BOWLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18973, 26 March 1924, Page 6

BOWLING

CENTRE TEAM’S TOUR (By One of Them). The Wanganui Bowling Centro district extends from Waverley to Bulls and up the Main Trunk line to Ohakune and Raetihi. Few of the centre members had ever been on the greens in the two latter districts and this short tour was organised to enable them to see the conditions under which their brother bowlers played and generally bring the centre into closer touch with them. The party consisted of Messrs Jack, Gordon, Symes, F. Jones, Harkness, Michie, Christensen and Herd. Messrs Michie and Herd arc the delegates for Raetihi and Ohakune respectively. The visit was a timely one, many matters of interest being discussed, and the result should be advantageous to all concerned. The Ohakupe club have had a hard task in the preparation of their green, but their members arc madeof the right stuff, and as fast as difficulties crop up they were met manfully, with the result that next season should see the end of their troubles as far as their green is concerned. i he Raetihi club has also had an uphill ‘fight, but here again they were not discouraged, and now they have a green to be proud of, and with a large membership (some 70 members) all keen as mustard, their prospects are indeed bright. When the metalling of the Parapara Road is complete Raetihi and Ohakune will be within less than three hours' run from Wanganui, and when once Wanganui bowlers have a sample of the hospitality of the bowlers up there, visits will be frequent and, as the different speakers stressed, exceedingly welcome. The Taihape green is better known, and the club there well established. Their green is a picture just now, and played splendidly. The visitors were treated right royally, and will never forget the happy time they spent, nor the many friends thev made.

Ohakune was the first place visited, and here they were met by Secretary Jack Sage and his band of enthusiasts, and, although it was very late, were treated to a splendid supper by that keen and well known bowler “Scotty” Mitchell. Vice-President Butler presided and some interesting speeches were made.

In the morning, which was gloriously fine, a game was played on their green, beautifully situated by the way among some fine bush, lunch being provided by another keen bowler in brother Tozer.

The party then went by motor to Raetihi where another warm welcome was given by President Harris and his merry men, and play immediately started. After the games the Raetihi Club provided dinner, finally entertaining the visitors at the Raetihi Club, which the party were loth to leave. The speeches at Raetihi were again excellent, two of the three Freds of the team—in bowlers Jones and Symes—especially distinguishing themselves. Raetihi have nothing to learn in the way of hospitality. The party then returned to Ohakune, leaving there in the morning for Taihape. On the way, they parted with one of their members in Bill Herd, his excuse being that he had some job or other to visit, but the party think the trip was getting too strenuous for him. However, he was in at the death at Taihape. The game on the Taihape green was both enjoyable and profitable, as a result of the interchange of views. President de Latour was spokesman for his club.

Mr J. B. Jack was appointed captain of the visitors, and carried out his duties well, his speeches being to the point, while his acknowledged ability as green superintendent made him a particularly desirable member of the party as far as Ohakune and Raetihi were concerned. This is the first tour of its kind undertaken by the local centre, but will not be the last. It is hoped that many of the friendships made during the tour will be renewed at the Easter tournament in Wanganui. At least two rinks will come from Ohakune, while it is hoped that Raetihi and Taihape will also send rinks. The centre will then try to repay their visitors for the handsome way they treated their representatives. The following are the details of the play. OHAKUNE. Richardson, King, Curtis and Sage 18 v. Symes, Jones, Harkness and Gordon 24. Mitchell, Jack, Tozer and Butler 19 v. Herd, Christensen, Michie and Jack RAETIHI. Drury, Miller, Chisholm and Scarfe 16 v. Gordon 31. Watson, Bryers, McKenzie and Green 20 v. Jack 23. TAIHAPE. Williams, Joblin, Neagle and Stent 13 v. Gordon 23. Aldridge, Ward, de Latour and James 22 v. Jack 25. (Mr Turnbull filled the vacancy in Jack’s team.)