BOWLING SPASMS

Observer, Volume XXXVII, Issue 49, 11 August 1917, Page 22

BOWLING SPASMS

[By Lookee On.]

The Auckland Centre.—The meeting of delegates was held last week and nominations for the DommaoP Council approved.

Inter-club Matches.—A discussion took place on the suggestion for the improvement of inter-club matches in Auckland and a sub-committee was set up to further consider the matter. Unfortunately, the delegates present at the meeting tailed to grasp the essentials of the proposal, with the result that the reference to the sub-committee was confusing and not to the point.

They somehow mixed up the pennant played for in the Christmas Tournament with inter-club matches The inter-club matches in Auckland have, nothing whatever to do with the Christmas or Pennant Tournament and the suggestion put forth in this column was only for the improvement of inter-club matches I made two suggestions, one based on the methods adopted by the Wellington clubs and the other, mv own idea, of each ehrb playing four rinks as set forth in last week's issue. I really think it would be better for the proposals to be dealt with by representatives of those clubs, who ait the present time play in interelub matches. The central executive have quite enough to do and an auxiliary committee sanctioned by the centre might be set up to arrange" the details of inter-club play If anything is to be done it should be done quickly. "Ye Ancient Gayme."—l am glad to learn from my bowling friends that they are pleased with the efforts made in this column to give items of interest to bowlers m Auckland. I have no doubt many old trundlers have "items" of interest stowed away in their memories. It they will send them along to "Looker On" all such communications win be thankfully received and faithfully applied. Some candid friends have expressed; the opinion that we ought to ahandon, or at least modify, our sporting proclivities for the duration of the war. I am one of those individuals that believe in keeping within due bounds but at the same time doing all you can to brighten the sadness around you. J think the quotation from Richard 11. is apropos of the present times. "What sport shall be device in this garden To drive away the heavy thought ot care ? Madam, we'll play a game of bowls." The game of bowls is, with exception of chess and. whist, the oldest pastime extant. In fact, it is questionable if bowls did not supersede both chess, and whist for it is well known that the ancient Greeks used to indulge in it. So popular did the came become in England that special legislation had to be set up to control the bowling alleys and greens. John Tavlor in "Wit and Mirth" wrote that" "This wise >game of bowling doth make the fathers surpass* their children in apish toyes and most delicate dog-trickes. As first for the postures: 1. Handle your bowle; 2. Advance your bowle; 3 Charge your bowle; 4. Ayme your bowle; 5. Discharge your bowle6. Plye your bowle—in which last posture of plying your bowl you shall perceive many varieties and divisions, as wringing of the necke, lifting up of the shoulders, clapping of the hahdls, lying downe of one side running after the bowle, making long dutifull scrapes and legs, and so on. As in the days of old, but under different sartorial conditions, the game is played in the present day

and the spectator can on our many local greens see these antics repeated and! perhaps added to. Some day I may be able to present a few pen pictures of some ot our local howlers and their characteristic attitudes Avhen bowling. Suggested Rules for proposed Auckland Bowling League. To play inter-club matches. Competing club= must be affiliated with the Auckland Centre. Management.— Two representatives for each club competing, preferably the sole selector, or a member of the match committee and secretary. To appoint a president, treasurer, secretary and executive committee to be elected annually. To fix subscription from each club. Each club shall play 4 rinks, 2 at home and 2 away, each club to play each club entering the competition The winning club to receive a trophy or cup to be Dlayed for annually and each member to receive a rep. badge or medlaO. The executive committee to adopt such further rules and regulations as they may deem necessary from time to time.