AN APPRECIATION

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 3203, 25 February 1930, Page 4

AN APPRECIATION

OF A VETERAN MEMBER.

BY CAMBRIDGE BOWLERS,

Eight-nine years of ago and still rolling his bowl upon the green is the rather unique record of Mr Geo. E. Clark—one that very few bowlers can lay claim to these days. Such has been the good health enjoyed by Mr Clark in late years that not only is he able to enjoy his game of bowls, but ho still faithfully attends to his business —as the head of Geo. E. Clark and Sons, Ltd. —day by clay. Bowling is one of Mr Clark's principal hobbies, and he is never so happy as when he is upon the green rolling his bowls to good purpose and enjoying the fellowship and sociability that is the outstanding feature of this grand old game. Father of the 1 Club. For years Mr Clark has been recognised and generally referred to as the "lather" of the club, and how well he has earned that sobriquet is known and respected throughout the ranks of the club. The Cambridge Club has been in existence for 2d years, and Mr Clark is one of the few founders remaining to see the continued progress of the club. Mr Clark has, indeed, been a good father to the club, for besides his splendid active membership record he has been most generous in his gifts and financial assistance to the club.

Within the club's pavilion and about the greens there are evidences of Mr* Clark's thoughtfulness and his great interest in the club. It is hardly necessary to emphasise the fact that the club's members are not unmindful of this aged member's enthusiasm. However, on Saturday afternoon last, during the afternoon tea adjournment, a most appropriate function of appreciation took place when a fine enlargement of Mr Clark was unveiled in the pavilion. , The President's Appreciation, With about 70 members assembled the president, Mr T. P. Eichards, said that in all sport from the ages downwards it was the custom of those associated with the various games to do honour to the old members who had taken their part and assisted with their, auspices. To-day when the Cambridge Bowling Club was flourishing' they were reminded to look back to'the time when the late Mr Wright inaugurated the club. There were very few of the foundation members left; those thathe recalled being Messrs Geo. E. Clark, John Ferguso"h, E. o 'Toole, J. Eivcrs and himself. Mr Eichards went on to refer to the early history of the club. They started in a small way with a few rinks on the site of the present greens, which was at that time a dug-out gravel pit. With every emergency the members had to dip into their pockets, but they truly laid the foundation of the present successful club. He felt sure that it gave pleasure to every member present that they still had their honourable member, Mr Geo. E. Clark, with them. He knew that one of Mr Clark's greatest joys in life was to play upon the greens, the embryo of which he so many years ago inaugurated. They knew Mr Clark for the great sportsman that he was; ready to take a beating or a win in the spirit of a true sport (Applause). Old age—one of those things that cannot be stayed—was creeping upon him, but it was the wish of every member of the club that Mr Clark would yet be spared for many years to enjoy his game of bowls, and they to enjoy his company. Mr Eichards referred in appreciative terms to Mr Clark's generosity to the club and said it was received with a measure of gratitude in keeping with the spirit in which it was given. Although they knew that Mr Clark did not look for tangible recognition they felt that the time was appropriate when.they should make fitting recognition of their feelings towards the "father" of the club. (Applause). Unveiling of Enlargement. At this stage the president called on Mr D. J. Lundon to unveil a splendid enlargement of Mr Clark—one that truly depicts him just as he is to-day. Suitably framed the inscription on the photo reads: "George Edward Clark, Esq. An appreciation from his fellow-

members. 1930." Mr Clark's Reply. It was apparent that Mr Clark had been completely taken by surprise, yet his reply, although brief, was characteristically appropriate. He thanked the members for the honour they had done him. Anything that he had done was because of his love for the game of bowls and his interest in the club. As long as he lived he would always have the affairs of the club at heart. Mr Clark concluded by again thanking the members for their thoughtfu-ness. He esteemed it a great honour to be thought worthy ■ that his photograph should be placed on the wall of the club's pavilion. He had always been zealous for the honour of the club and his heart's desire was that it should be the best appointed club in the South Auckland Association. (Sustained applause).