OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue XVII, 22 October 1904, Page 23

OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

- OPENING OF PCXNSONBY GREEN. The Fonsonby Bowling Club’s greens were formally opened for the season on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large assemblage. The club buildings were decorated for the occasion, and the Garrison Band played selections during the afternoon, which was brilliantly fine. A number of the city and suburban clubs sent rinks of players to the opening, the following being represented by their presidents as well as other players:—Rocky Nook (Mr J. Bouskill). Carlton (Mr T. Cottle), Ojieiiunga (Mr F, Court), Remuera (Mr C. Ranson), Auckland (Mr W. Ciilpan), Mount Eden (Mr O. Niehofrou). Mount Albert (Mr M. McLean), and Cambridge (Mr 'l'. Wells). Mr Thos.-Peacock, the president, in his opening remarks, said that the club had much to be thankful for in getting so fine mi afternoon for the opening day. The members also should be grateful to the officers of last season that the green had been so much improved in its surroundings ami enlarged to such an extent that they had 4in area probaldy greater than any other chib’s in the colony. The membership had also largely increased, and there were about 130 effective members .pn ; the roll. This was, he considered, a remarkable' number when it was remembered tTfat the club was only one of the eight in Auckland and the suburbs alone. When he thought of that and looked bark more than 30 years to the time when he first played bowls on the Auckland grenn, .which was then and for many years after that the only howling green in the whole province, if not the whole North Island, he was impressed with the great change that had taken place, and gratified to sec the enthusiasm which had been developed in connection with such an excellent game and the members participating in it. (Applause.) The chairman then proceeded with the usual ceremony of throwing the jack across the green, ami thus declared the green open for play for the season. The new part of the green was reserved from play on account of the recent bad weather, but the remaining area was in excellent order, having been carefully nursed and prepared, by the green superintendent (Mr J. Becroft) and the caretaker (Mr A. lies). Mr W. Darby (treasurer). Mr M. Fairs (seccrtary). and an efiergetic committee laboured’ hard to make the opening a success, and they certainly .achieved their object, for the afternoon in the sunshine was most enjoyable for players and onlookers alike. The ladies provided refreshing afternoon tea for the club, those chiefly concerned in this being Mrs ami Miss Newell. Mrs Fairs, Mrs and Miss Bccroft. Miss Peacock, and Mrs Gorman. The club is to he congratulated heartily on the success of the opening day. A number of rinks were played during the day between the presidential amt vice-pre-sident la I teiuns, the vice-presidents’ team winning by a majority of ID points. At the couchishm of I he play Mr Murdoch McLean, on behalf of the visitors, thanked the club for an enjoyable afternoon's sport.