VALEDICTORY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 8, 25 September 1942, Page 5

VALEDICTORY

AN INFORMAL FAREWELL

MR J. BULLARD THE GUEST

Thirty members of the local bowling fraternity gathered last evening in the lounge of the Commercial Hotel for the purpose of bidding farewell to a popular one of their number in the person of Mr Jack Billiard, who leaves shortly to take up a new post in Wellington.

The occasion had that happy air of informality always associated with the greens and many Ave re the quips regarding the good old game which went to brighten the proceedings. Mr W. Henderson Avho presided, said that Mr Bullard had ahvays taken a prominent part in the game and could always be depended upon to play for the games sake 1 . He Avas known to all members as a genuine sport and one and all they regretted his going though tliey also complimented him on his promotion. He then presented Mr Bullard Avith a case of pipes. Other spea'kers to tender their good wishes Ave re Messrs H. Burgess (vice-president), G. Otley, A. J. Canning, Les Littlejohn, Arthur King, Stan MicLeod, W. HoAvat, Phil Dixon, Les Lux ton and H. L. King. Responding Mr Bullard said lie had prepared three speeches but would scrap them all and endeavour

I to .speak just as one bowler to liis friends. He felt deeply moved that such a representative gathering in his honour had. been possible out of season and he appreciated the gesture Avith all his heart. He drew attention to the fact that four years ago lie had been prominent in moving for the formation of a second club in Whakatane, but he was now very thankful that the project had not comc off. The club was in a wonderful position with greens and equipment which Avould, last them for years. He assured those present that he would be revisiting them all in due course and would not forget a friendly 'roll up' Avhcnever the opportunity presented itself.