DISTRICT NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 18332, 2 November 1931, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

COROMANDEL.

] (From Our Correspondent)

. t lideal weather conditions prevailed on Saturday, for the opening of fie 1931-32 season of tW.Corouiandel Bowling Club, and the function] was one of the usual popular character., Flag-poles and the pavilion displayed an array of bunting, andithe grounds were crowded with the Vouth,-. beauty and bowlers' of the Peninsula. The hand, under the couductorship of Mr W. French, discourked a programme of popular music, which was much appreciated by everyone. Tie president, in addressing the ■ Visitors and bowlers, mde feeling reference to the serious illness of tAVo ; iof the club's members, Messrs P. P. Burgess* and A. James, both of whom had been presidents of the club and great workers in the interests of-bowling, and he felt sure that; everyone present sympathised with them and were hoping f>v their recovery..

The president then, in a typical speech, welcomed the visiting bowlers, .and indicated the world-wide character of'the game, and the welcome one received in any district when going on to any howling green of a. ' brother-bowler," and in that split he welcomed the visiting brother-bowlers from Mercury Bay and Thames.

Mr Browne, president of the Mercury Bay Club, responded, and pointed out that at one time tho game was looked upon as only fit for the maimed and aged; to-day, howev,er a dil'fe ent spirit prevailed, .and age and youth met in friendly rivalry in an endeavour to "kiss kitty P On behalf of the Thames visitors, Mr J- Pratt expressed pleasure for himself and his club-mates in the opportunity' of once again visiting a'Covoniandr] Club opening. He had attended many, but would not like to say how many years it was since his 'first visit, because it would ■probably■:make some think he was getting pretty old! However that might be, he was sure of a welcome, and the present occasion had been no exception. Miss Roddy then threw the jack and put down the first bowl, the president declaring the green open for the season.

To give the afternoon an added interest, the suggestion was made that the games should be played. Mercury Bay president v. Coromandel president, and with this end in view the bowling: strength, insofar as it was known, was divided up, the following rinks playing as un> der, tho Mercury Bay president's

teaiiis being mentioned first in each game: — 11. Campbell, Streat, Peters, Browne 19; Nicholson, J. White, D. Strongman, Ngapo 9. Ejirk, H. ,D!avies, Boyce, N. A. Wells 28; J. Hovell, Wrigley, T, Campbell, Shrimpton 13. ( Chambers, .C. Wells, Bennett, Pratt 17; Inglis, Lloyd, S. Home, Adamson 23. :G. 'Cleave, H; Howell, P. McGlone, Howe 17; G. Blithe, J. Cleave, Harris, Rostgard 28. The close result caused some surprise, and would probably have been closer hacfait been known that Cannon was such a "big gun" at the game—Ngapo's rink, a Strongman notwithstanding, was unable to withstand- the attack. -' A regal afternoon tea was dispensed by'a bevy of young ladies, the function being a credit to the club and an evidence of the popularity" of the president, Mr Wm. Reddy.