RAILWAY CLUBS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17841, 14 October 1929, Page 6

RAILWAY CLUBS.

COMBINED GATHERING,

MR STERLING WELCOMED. BIG RALLY FOR OPENING. The social side of the railway world was in evidence on Saturday afternoon when the official opening of the various clubs of the Frankton Junction Railway Employees’ Sports Association took place. The weather was threatening early in the afternoon and a heavy shower about 3 o’clock somewhat marred the proceedings. There was a particularly largo gathering on the lawn when the opening ceremony took place. Mr T. Luxton, vice-president, speaking in the absence of the president, Mr D. Martin, welcomed the members and visitors and expressed his pleasure at the sight of so large a gathering. It was also very pleasing to be able to welcome Dir H. H. Sterling, General Manager of Railways, who had been able to spare the time to demonstrate his Interest in the social activities 0 i the employees. Bowling Programme.

Mr D, G. Meredith, vice-president* of the South Auckland Bowling Centre, apologised for the absence of the president, Mr Pilklngton, who had a prior engagement. A keen but heavy bowling season was imminent and the centre requested and required the assistance of all clubs to ensure success. The singles and rinks contest for the Hardley Shield at Auckland on the first Wednesday in December had attracted good entries. In the past there had only been eight rinks competing, but 16 were expected to take the green on the forthcoming occasion. Between Christmas and New Year the big tournament would be held and it was desired to make it the biggest event in South Auckland. Forty Canadian bowlers were expected on January 2, and there would be another rinks visit later in that month. Taranaki bowlers would tour through the Waikato in the second week of March. Mr Meredith congratulated the Railways Club on the excellent appearance of its green and surrounding property, which was a credit to the greenkeeper. He wished the president, members and other officers a happy and successful season. (Applause.)

General Manager’s Remarks.. Keen pleasure at being in a position to accept the kind invitation of the club to open the season was expressed by Mr Sterling. He had always taken much interest in the social and sports activities of the railway employees, because he believed interest in his fellow-workers should not be confined to the hours of work. “The facilities provided here are a monument to co-operative effort,’’ ha added. "With the labour of the employees and the material supplied by the department you have built up an organisation which, I doubt, is surpassed by any industrial concern In the Dominion.” Dir Sterling commended the rule of the clubs which provided for outsida players. This tended to dispel the insular aspect and was of great value. In the 19,0P0 railway workers of New Zealand there was a great combined family who must be a big influence in the country. Glean sportsmanship would always make for the gtiod of the home and increase the sum total of human happiness. (Applause.) Mr Sterling . then declared the season open and called upon Miss Green to serve the first tennis hall. Mrs Peterson struck the first croquet ball, and Mrs Martin, wife of the president, howled first jack. Orchestral selections were provided by the Joy Boys’ Or'hcstra O. Cheesman, S. Goodwin and O. Salisbury) . The rain held off sufficiently to allow most of the sports to proceed, and some enjoyable contests were indulged in.