Bowling and Bowlers.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XIX, 7 November 1903, Page 59

Bowling and Bowlers.

CHAT ON THE SEASON’S PROSPECTS. Within the last few years the growth of interest in bowling has increased wonderfully. In the old days the average bowler was a short, stout man, with ample spread of waistcoat, generally also past mid life, and possessed of a strong Scotch accent. Now the game has become cosmopolitan, and is indulged in by both old and young, rich and poor. for. whatever a player’s financial position may be in the city, on the green at least Bobbie Burns’ assertion that “A man’s a man for a* that” is duly recognised. As the bowling season has just opened, a representative of the “Auckland Star” waited upon Mr J. M. Lennox, who, besides being an enthusiastic bowler, happens just now to be president of the Remuera Bowling Club, and also of the Auckland Bowling Association. “It is quite true,” remarked Mr Lennox, ‘‘that of late there has been a growing interest in bowling. At the present time there are about 14 clubs affiliated with the Auckland Bowling Association, each having its own green. Within the last few years greens have been opened at Onehunga, Alt. Eden. Rocky Nook, Mt. Albert, Cambridge, Te Aroha, Rotorua and elsewhere. Altogether there are now about 800 members of the various bowling clubs. It is not alone in New Zealand that the interest in bowling has developed, for I notice that it is set down as one of the Olympic games at the forthcoming St. Louis Exhibition. One great feature about bowlers is the brotherly spirit that prevails all round. There are no disputes on the greens. The skip controls his rink, and in measuring the decision of the third man is final. I don’t wonder at the growing interest in bowling here,

because the game is particularly suited for this climate, entailing us it docs gentle exercise in warm weather.” “Yet I understand bowling was originally a Scotch game?” “That is so. but formerly the green had a bias, and the bowl-, were round. Now the green is level, and the bowls take the bias.” “That must interfere somewhat with the practice of driving that is growing.” “I regret that latterly driving has come into bowling, but it is not considered good or safe play. In fact, driving savours of recklessness. A firm resting shot answers all the purposes of driving, and is the higher science of bowling.” “I notice that young men have taken to bowling, whereas years ago it was considered an old man’s sport?” “Undoubtedly there are many young men now that go in for bowling, and, while I think a more active game, such as cricket, or lawn tennis, would be more suitable to them: still, it is better to see them take up bowling rather than not in for recreation at all.” “There is a tournament this season here, I understand?” “Yes, about the 11th of January. Now that the Auckland Bowling Association has so many clubs affiliated with it there is reason for serious consideration whether or not we should not form an Auckland Provincial Bowling Association, and that the Northern. Auckland, and Dunedin Associations should be affiliated to one New Zealand Association, formed for all over the colony. Steps have already been taken in this matter, and we will confer with the representatives of the Northern Association who visit us next January. Prizes worth about £5O will be open for competition at that tournament. No doubt you have seen them in Mr A. Holden’s window. Queen-street. Those prizes are not restricted to members affiliated with the Northern Association, but are open to all-comers, and ea»h member of the winning rinks will get a prize.”