BOWLING.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18423, 2 July 1925, Page 14

BOWLING.

NOTES BY "SKIP." Tlio patronage accorded to the indoor bowling rinks lias been yery disappointing this season. The wet weather and cold foggy evenings have no doubt kept many enthusiasts away, and this is to bo regretted. Before tho season commenced the directors weut to a good deal of expense in having the floor made true and ■' relaid, and added to this new top-dressing, so that it would really be better'than over it had been in.tho past. Theso little improvements, unfortunately, have not been taken full advantage of by enthusiasts, but it is to be hoped that many of the usual challenge games will be arranged for during the coming months.

The Police rink, which put up such a fine performance during the summer mouths, are still adding to their laurels. They have played several games on the indoor rink and have been victorious every time. The combination is an exceptionally strong one, comprising as it does Ho'dgins, Almond, Hampton and McKenzie. Mr E. H. Borland, who was for many years associated with the Canterbury Club, met with a very painful accident at Temuka the other week. He slipped and fell, breaking two ribs and badly bruising himself. His many friends willbe pleased to know that he has now improved sufficiently to be removed to his home iu Eakaia. Mr T. D. Lonnie, well-known in Invercargill as a keen bowling enthusiast, has recently removed to Christchurch, joining up with the firm of Buxtons, Ltd. Mr Lennie was for several years on the executive of the Invercargill Bowling Club and, previous to leaving the southern centre, was presented with a caso of stainless carvers from tho club. \

Mr E C. Chegwin, who is touring Australia witli the New Zealand bowlers, sends a very interesting letter from Sydney, in which lie remarks that "The Auckland contingent had just arrived arid had been taken in hand' by Vic. Casev. They have had some very fino games, and the greens are m excellent order, in fact, I have never played on anything better. The play has improved greatly since my previous. visit, and games are not so easily won now Mr James Wall, the president of the Council, has arranged a programme, so we are looking forward to having quite a good time." Since writing the above the teams have journeyed to where they havo had a most enjoyable time. , | Mr E. Summers, who left for a business tour of America and Britain on March. 13th, sends an interesting letter from Montreal. Along with Mrs Summers he has been well over the United States and they have had a wonderful time 'in New" York they got their first piece of New Zealand news—the death of Mr Massey. Mr Summers says the- know little or nothing about bowW in the States, but they'know something about baseball. Mr and Mrs j Summers left by the Laucastra for Fncland on May loth, where they will spend several mouths. They also purpose visiting Scotland and Ireland with a run on tlie Continent. Prior to leaving for Sydney, Mr E. C. Chegwin was elected the first life member and patron of the Bcckcnham Club Tliis is an honour which was iustlv deserved, as the, recipient has done' more work for his club than could possibly be paid in pounds, shillings and pence.

The Council the Australian Bowling Association have arrived at a decision in connexion with the sizes and weights of bowls to be adopted throughout Australia. The measurements are as follows: — il'm and 4 5-16 in, major diameter, 31b 2oz maximum weight; oin, 3lb 3oz. to 31b 4oz; 5 l-16in, 31b 4oz, to 31b ooz; sJin, 31b Goz, to 31b 7oz; 5 3-16 in, 31b Soz. All bowls used will have to undergo the test set down, otherwise they will be ineligible. Each State Association will have to provide itself with a standard testing table or send its bowls to a State possessing one. Further, all bowls, whether of wood, rubber, or other material, shall be of the same shape as the standard bowls, so as to ensure the minimum draw. This, however, does not preclude the use of bowls having a larger draw than the standard. In connexion with the measurements given a variation of l-32nd of an inch is to be allowed either way. At a recent meeting of the Dunediu Centre, it was reported that a team plaving in tht Centre's Easter Tourua-

ment had failed to fulfil its engagement on Easter Saturday. It was decided to inflict a penalty of £2, according to the conditions of the tournament. Tho New Brighton Club has effected a very great improvement in the widening of its, ditches right round ihc green. They were always on the narrow side, but there will be no room for complaint this coming season, as they will be found to be all that could be desired. In the last edition of "Bowling Life," which has just come to hand, thero are several caricatures of New Zealand bowlers, who have been designated "Tho Knuts." Among those who havo caught the artist's, eye arc Arthur Parker, E. C. Chegwin, G. Campboll, W. Coots and Brookfield. Mr "W. Cooksley, who was for several years associated with the Opawa Club, and who is now resident in Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, was a recent visitor-to this city. In a quiet chat Mr Cooksley said that for nearly six years now ho .had not rolled a bowl, as tho work on his farm took up all his time. However, he was looking forward to renewing many of his old friendships on the green, as he was going to have more leisure very soon. Mr Cooksley _ was very enthusiastic over his home in the North Island, and he was taking up the game in earnest in Wairoa. ' On Thursday evening tho Sumner Club are holding a social in tho Club Pavilion, at which the annual presentation of prizes will take place. As it is looked on as one of the social events of the year in the seaside town thero is sure to bo quite a good gathering. I have to acknowledge, with thanks, a copy of the annual report and balancesheet from the Wellington Centre. It is v.ery nicely got up and is again full of information. It also contains a list of all the champion games since the inception of the centre.