BOWLING.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 7 October 1926, Page 5

BOWLING.

SOUTH CANTERBURY CENTRE. ANNUAL MEETING. The nineteenth annual meeting of the South Canterbury Bowling Centre was held in the Timaru Bowling Club’s rooms last night. The president (Mr I. J. Bradley) presided over an excellent attendance of delegates. The annual report was previously published in the “Herald.” In moving the adoption of the report, the president congratulated members on the successful year theyahad had. Members

had worked together well, and this had contributed largely to the success attained. The Christmas tournament went off well, and they came olf with a profit of Clo. They had had to contend with the Dunedin Exhibition, which caused a drop in the entries, but in spite of this they had come out on the right side. The president also congratulated the selection committee on its work, for while they had had to meet sonic formidable opponents they had won all their games. In seconding the adoption of the report, Mr R. Shillito said that the president had fully covered the ground. If they could preserve harmony in the clubs and in the Centre, then they would have even move successful years than last year. This was a, matter which was even more important than finance. Mr Shillito added, in re for- : enco to the visit of the British bowlers, that private car owners had come to tho assistance of the Centre, and they were deserving of the Centre’s best thanks. Tho chairman said that the visit of the British bowlers would have been a greater expense to the Centre than it wa,s had it not been for these people, whose action showed that the community of Timaru was a sporting ono. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Before the election of' off icers was proceeded with, tho president thanked members for tho great assistance they had been to him during his term, and he also extended great thanks to the secretary (Mr A. Thorcau) for the help he had given him right throughout the year.

Mr Shillito said that the retiring president had shed a great lustre on the Centre, for lie had handled everything in a mpSt tactful manner. Since the inception of the Centro, no president had bettered or even equalled the manner in which Mr Bradley had carried out his duties, and the bowling fraternity generally owed him a great debt. Mr F. B. Hawkey supported Mr Shillito in his remarks, stating that the manner in which Mr Bradley had handled the visit of the British bowlers was n masterpiece. Members present, and the British bowlers also would long remember their visit to Timaru. He hoped that with Mr Bradley's guidance they would have many more ye«rs of success. Mr Bradley returned thanks for the remarks passed, but said that he did not deserve them all. His one hope was that tho incoming president would receive the same loyal support as had been accorded to him. Mr R. Shillito was then unanimously elected president. Returning thanks for tho honour done him, Mr Shillito said that years ago he hud thought that tho work of the Centre could bo learned in twelve monts, but he soon found that this was not so. He would do his best to uphold the honour, prestige and good name of the Centre, nnd hoped that when his term came to a close, members would have no reason to regret the vote they had just passed.

Other officers were then elected as follows: —Vice-presidents, Messrs B. Manning and I' J. Bradley; treasurer, Mr E. Earwaker; auditor, Mr C. E. Torlcsse; secretary, Mr A. Thorcau; emergency committee, Messrs R. Shillito, I. J. Bradley, B. Manning, and J. Moyes'; selection committee, Messrs B. Nicol, F. B. Hawkey, and B. Manning. At this stage the president extended a hearty welcome to the renresontatives of tho Kia Toa, and AVest End Clubs to the Centro. The delegates stated that while representing the interests of their respective clubs, they would do their best in the interest of bowling generally. The Dominion Bowling Centro wrote approving of the Centre holding its annual tournament at Christmas. An application was received from tho AVaimate Cub for permission to hold its annual tournament at Easter. Tt was decided to forward the application on to the Dominion Centre for favourable consideration. A letter was received from the Park Club stating that it favoured the Bristol Cup being played under the same conditions as previously. The club also entered a. challenge .for tho Cup.

The question of a bowl-testing apparatus came up for consideration, following receipt of a letter from W. A. Scott and Sons, Dunedin, in which it was stated that it would not be impossible to attach a. rail to the existing stand, but such course would hardly be practicable. The president said that apparently the Dominion Council had adopted a standard test, and the best thing for the Centre to do would be to purchase a new outfit. Mr Earwaker considered that they should write to tho Dominion Council and ask them where a stand could be purchased. Mr Moves said that they were only marking time. Ho would move that the Centre secure a quote from Mr Scott for a. stand and chute. Mr Hawkey was of opinion that a small sub-committee should be set up to go into the whole matter. Mr Bradley said that the Centre should accept Mr Scott’s advice, and communicate with Mr Coltman, of Auckland. The motion moved by Mr Moves lapsed for want of a seconder, and Mr Manning moved that a letter be sent to the Dominion Centro asking where a Dominion standard testis set could be secured, and that on receipt of the information a special meeting bo called to consider the reply. The motion was seconded by Mr , Bradley, and carried. It was agreed to have 150 copies of rules printed immediately. The question of Centre fixtures was left in the hands of the Selection Committee. On the motion of Mr Bradley, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr 0. Hadlee and Mr C. E. Torlesse for their services to the Centre. Geraldine was drawn to play Waimate (holders) in tlie first Bristol Cup match of the season. Tho existing rule in regard to the Cup stated that the first match bad to be played on or before the third Saturday in November, but, members considered this date too late, and it was decided to amend the rule by substituting the word “first” for “third.” Mr Moves said he was of opinion that members of the Centre should have some distinctive ba dgo to let bowlers know who the members were when they were on the respective greens. He suggested that a hat badge might bo procured with distinctive lettering on. ■_ It was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of'Mr Earwaker and the secretary. It was decided to secure a silver badge for the use of the president, such badge to be handed down from year to year. Various members were delegated to attend the opening of the Kio Toa. West End, and Timnru Chibs on Saturday. the -president stating that he would bn present at Geraldine, where the Governor-General wou'd be in attendance.