A GOOD IDEA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17738, 7 January 1926, Page 3

A GOOD IDEA.

“ Bowls.” a Melbourne paper, has been advocating an idea which has been simmering in some minds in this country since the tour of the British bowlers was mooted. That is the setting up of some form of international board, which would have control of the arrangements in connection with all tours of representative teams of bowlers, whether it be tours of British

bowlers or visits of Australian, New Zealand, South African or Canadian teams to the Old Country. All those, who had anything to do with the tour of the British team are aware of the difficulties which were encountered through the absence of a proper medium. Indeed, were it not for the persistent efforts of Mr Melbourne Orchard, the present tour might not have eventuated at all, and but for that gentleman the Dominion Association would have been left with little or no information about the tour. Though the secretary of the association wrote time after time to the English Association replies were not forthcoming, although it was known (through other sources) that the British bowlers were contemplating a tour, and were actually making inquiries as to hotels and tariffs. The only light shed was that contained in unofficial letters from Mr Orchard. On the other hand, the visitors were not made aware of their New Zealand itinerary until a few weeks ago. All this points to the need of a central body, to sit preferably in London, on which the four Home associations (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland) should be represented, whilst the overseas dominions could appoint representatives who are residents of London (or England) for the time being. When any tour was contemplated, it would be the duty of this international board to take the matter up and it would be that board’s duty to arrange fixtures between the dominions, when the occasion served.

At present there seems to be a good deal of fumbling in the dark, when such a tour is proposed, which would be entirely removed were an authoritative body such as suggested appointed. The visit of the British team to New Zealand forms a capital chance to “talk things over” with a \’iew of developing some kind of international board or body, even if it wera only an appendage to the existing International Bowling Board, which controls bowls in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Bowls as a sport has ceased to be “ an old man’s game,” and is not to be regarded in the same light as twenty years ago. When men in their twenties win championships in England it will be seen that the game is becoming as popular there as tennis or cricket, and these international tours are likely to become more frequent in future years than they have in the past, hence the need for an organising body.