention of resigning, was thanked for his work as secretary in bringing the club through its initial stages. Mr. F. G. Healey w r as appointed in his stead. Mr. G. N. Fuller was re-appointed treasurer, Mr. J. W. Hamlin auditor, Mr. Pigott green warden and Mr. F. G. Healey sole selector.

Mr. Healey was "recommended to select all members in turn for club competitions irrespective of their individual capabilities.

It was suggested that a street mart Ibe held at an early date to augment the funds of the club. It was decided to have afternoon tea on the ground on all afternoons when play takes place on the green at 6d per member.

Mr. D. Newman was elected a member. ■ Mr. Topless was appointed club delegate to the Taranaki Bowling Centre for the coming season.