BOWLING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 814, 12 October 1905, Page 13

BOWLING.

(By

“ The Skip.”)

OPENING OF ROCKY NOOK GREEN. Kingsland was en fete on Saturday last, the occasion being the opening of the Rocky Nook green for the season of 1905-6. The boundary of the green was gaily decorated with bunting, and a string of various flags reached from end to end of the pavilion, seats being dotted here and there at points of vantage for the convenience of the large gathering of visitors. Messrs. A. M. Bryden (lion, secretary), Ellisdon, B. Kayes, Rathbone, J. Scott, and W. McLeod, assisted by other members of the club, were busy in the early part of the day beautifying the surroundings and making all necessary arrangements for the pleasure of the visiting members of sister clubs. One could not help noticing the improvements and the advancement made at Rocky Nook. The green itself looked in first-class condition, and when the roller has done its share of the work this green will be as true and fast as most of them. The grounds have been tastefully laid out in flower beds, and the paths thoroughly renovated. Green Superintendent J. W. Butler and Caretaker Hyeatt (who has but lately been appointed), certainly deserve a word of praise for the excellent appearance of the green in general. Punctually to time Mr. J. Bouskill (president) addressed the bowlers, and extended to them the heartiest welcome it was possible to give. He certainly thought Rocky Nook had been favoured in having such a glorious day, and he trusted that one and all would thoroughly enjoy themselves. “With regard to ourselves,” said the President, “ our mem-

bership has been increased, and our' finance is -in a thoroughly flourishing and healthy ' state.” Mr. Bouskill then called upon his daughter to perform the time-honoured custom of bowling the jack across the rinks, and in so doing declared the green open for play with three hearty cheers from the assembled bowlers. During the afternoon tea and light refreshments were handed round to the guests, the ladies having this pleasant task in hand being Mesdames Hodgson, Bryden, Rathbone, and Ellisdon, assisted by the Misses Bouskill, McLeod. Morton, S Morton, and a host of young lady helpers. The afternoon being a particularly warm one, the efforts of the ladies’ committee were much appreciated. The draw for the match, President v. Vice-Presidents, resulted in a win for the latter by 174 to 141—majority 32 points. On making known the result of the afternoon’s play Mr. Bouskill said he was sorry to inform them that vice had been triumphant that afternoon. He thanked the visitors for their attendance and trusted one and all had enjoyed the outing, and extended to the bowlers a welcome to Rocky Nook green on the Wednesday (Labour Day). Mr. Murdoch McLean, president Auckland Bowling Association, thanked the Rocky Nook Club for their kird hospitality to all that afternoon, and said he was certain all had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. He said it was the first time he had bowled on their beautiful green, but this was because something had always cropped up that prevented him being with them before. Nevertheless, he hoped it would not be the last opportunity of being with them, and trusted they would still continue to prosper. Mr. McLean then called for cheers for Rocky Nook, which were heartily given. The usual cheers for the president and ladies brought to a close one of the brightest and most successful openings it has been the lot of Rocky Nook to enjoy. The Rocky Nook Club has had a most successful career ever since the first meeting held on November 26, 1901, when the fiist officers were elected for the purpose of forming a bowling club in the district, and has won a prominent place in various tournaments and inter-club contests. The club’s green, which is a full-size one—-120ft square—is situated at Rocky Nook, in the Mount Albert Road district, and is easily reached from all parts of the city and suburbs by the electric cars. Mr. Bouskill, a photo, of whom appears in this issue, has been elected a second time to the office of president in recognition of the valuable services rendered as first green superintendent. The immense amount of time and labour given by Mr. Bouskill in preparing the green on its formation has been duly appreciated by the members. Mr. Bouskill

is known to bowlers as a steady and most enthusiastic player, and can also skip a team with judgment. The club was represented at the first Rotorua tournament held in February, 1903, and again at Rotorua in February, 1905, in full-rink competition, when the team, consisting of J. Manson, N. C. Veale, T. Hodgson, and J. Bouskill (skip) won all the five games in their section, but lost the final play-off with Ponsonby, skipped by Air. J. Kirker. The club was also represented by 1 three rinks at the Auckland Association Easter tournaments in April, 1903 and 1904, and again in January, 1905, also at the Northern Bowling Tournament at Auckland in January, 1904, and at Gisborne in January, 1905; at Te Aroha tournament in January, 1905, the Rocky Nook team —Afessrs. H. Rathbone, J. W. Butler, J. Bouskill, and Gt Cutler (skip)—were successful in winning the gold medals for the fours competition. The officers of the club for the current year are:—President, Air. J. Bouskill; vice-presidents, Air. B. A. Kayes and Air. F. J. H. Ellisdon; secretary, Air. A. Al. Bryden; treasurer, Air. Thomas Hodgson; green superintendent, Mr. J. W. Butler; general committee, Messrs. G. Cutler, H. Rathbone, J. AlcLeod, and J. Jenkin. The Rocky Nook green was first opened for play on Saturday, November 1, 1902, Mr. Thomas Hodgson being elected the first president of the club, and held that position for three years at the special request of the members. Onehunga have definitely decided to open on October 21, Auckland and Remuera on November 4. * « * • Why that continuous laugh when President Bouskill stated “ that the membership of Rocky Nook was on the increase, and that two had been added that day?” Does, the Green Superintendent know? The teams skipped by O. Nicholson and C. Laurie had a remarkably close finish, and at no part in the game did more than a couple of points separate them. Crosher’s leading and Burns at No. 3 did good work for the winners, while Nixon and Laurie had the brunt of the work to bear for the losers. At the 20th head the game stood 19 all, and when the skips left Nicholson was laying one, and with his first bowl drew another. Laurie drew with both bowls, and after a close measure lost by the small majority of 2 points. Another half turn of the bowl would have drawn the shot. **• * « Otter and Carey (Carlton Club) were leading in first-class style. Jno. Becroft played his usual consistent game, and with the exception of a stray, narrow one, was seldom far from “ kitty.” .

