BOWLS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15444, 5 September 1914, Page 14

BOWLS.

DOMINION ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Dominion of New Zealand Bowling Association has been published. The following extracts from the lengthy document will be of interest- to bowlers:— "The bowlers of tho Dominion are to be congratulated on the fact that the long-talked of and much discussed scheme of amalgamation is now an accomplished reality. After some years of earncsc consideration and discussion the new association was happily launched in Dunedin on September 10, 1913, when the first council met, and the constitution was adopted. Many fears were expressed as to the workability of the now scheme, but these havo, to a large extent, proved groundless, and now that the first year of its existence is already over, it is highly satisfactory to know tiiat the association rests on a secure and solid foundation. It is due to the very cordial co-operation and assistance of bowlers throughout the dominion that this very gratifying position has been attained. The membership of the association consists of 17 centres, of which eight are in the North Island and nine in the South, embracing 198 clubs, and 10,012 members. Some difficulty has been experienced in getting membership returns in, some secretaries have to <be written lo several times. The work of the secretary of tho association would be rendered much easier if information that is wanted were sent alon<r promptly.

"There are 3(1 dubs. with n mewhership of 1705. belonging to the Auckland Centre; IS clubs, with a membership of 91S in the North Auckland Centre, 12 clubs with ofitl members in the Taranaki Contre : 7 clubs with 428 members in Wansranni Centre; 0 clubs with 567 members in the Manawatu Centre; o clubs with 2-12 uieinbers in tho Wairarapa Centre: 12 clubs with GS2 members in the East Coast Centre; 16 clubs with 12:12 members in the Wellington Centre, 20 clubs with 1000 members in the Christchurch Centre: 6 clubs with 3-35 members in the South Canterbury. Centre; 3 dubs with 176 members in the North Ota2o Centre ;20 clubs with 1253 members in the Thmedin Centre ■. 7 clubs with 2-57 members in tbe South Otago Centre ; 5 clubs with 224 members in the Central Otago Centre; 16 flubs w : th 628 members 'n the •Southland Centre: P clubs with 465 members in the Nelson and Marlborough Centre; and four clubs with 227 members in ths- "West Coast Centre. "With reference to the now laws which have been carefully revised by Messrs. Harnett, Pavne. and Allan, the report states:—"The laws have been redrafted and remodelled in such a way as to make them clearer and thus ensure uniformity of internrotation throughout the dominion. laws are now ready, and- will be circulated among bowlers. "Tho onlv drastic alteration was the clause with "two iVct on the mat." The v e seems to be considerable difference of oninion with regard to this law, but if howl-TR will only give it a fai'- tri:>l. it will be found to remove a lot of abuses now existing, without- detrimentally affecting the style of play. No question has received attention at tbe hands of t-be council than that- of bowl-testing. While the council were unanimous that there could only bo one test throughout the dominion, there wore differences of oninion as to tbe relative merits of the table and gr"en tests. The green tes+ was eventually unanimously adopted, mid machines are now being made for the Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch Centres. Tf these centres are fortunate enough to got thoroughly capable men ns testers, tho system will soon commend itself to bowlers. "Naturally the first year's operations made honvy demands on our finances, and it was only liy exercising !<ro;it cartthat a credit- balance was brought forward. From a financial point of view the operations of fuiuVe years should lie better. Tho total receipts up to -July 31, were 12s Gd. This is made up of levies, £"262 15s 3d : and receipts in connection with the tournament. £3-' V 17s 3d. On the expenditure side the principal amounts are; Tournament expenses, £331 17s 3d; special bonus to secretary, £75; general printing and advertising, £3B 0s 3d ; secretary's salary for nine months. £37 10s.; petty cash, £lB 10s 2d; and tournament certificates, £l3. "The first tournament under the auspices of the new association was held in Dunedin in January and proved a distinct success. A large entry was re ceivcd, and howlers, from all parts • the dominion were Tbe st;v- ' ard of play was good, while <he pocia l element was an -outstanding feature of tho gathering. Old friendships werfrenewed, and new frieudshins formed and it is safe to predict that these association tournaments are going to prove a big factor in welding together the large body of bowlers of which New Zealand can now boast. Tbe system of play to be adopted at- association tournaments still gives rise to much discussion, and it will no doubt be necessary for tho council to make a definite | pronouncement on the question in the neat- future."'