THE VISITING BOWLERS

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17965, 10 March 1930, Page 3

THE VISITING BOWLERS

TOUR CONCLUDES

DEPARTURE FOR AUCKLAND. FARE WELLED BY LOCAL CLUBS. As a filling finale to a memorable tour, the Taranaki louring teams were tendered a farewell social by South Auckland bowlers on Saturday night. There were representatives present from practically all the clubs under the jurisdiction of the South Auckland Centre and a pleasant evening was spent. During their stay in the Waikato the Taranaki bowlers have met most of the clubs in the district, and a fair measure of success has come their wav But apart from these meetings on ‘’the field of sport, the true significance of the tour has been shown in a social light. New friends have been made by both visitors and home players, and the happy memories of these meetings will remain long after the results of the games have ceased to be a topic of conversation. At Saturday night's gathering the chair was capably occupied by Mr R. A' Pilkington, president of the South Auckland' Centre. After the Royal toast had been honoured the chairman extended a welcome to the visiters and voiced the appreciation of the Centre of the Taranaki visit. The Visitors. The toast of the evening, that of the Taranaki*Centre, was proposed by Mr Pilkington, who, in the course of his remarks, mentioned that many 01 the Dominion’s finest bowlers came from that province. That the standard of play in Taranaki was of a veryhigh order was evidenced in the fact that on no occasion had any outside club ever won the annual tournament held bv the Taranaki centre. The South Auckland Centre would always have a welcome ready for teams from Taranaki. Some interesting figures were quoted by Mr T. Petty, president of the Taranaki Centre, in responding to the toast. It was in 1913 that the Centre was formed, and at that time the membership was very small. But as the years passed so did bowling become more popular, and .to-day there were some 1100 bowlers in Taranaki territory. The smallest club had a membership of 10, and the largest, 106. Speaking of the tour, Mr Petty said that his fellow' bowlers appreciated the welcome that had been accorded them, and had greatly enjoyed their slay in the district. The

greens here were excellent, particu- j larly the new grass at Thames This , he considered to he the finest flist . year green that he had ever placed j upon. The party had been astonished J at the many signs of progress i throughout the district. From even j aspect the lour had been most successful. and as a token of appreciation the Taranaki bowlers wished to present to Mr Pilkinglon the 1930 badge of the Centre. (Applause). Taranaki’s “Baby." Referring lo Ihe Awakino Club (10 members) which, although actual y on South Auckland territory is affiliated to the Taranaki Centre. Mr Petti said that the club members had appreciated the South Auckland Centre s consideration of their position, in allowine them to play in the Taranaki area, "and thus obviating much unnecessary expense in travelling. The Awakino Club, Mr Petty said, bad • sent with him a “greenstone” pendant which thev wished him to present to Mr Pilkington on their behalf. He then handed over the ornament to the chairman, amidst laughter. Kindred Sport*. An important toast, that of bowlin- and kindred sports, fell to Mr J. A.. Young, M.P., to propose. He said that bowling and other sports, w 7 ere forms of recreation, which are neccssarv to all as a means of physical as well as mental regeneration. For those past the age of strenuous athletic sports, bowling was the finest , recreation to take up. For the ladies, too, was the associated game of croquet. All forms of sport, but bowling in particular, tended to develop the verv best in friendly and social spirit. Rowling fostered sportsmanship as was demonstrated by the Awakino Club, in sending to Hamilton their token of appreciation, which, added Mr Young, was doubtless imbued with luck-bringing qualities, and would always be treasured by the recipient, as representing the good leeling existing between clubs. Speaking of Daylight Saving and its relationship to spoil, Mr Young said that the extra half hour had provided a means of access lo Nature's greatest health-giving factors, fresh air and sunshine, and also provided greater opportunities for recreation He considered that if those in opposition to the scheme would reconsider their opinions, they would find that the benefits greatly outweighed the disadvantages. During the evening a lengthy toast list was honoured, and these, interspersed with musical and elocutionary items, pleasantly passed the time After supper bad been served the function concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. The musical programme was provided by Miss Dulcie Evans, and Messrs K. P. Eade, E. H. Quill, J. T. Battersby and F. E. Mason, while elocutionary items were given by Miss Phyllis Torpy.