SPORT OF BOWLING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 78, 24 May 1946, Page 5

SPORT OF BOWLING

THE WHAKATANE CLUB

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REVIEW

The following is the President’s (Mr W. S. Henderson) report, which was presented at the annual meeting of the Whakatane Bowling Club last evening:

It is my privilege to submit to you the annual report for the season just concluded.

Competitions

The Singles Championship was won by a second year player, Mr C. Good. This was a remarkable performance against strong opposition and his success was well deserved. Pairs championship was won by W. S. Henderson and S. J. McKenzie and their success was mainly due to a faultless display of leading by Mr McKenzie. The Junior Championship was won by Mr R. Morpeth. The Handicap Pairs were won by P. Smoljan and G. Oswald. Tournaments Forbes Cup. This cup was retained by a stfong Whakatane rink comprising I. Horne, A. C. King, E. Currah and R. Murphy (skip). Francis Cup: This open tournament was played on our greens during Xmas week, 22 teams competed the winners being Whakatane rink J. Riddell, R. West, W. Howat and C. Loane (skip). Executive Fours (Bay of Plenty Centre) won by Whakatane rink S. J. McKenzie, P. Dixon, J. H. Warner and W. S. Henderson (skip). Easter Tournament Our third open Easter Tournament, in which 32 teams took part, was a financial success but was considerably marred by rain. The winning rink was from Patumohoe, Messrs Brown, Neil, Oates and Pirritt (skip) the runners-up being the Whakatane rink, Messrs. Burt, Hooper, Hollis and Murphy (skip). Greens Unfortunately our greens have not shown any improvement during the season and at the Easter Tournament were definitely not of tournament standard. Whether the drought period, or the general treatment of greens was responsible I am unable to enlighten you. Mr Creeke, appointed Green Superintendent last annual meeting, did a tremendous amount of work, and the club’s thanks are due to him. Mr Creeke was unable to continue to give the time demanded and in February tendered his resignation. Mr Murphy volunteered to undertake the duties, and was appointed Green Superintendent by your committee, and although conditions and difficulties faced were substantial, he has spared no effect in the attempt to improve the greens. Your committee decided to bring a bowling green expert from Auckland to report and advise on the greens and Mr Tom Stringer of the Hillsboro Club, and Auckland Green Advisory Board, spent the weekend of May 11 in making a thorough diagnosis. He gave verbal instructions to the Green Superintendent for certain work to be done immediately and has followed this up with a comprehensive written report and instructions. There should be no need for me to. stress that Mr Stringer’s expert advice re treatment should be strictly observed. We have placed ourselves in his hands and it is the duty of the incoming committee to see and demand that there be no variation to his recommendations unless it first has his approval. . Mower A firm order for a new electrical mower was placed several months ago and we should have delivery before the new season opens. The cost of the machine will be approximately £l4O.

Finance

Our financial position, as you will see from the balance sheet, is sound indeed. There has been increased expenditure on some items such as wages, an increase over last year of £6O including new scrims and new 3” hose costing £56, maintenance an increase of £23 and honorariums, an increase of some £36. The special donations exceed £2OO. It is doubtful whether these can be maintained to the same extent and the notice of motion attached to your balance sheet, if carried, will be, to some extent, the solution. Secretary

Mr S. J. McKenzie, Hon. Secretary, has intimated to me that he will not accept re-nomination. He has capably carried out the arduous

duties of secretary during the last 3 years and I extend my own and the club’s sincere appreciation to him. Resignation of Member It is with sincere regret that your club acknowledges the resignation, for health reasons, of Mr A. J. Canning. Mr Canning has been a member for more than 30 years and in past days did yeoman service for the club. To him goes the members’ thanks and best wishes for improved health. Ladies I wish to extend grateful thanks to the ladies who have assisted the club at all times during the season with especial thanks to Mesdames Henderson, Carling, Pearson, Wilson, Dixon, Warner, HoWat, Darvill and Littlejohn. Committee To my executive members, my thanks for their loyalty and assistance. Differences of opinion between my colleagues were quite often expressed but harmony and goodwill were ever present. Conclusion For the last five years I have been closely connected with the club’s management in one or other of its chief executive positions and it is without egotism that I say I can look back on that period with a fair amount of satisfaction. A comparison of the balance sheets of 1940-41 and 1946 tells a clear story in that particular direction. Let me thank the nany members who have requested me to accept re-nomination for the Presidency. My decision not to accept is irrevocable and I will, propose tonight as president a member who I am sure will do justice to the office and the club.