BOWLING.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19545, 6 April 1935, Page 20 (Supplement)

BOWLING.

AROUND THE GREENS >; el ‘ • K- v| ITEMS OF INTEREST* I !'£; i —: 'v?IMPROVB YOUR GAME}. || (By “ Jack High.’*)) In reply to R. T. Harrison’s letter, 'which is rather like a querulous protest to a very mild criticism (possibly too mild) .sandwiched between a florid advertisement of his wares and very unique qualifications. However, I live in hopes that “R.T.H. ” (I had nearly written “Dick”) will be conyinced that he can take me seriously, not too much so, as on my side at least, this is quite a friendly tilt between us.

Of course he could (hardly be expected to know any one under a “non de plume” particularly when the unknown has the audacity to even dream W criticising a| - player writer with such a world-wide correspondence'. Who states, in effect, my grip, my stance, my whole system have been accepted by the world as the one and only standard of perfection, who is the only man whose services are constantly in request for lectures, who is the only teacher of modem ideas, who has been building up generations of bowlers for 28 years, who wears out typewriters galore, who beat Bill Carswell and others; nothing about whom he was beaten by. It rather takes one’s breath away to oven read this over.

To olear the air and disabuse Boomerang's mind of any idea that “Jack High” Is not worth wasting pen and Ink on, It should be sufficient to quote two bowling writers’ opinions. Boomerang himself, who Is never wrong, describes me in his notes as an authority and celebrity. The other (not a looal writer) a well known and capable one, writes! “Among the players In the province who have continually maintained a forefront position in bowling over a long period Is" —> Maok High” will serve to fill in the blank. “Indeed, as an exponent of the game on the green he oan certainly be ranked as a complete master. His etyle displays a studied attitude to the game and is the very poetry cf bowling motion.’- 5 To publish this sort of stuff is not at all to my liking, hut *' Boomerang" demands it and further hsks what I have done in.the arena. I am quite in accord with his statement that if you are not an outstanding classic winner then your ideas or criticisms cannot he accepted. Perhaps an enumeration of only a few successes prior to the time when he started correcting and building! up, eto., 28 years ago may qualify me to Join the very select circle of teachers and critic's. Northern Bowling Association Inter-club (two rinks), Auckland, 1900; Citizens’ Rink Championship, Auckland, 1900, playing as No. 2; N.8.-A. Inter-c'lub Wellington, 1902, as No. 3; New Zealand Champion Singles, 'Christchurch, 1903; New Zealand Champion Rinks, Christchurch, 1903, played as 'No. 3; against the N.B.A. champion rink for 1903, at Wellington; best two of three games, won first two. N Now that I have produced my testimonials without disclosing my Identity this may come later, I feel at liberty to deal with the subject matter of Mr Harrison’s letter.

I fall -to note any ‘‘cheek’’ In suggesting to Engelbuetson that a howl smaller and lighter than a '5 1-8 would probably .suit him better. Be that as it may, I was thanked for the hint and have no doubt by this time the improvement looked for has been effected. While on this subject, among others, who asked for advice was M. Routley, who skipped the winning champion of champions rink, Wellington Centre. 'He also was using 5 1-8 hen-solites and I feel confident his sucoess was partly due to the use of something smaller. Improve Your Game, Boomerang Is well off the rails when he assumes it had a reference to his play or manner of playing, as a matter of faot this Is a heading that has appeared over bowling notes for months and referred to beginners and learners.

Measuring Up. To .quote me correctly should read, “Measuring up Harrison’s style with our best, I must give the palm to the New 'Zealands.” Now Whatever has that to do with playing against Carswell or anyone else, play does not enter into the question. I stand by what I have written, that Boomerang’s style did not appeal to mo as a good model for the reasons given. lam completely at a loss, and would be pleased to learn how our smaller mats can be blamed for the "weaknesses” he admits I discovered in his style. Why make the laboured excuse that I must have been looking at someone else? I have a senso of humour and “believe it or not" my eyesight is quite good. While freely admitting the good Boomerang has done and is doing for the game of bowls, he would be still more admired were he a" shade more tolerant. Surely there is room for diversity of opinion. Prompted’ by the keen interest this correspondence and the article that promoted It has aroused here. May I suggest, even at the risk of being termed "cheeky." and receiving a blast, he give It the same publicity through his valued page In the Refcreo. Correspondence. Style (Carlton). —Thanks very much for your offer, I am in no need of as-' sistanco at present, if required will jail on you. Look for reply in next •Jssuo.

Sulphate (Wellington).—There are makes of sulphate of ammonia. Try it in a glass of water, it should completely dissolve without any brown discolouration or sediment.

Reader .(Thames). —It 1s not at all likely this column will bo continued after 'this month. It is only of interest during the playing season. Boomerang (Sydney).—l have attended to the points you mention in this issue. Knowing your expressed views, which I endorse, that a champion to be a real one should be unbeaten, you will be interested to learn something 1 had overlooked. The two events in Christchurch in which ] figured in 1903 were on the one life system. This, of course, makes Ihe wins the more meritorious. Green Test (Hamilton). —I understand "Trundler" of the Auckland Star is dealing with this subject. I may have something to say later. .Forehand and

guard against dmwing the arm across ■toe body after releasing, and keep the palm of the hand facing upward. Step Out, (Wanganui) >—l had something to say about this recently. It la (hardly possible to fix any given’ length of stride, so much depends on the players physique. The pace taken in walking is a good base to start from and will enable you to comfortably return to the mat In drawing shots. ~ Follow On, '(Palmerston North). — This to many is & help in keeping balance. Guard against overdoing the follow on, it may cause lurching forward. .Correspondence addressed to “Jaok High,” Waikato Times, will be answered through this column.