BOWLING SPASMS

Observer, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9, 9 November 1912, Page 22

BOWLING SPASMS

[By "The Ditchbb."j

DESPITE the threatening weather there was a record attendance at the different bowling greens on Saturday. The last of the official openings took place at Mt. lAbert. There was a fair sprinkling Vl31 ~ tors and a large attendance of mfmbers. The grounds are laid out t<. the best advantage — a full eight-rmk green, and in the near *itnre a i• v tfuet ground for the ladies of the district will be added. The.club has a valuable property

The Mt. Albert committee worked hard to make the event one that would be remembered, and they did not fail in their endeavours. The superabundance of bunting tastefully arranged round the grounds gave a gala effect to the handsome grounds. Many ladies lent grace to the scene. The Hon. G. Fowlds spoke to the assemblage on behalf of the President and heartily welcomed the visitors from sister clubs and gave a bnef review of the club's intentions, and ending up the event by asking Mrs Fowlds to cast the jack across the Kreen Afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies' committee, headed by Mrs R. Mcßride, and assisted by Mesdames Bowles, Coyle and Hanson. The green was found to play splendicily, being true and keen for a first day. The Southern Touring teams will be with us next week, and arrangements have been completed for their reception. They are to be the guests at Mt. Eden, Ponsonby, Auckland, and the All Whites that went South lsat year \ test match has been included in the list of events, consisting of a picked lot from all the clubs in Auckland.

\ civic welcome is to be accorded to our Southern bowlers, who invade the city on the 12th inst, Mayor Parr will give the glad hand and say a few nice things to show that the best of feelings exists between the two islands.

The smoke concert that has been fixed for the entertainment of the Southerners is to be on a complete scale, and the talent to appear in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Tuesday evening is of the best. The demand for tickets is strong. The harbour excursion will eventuate on Thursday morning.

Ponsonby had a full muster on Saturday. The old green is in rare condition, and the games were greatly enjoyed. One of the hottest games was that fought out by Dinnie's and Gardiner's teams. The final—l 9 all shows the stubborness of the contest. Capt. Smith, Lye and Morley played for Dinnie, and Hutchinson, Lambert and Martell for Gardiner. There were some choice heads during the game—quite up to tournament work. Another good contest was between M. Walker and Lee. The latter was beaten by only a small margin. The game was keen all through, the veteran bowler, Mr Peacock playing third for Walker. Knmner and Wilson put up a good performance—two points in favour of Kummer. The skips were as keen as mustard for a win, and it was just anyone's game to the end. Brown and Muston helped the winner to get home.

Fookes had Veale in trouble at Ponsoaby. The vet. could not keep his score going at all. Fookes more than doubled figures, although this does not give one an idea of the contest, luck following the winner as well as good play. Veale's blood is up and the revenge match will be a corker.

Helensville opens up its green on Thursday. The committee has asked Mr J. Carlaw to select a number of Auckland bowlers to accompany him to the opening. Jim has opened his book on this event and has been unnble to book the lot that offered. He has been inundated with acceptances, c o that all wil not be able to play. Helensville folks are to provide a good time for sightseers.

sent the Rocky Nook Club may be The Pennant team picked to repreclassed as good. H. Jenkin is one of

Auckland's best leaders; it was quite a time before he was discovered, but when that occurred, he has been often in the limelight. J. W. Butler as second may be depended on to play a good shot at anjr time, anywhere and at any period of the season. Next comes Ben Kayes, a player who has fought out a good many tournament games and is now a much improved trundler. On form he is worthy of his inclusion. Last but not least is James Wakerley, a steady and reliable skip, perhaps one of the hardest men to beat in Auckland. His perfect command of nerve and. the fine condition that are characteristic of Jimmy makes him indeed a tough problem in a bowling match.

Avondale is not going to be behind the other districts, and has secured a nice bit of land (freehold) and aas started to lay the ground on* A set of officei's has been aoj> ilt\l, Tdi J. Potter being -Pm 1 ' l >f srcretaty Mr barrow, and the treasurer Mr Moon. The green is to be 120 x 120, and croquet is to be provided for. Avondale is to be congratulated on its decision.

W. Smith and Fred Bolton got away with the Labour Day tournament at Epsom. Both played sound games and deserved their win. This is the first tournament prize President Smith has annexed. The green is in great condition.

The first of the inter-club games eventuated on Saturday. Devonport had two on the board, viz., Stanley and Ellerslie. In both cases Devonport won. On their own green, Stewart beat Peek, of Ellerslie, and Trayes got home in front of Harle. The Stanley men also got a bump. Harvey had five more than Parker, and Grattan four to his credit from Alf. Brookes. The green was velvet on the day.

Crabtree has left his old club, Ponsonby, and now may be found on the Epsom green. He was trying conclusions with President Wally Smith on Saturday, the affray ending in a tie. On paper the teams read even and so it turned oiit. Downing, Burton and Clay for Crabtree played well, and Peake, G. Wright and Alec S-nth gave their skip little trouble. The young players are rolling up well at Epsom—a good omen.

There were some very uneven games matches at Grey Lynn on Saturday. Johnson got clean away from Gavin— 31-20. Burfoot outclassed Buckley by 24 to 12, while Prickett did not give Parsons a look in—2s-14. Better games were those played by Murray and Pascoe. The former just reached 24 to Pascoe's 23. Thompson had a 5 point victory from Courtney. This green is playing well and expected to be just the one for the 'Xmas championships.

Jim Smith, of Mt. Eden, is a much improved player this season, his winter play bringing him on in grand style. On Saturday against Saxton he got 8 points the best of it, notwithstanding the redoubtable Ferguson was three for Saxton. J.S. is going to try hard for that banner at 'Xmas.

Brookes, of Mt. Eden,' met his Waterloo on Saturday. H. 0. Brown and his men completely routed the opposition forces. Perm, Eobertson and Stemson did their bit to bring about the win and were successful by 25 to 19.

Bob Young was in his place on the end on Saturday. He gave W. Mercer a taste of what he can do when wanted. R.Y. had 9to brag about when the curtain was rung down. His team, Lewis, Johnston and D. Smith, gave him good support.

Victoria Park Club is growing. The members roll up in goodly immbers and have a happy time. The green is playing well and t,ieat interest is being manifested in the coming matches.

Most of the entries for club events close within a week. The fact of inter-club events taking place early this year will help in getting club fixtures played during the fine weather. The most important event, viz., the singles championship, has previously been finished in broken weather, so we may expect a more fitting finish to most of the matches this season.

Secretary Bryclen has been a busy man this last week or two, putting up final touches on the reception of the Southern touring teams. He has everything printed and fixed up, so that our visitors need not trouble thetir heads about anything.