THE BOWLING SEASON

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17774, 10 October 1927, Page 10

THE BOWLING SEASON

OPENED ON SATURDAY. GREAT ENTHUSIASM SHOWN. Two of the Timaru __ bowling greens were officially opened for the season on Saturday afternoon. The weather was delightfully fine; there was a largo gathering of bowlers and others interested, at each ceremony, and considerable enthusiasm was displayed.

From the opening of tlie bowling season dates ttie bowler’s New- Year and many happy “New Year” greetings wore exchanged on Saturday afternoon. Hearty hand-shakes were tho order of the day; friends who had not met for many months, in a. social way, renewed tlieir bowling-green friendships last season; and in an atmosphere charged with gladness akin to that exhibited by l’olyanna, bowlers and tlieir lady friends mingled on and around tiie greens, exchanged experiences and confidences (the latter of course relating to the gentle art of bowling) and spent tho afternoon in what bowlers believe to be the happiest possible way. I KIA TOA GREEN. At Kia To a green everything was found in tTje best of good order, the ; buildings spick and span, while on the green, which was shaved as close as the lawn-mower will run, not a blade of grass out of place; in tact the green presented a picture, and those who used it. declared that no green ever played Letter. In the flags which fiew gaily from specially erected flag poles around the green, England, Ireland and Scotland were represented, and in the general jubilation, no difference in creed or nationality was discernible. The ladies, as usual, dispensed very appetising afternoon tea. Among tho visitors present were Mr B. .Manning (president of the South Canterbury Bowling Centre), Mr J. Moyes (representing tho Dominion Centro), Mr M. McLeod (president of the Temuka Bowling Club), Mr L. B. James (president of the Timaru Bowling Club), Mr P. Vueetieh (president of tlie West End Club), and Mr J. Cowles (president of the Park Club), j Mr J. Mothvcn (president of the ICia Toa Club) extended a very hearty welcome to all present, remarking tlint ho was especially pleased to see many ladies, and members of other clubs with them. As they would have noticed, the Kia Toa green was this year in excellent order, thanks to tho splendid work of tho green supervisor (Mr G. Hastie) and the green keeper (Mr Davey). Everything augured welt tor a successful season. Mr Methven made reference to the passing of Mr T. K. Sidey’s Summer Time Bill, as something for which bowlers had reason to be thankful, and said that the extra hour’s play per day, which this would give them, should result in a big addition to the tanks of bowlers, and in a better and a brighter community." (Applause). Messrs J. Moyes, L. IS. James, P. Vueetieh, J. Cowles, It. Shillito (as representative of Geraldine on the Centre), Mr McLeod and B. Manning also spoke. Each offered hearty congratulations to Ivia Toa on the excellence of its green, and prospects, and wished it tho most prosperous season it could possibly enjoy. Mr Manning then invited Mrs Methven to send up tlie first bowl of the season. This was deftly done, end amidst hearty applause, the 1927-28 season was declared open. Tlie rest of the afternoon was very pleasantly spent in the time-honoured game, President v. Vice-president, and all were delighted to find that the green played as true as appearances had promised.

ASHBURY CLUB. If the enthusiasm displayed on Saturday at the official opening of the Ashbury Club, is any indication, then a successful season can confidently be looked forward to. The green and its surroundings presented a very attractive appearance, reflecting credit on those responsible for the preparations. A very large crowd, consisting of players, visitors from other clubs, and ladies, attended, and a most enjoyable time was spent by all. With their usual thoughtfulness, tho ladies dispensed a much appreciated afternoon tea. Visitors from other clubs included Mr L. B. James (president of tlie Timaru Bowling Club). The president of the club (Mr R. Watson), extended a hearty welcome to all present. He was particularly pleased to see the number of ladies present,pind to extend a welcome to visitors from other clubs. The green, said Mr Watson, was in splendid playing order, lor which they owed a deep debt of gratitude to tlieir greenkeeper (Mr W. Morgan). They were pleased ten have with them, as a member, Mr IS. Manning (president of the South Canterbury Bowling Centre), whose work for tho furtherance of bowls in South Canteiburv was generally recognised and appreciated. It was Mr Manning who had first mooted the idea of having a bowling green at Waimataitai, and he must feeF ijfroud when ho looked on tho splendid gjfen they had just opened lor tho ensuing season, which promised, everyone agreed, to be most successful and enjoyable. ... Mr Manning said he had successfully hurdled several obstacles and all looked forward to a successful season. Mr Manning also made reference to the passing "of Mr T. K. .Sidey’s Summer Time Sill, which was expected to give an impetus to summer sport in general, lie then invited Mrs R. Watson (wife of tlie president), to send up the first bowl of the season. This was done auiidst much appluuse, and the season was declared open. Friendly games were then indulged in, and the playing of tlie green was favourably commented upon.