THE SOCIAL ASPECT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 68, 22 June 1942, Page 5

THE SOCIAL ASPECT

BOWLING CLUB'S FUNCTION ENJOYABLE SMOKE CONCERT The annual smoke concert promoted by the Whakatane Bowling Club at the. conclusion of each season was this 3*car held in the Caledonian Hall and attracted a splendid attendance of members and visitors. The function which has enjoyed a widespread popularity in the past was again well up to standard and the general spirit of goodwill which prevailed was a genuine stimulant to all who attended. With the visitors from Taneatua a surprise turned up in the person of none other than Warrant Officer G. Peebles who was accorded a particularly hearty welcome. The programme of items, toasts, stories and friendly banter was assisted in large measure by the ial presence of Mr Alby Burt who as dispenser-in-chief'saw to it that there were no dull moments. The arrival of a brace of sucking pigs, cooked Avhole, was the signal for a general movement towards the tables. The newly elected president, Mr W. Henderson, invited all to partake and, with selector Stan McLeod keeping an eagle eye upon the front rankers there was little chance of any gate crashing. The delicacies were pronounced A. 1. The usual toast list was rather remarkable for the Avitty and well delivered effort by past president, Mr R. F. Smith, and, the constructive criticism of Mr Joe Creeke, in his response to the toast to "The Ladies." It'was a pleasure to hear both these gentlemen. During the proceedings opportunity was taken to present the trophies won during the season to the following: Champion Singles Cup, Mr A. J. Mclsaac;-Percentage Fours and Champion Pairs, Mr C. Loanc and Mr C. Hayward; Percentage Fours (skip), Mr C. Loane; Percentage Fours (2), Mr A- White; Han-< dicap Pairs, Messrs A. White and L. Berg; Junior Championship Singles, Mr F. Darvill and Nicholson Memorial Cup; Percentage Fours (3rd), Mr J. Frances; Percentage Fours (lead), Mr G. Otlcy. In handing over the shield which is annually contested for between the Whakatane and Taneatua clubs, Mr R. F. Smith said that this, year the trophy had been Avon by Taneatua after a contested tourney. The shield had been designed to promote good fellowship betAveen li;e ,t\vo clubs and in this it had v.'GTisucceeded. During the Avar it had been decided by both clubs, to suspend the usual contests and it Avould therefore remain in Taneatua's hands for the duration. Mr R. Alexander in accepting the shield briefly returned thanks. Proposing the toast to the men overseas, Mr L. King said that all sporting and recreation clubs could regarded themselves as most fortunate that they Avere able to function during the war. This, he claimed, was directly due to the men Avho Ave re doing their 'job" Many of those Avho continued to play, he kneAV, felt that they AAere not entitled to do so- during the war but on the other hand he AAas sure that Avere it possible to get an indication of Avhat the soldiers themselves- thought, there Avould be a unanimous endorsement of the decision to carry on Avith sport generally. Mr G. Peebles responding, said that haA'ing been aAvay for OA r er tAvo ycaus, he Avas probably entitled to reply. While most people recognised the activities of soldiers oA rerseas, he Avould like to mention the work of the Merchant Marine. If he had his Avay he Avould probably place them at the top of the tree. Regarding the continuation of sport, he urged that nothing could be better than the emulation of the people in England Avho played sport of all Lypes Avhenever the opportunity presented itself. Other toasts Avere: "Kindred Sports" Mr Stan MeLeod and Mir Les Luxton; "Sidelights on Bowls'" Mr R. F. Smith and Mr C. Loanc; "The Ladies" Mr Les Littlejohn and. Mr J. Cre?ke; "The Press" M-r J. Billiard and ?>lr G. Kingsley Smith; "The Visitors" Mr Dixon and Mr A. Alexander. Items given during the evening Avere as under: Solos, Mr Aubrey O Rourke, "Vale"' and "Trees'; Elocution, Mr Tony Smith "Confessions" Tenor Horn Solo, Mr C. Loane; Elocution, Mr Tony Smith "The Toff."