W Lambert and Handcock, the wellknown Auckland club skips, had a real hard tussle for supremacy. Haresnape led well throughout, and it was only on the short heads that his opponent (Gamble) had a show with him. bhaldrick (Onehunga) made a sterling So. 2. Edmiston and Lee, on the end, weie no match for Rowe and McLean, the latter’s team winning by 29 to 10. The keenest and closest finish on the green was that between Little, Choyce, Harty, F. Court (skip) v. Lelievre, Murray, Dewar and B. Kayes (skip). There was little to choose: between the two teams, the game being interesting all through, and ended up 21 to 20 in favour of Court’s four.. * . * . * - * President Armstrong (North Shore) had an easy win over J. Bouskdl- The former certainly had the better team, and had two of the best drawing men on the ground in W. Gorrie and J. Parry. You can always tell when James (Mount Albert) is on the green. He has a ready and witty answer for all that come . along, and is one of the best-na-tured and most jocular skips one could wish to meet. It is said “ laugh and grow fat”; you certainly cannot refrain from laughing if you get near James in a rink. • * * * J. W. Butler was not up to his form of last year. No doubt the president's joke re increase of members was the real cause of J.W. being a bit off. * * * ' * That old warrior Ferguson (Mount Eden) was drawing like a mustard plaster. * * Dutton, of cork fame, played first-class on the medium heads, but when the length .was stretched the distance seemed, too far for him. J. M. Laxon and his clubmate, D. Clerk, met in friendly rivalry, and for some time it looked as though the latter would win, but Laxon and his trio put in a strong claim about five heads from home, and eventually won by 20 to 14. Fletcher (Rocky Nook) fairly excelled himself skipping on No. 7 rink, and although the play of the two teams was fairly even, he more than cpunter-bal-anced Cutler’s efforts, who opposed him, and won by 34 to 19—the biggest win of the day. • • • The Mount Eden Club were fairly going, on Saturday last, having nine rinks in full swing. Among the players were visitors from Remuera, North Shore, Wellington, Auckland, Rocky Nook, Onehunga,.and Ponsonby. • • J. Coe had a day out, and skipped his team home to the tune of 31 to Mclntosh’s (Onehunga) 11. James (Auckland) had to take his hat off to Brimblecom.be, the latter’s team winning by 23 to 21. J. A. Cooper (Ponsonby) was third for Mr. Brimblecombe, and A. Walker filled the same position for the losers. *■* * * Ross followed up his win of last week by beating his clubmate, Hudson. The scores were 25 to 19. * * * * Brightwell, from Newtown Club, Wellington, skipped a team against Harrison( North Shore). The scores ended 19 all. I was not there to see the play, but was told it was well worth watching. Rankin has started the season well. Skipping a four against Young he won by 24 to 20. McGregor and Pooley were the respective thirds. * * * * A. W. Jones, with Rendell as third, came out of his shell on Saturday, skipping his team to victory by 24 to*9. There was a big muster on the Carlton Club’s winter green on Saturday, and the rinks had to be overlapped. * * * * The Auckland veterans, Dingle and Ledingham, had a keen fight, but the latter’s team proved too good by 23 to 15. * * * * Bennie (New Plymouth) played a fine game on Saturday. He was up against Ronayne, and it was a ding-dong go all through, but a five on the 19th head left Bennie’s men winning by 27 to 22. “ Father Bill” Lyons only arrived from Sydney on Friday, but managed to find his way out to Carlton, where he beat Quinn by 23 to 18.

Mr A. M. Bryden, secretary of the Rocky Nook Club, was untiring in his efforts to add to the comfort and enjoyment of visitors. Those cigars were all right, and handed round to visitors and players alike.

The proposed scheme for playing Auckland pennant matches is to be submitted to the clubs for their approval or otherwise. We would be pleased to have the opinions of bowlers re the same expressed in these columns.

The newly-formed Waitemata Bowling Club has now three rinks completed, and five others are being made by Mr. Purdie. The ground is situated between Northcote and Birkenhead adjoining the tennis courts. Ornamental shrubs will be planted, and eventually this green should prove a pretty one, for the situation is excellent. Mr. Joshua Jackson is the hon. secretary of the new club. Truly the game of bowls is much alive in Auckland.