BOWLING SPASMS

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 8, 25 October 1919, Page 27

BOWLING SPASMS

[By Sphebe.]

RAWHITI

The official opening of the Rawhiti Croquet, Lawn Tennis, and Bowling Clubs took place on Saturday afternoon. Mr. J. H. Jackson, in his opening address, referred to the altered conditions since the last opening. He made special mention of the numerous improvements made to the dub's property during the last twelve months —new lockers, concrete steps, rustic work, pergola, etc., all having been done by and at the expense of a few of the members. Mrs. J. B. Paterson threw the first jack, and an interesting afternoon was experienced by all. Numerous visitors were present, one pleasing feature being the large number of ladies and children present. Rawhiti believes in keeping the cradles full. Burnnand's Professional Band was in attendance and rendered a good musical programme to the enjoyment of all present.

The following are the results of the games:—

Caves, Martinson, Bennett, Christie, 20, v. Hedges, Downard, Moncur, Holmes, 23.

Samways, Taylor, Dalton, J. AVright, 18, v. F. Clark, Browne, Whelans, McKinley, 18.

Goldfinch, Ramsay, Pearce, 16, v. Marr, Dubi, Connor, 15. Jackson, McCarrol, Harris, Leatham, 14, v. C. Murray, J. H. Jones, RoSs, Taylor, 17.

Worthington, H. E. Jones, Wooller, McMillian, 18, v. Millard, Price, Burcher, Townley, 26.

Aitcheson, White, Duncanson, Reed, 20, v. George, Fielder, Brown, McGregor, 26.

Palmer, Walker, King, Inglis, 19, v. Chiplin, Wilcox, Kissling, Haslam, 19.

A pairs tournament will be held at the Rawhiti green on Labour Day. Entries close on Saturday, and all bowlers are'eligible to compete. ® ®> ©

EPSOM BOWLING CLUB

The season of 1919-20 was officially opened on Saturday, October 11th. Great preparations had been made by the Executive Committee, to whose untiring efforts must be attributed much of the success which crowned the opening, as they had every detail well in hand, and so thoroughly did they carry out their duties that they deserve a word of special commendation.

The president (Mr. R. Millen) had a very anxious week, Jupiter Pluvius threatening him with all kinds of bad Aveather, and it was not until Wednesday had' 1 gone by that he hegan to feel at ease so far as weather conditions were concerned, and he found that he and his busy band of workers had succeeded in getting the three lawns in almost perfect order by dint of hard work, and perseverance.

The surroundings of the green proved a real eye-opener to many of the visitors, who little thought the Epsom Club could make such rapid strides in so short a time. The mam entrance was gaily decorated for the occasion, and the throe pergodas up the centre will in time enhance the be*auty of the surroundings. Flower beds have also been made, and as the blooms come forth will make tibc green a picture indeed. The pavilion was gaily decorated, the colours of sister clubs predominating, the result

being a very pleasing effect indeed. Of course, the principal feature of the decorations, that of the tables for the afternoon tea, was in the hands of the ladies, under the supervision of Mrs. Hinton, and, as in former years, deserve the special thanks of the members generally; but this year excelled all previous achievements, and supplied the many calls made upon them in a manner which reflected the greatest credit on all concerned. The opening ceremonj' was performed by the president, Mr. R. Millen, who, in his characterstic style, tendered to one and all a hearty welcome, and wished the Club a successful season. The Club had also advanced (as visitors could see from the added improvements), and the membership was steadily increasing, the prospects of reaching the coveted century being well in sight. The President then caled upon Mrs. Millen to throw the first jack, and this having been successfully accomplished, he read telegrams from Messrs. H. Perry and W. E. Williams from Chiistchurch with best wishes to the old club for a successful season. He then declared the greens open for play, and with the author of "History of Bowling in the Old Land," we can say:— Life, like a game of bowls, is but an end, Which to play well the moral verse attend ; Throw not your bowl too rashly from your hand ; First let its course by Reason's eye be planned, Lest it roll useless o'er the verdantplain Like heedless life that finishes in vain. Know well your bias—here the moral school Scarce needs a comment on the bowling rule; Play not too wide, with caution eye your cast, Use not extent of green or life to waste, Nor yet too straight—in life observe the same— The narrow-minded often miss their aim. Bowling too short, you but obstruct the green, Like him who loiters on Life's public scene. Whoe'er at bowls or business causes strife, Will rubs on greens receive and eke in life. One bowling trick, avoid immoral play— Ah! never block your neighbour's way. These rules observed, a man may play his game On bowling greens or thro' the world with fame. As an evidence of the popularity of the Club quite a large number of ladies were present. During the afternoon musical selections were rendered in a very acceptable manner by an orchestra under the leadership of Miss Lottie Lighton.

The usual President v. Vice-Presi-dent's fours were played, resulting in a win for the former by 245 to 204.