OPENING OF THE PONSONBY CLUB’S GREEN.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 818, 9 November 1905, Page 12

OPENING OF THE PONSONBY CLUB’S GREEN.

The opening of the above green for theseason of 1905-6 was celebrated on Saturday last, the weather being ideal from a bowler’s point of view. The sun shone out in all its splendour, and a cool summer breeze wafted across the green.

The surroundings of the green had received special attention for the occasion, the neatly laid out flower beds showing masses of bloom and the rinks looking in the pink of condition. Bunting was lavishly displayed about the building, and across the front, on a large banner, was the word “ Welcome.” The tea-room was gaily decorated in the club colours with maroon and gold ribbons, the whole presenting quite an artistic appearance. Just before three o’clock Mr. A. Bartlett (president) addressed the bowlers and invited guests, and extended to all the heartiest welcome of the club. He drew attention to the fact of the weather being all that one could desire, and the rinks, owing to the assiduous attention of Mr. J. Beer oft, sen. (green superintendent) and Mr. Iles (caretaker), would be found to be in first-class playing condition. The hospitality of the club would be found to be equal to past seasons, and the welcome extended to be equal to the weather. Mr. Bartlett then conformed to the time-honoured custom of bowling the jack across the rinks, duly declaring the green open for play, amidst cheers from the assembled bowlers. During the afternoon the Austrianband contributed a number of selections. The Ponsonby Bowling Club was originally formed at a meeting convened in August, 1893, and has the proud distinction of being the oldest club next to that of Auckland. At its first season it had 98 members, but a large proportion of them never rolled a bowl on its rinks. The first president was Mr. T. T. Masefield, and the offices of green superintendent, secretary, and treasurer were held by Mr. R. Ballantyne, to whose efforts in a large measure, the success of the green at that time was due. The club has grown to such a great extent that its rinks and pavilion are the largest in Auckland, and its membership, I am led to believe, is second to none. The clerical work of the club has grown to such an extent that it was found necessary to pay an honorarium for the secretarial duties.

Visitors to this green of the western suburb, easily reached from any part of the city by electric tram, will always find a hearty welcome. The match between sides picked to represent president v. vice-presidents ended in a win for the latter by three points. The scores were 296 to 293. The ladies were most assiduous in dispensing afternoon tea to bowlers and visitors alike, the tables being presided over by Mesdames Bartlett, Cootes, Snedden, and Langsford, assisted by Miss Bartlett and young lady friends. The usual greetings and cheers for Ponsonby Club and the ladies brought to a close a very pleasant afternoon’s enjoyment.