OTAKI BOWLING CLUB

Chronicle (Levin), 22 October 1946, Page 2

OTAKI BOWLING CLUB

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY The official opening ceremony.of the Otaki Bowling Club for this season- took place on Saturday 1 afternoon in the presence of a large J number, including many visitors, while among those present were several ladies. The day was dufl, ; but a few heads were played and then abandoned on account of light rain. The condition of the green was satisfactory, while the surroundings, thanks to a few energetic members of the club, were a credit to those responsible. ■ Mr. W. Wilson, president of the club, stated that it was the 39th anniversary of the club, having been started in 1908. After apologising for the condition of the weather, Mr. Wilson made feeling reference to the death of Messrs. Len Kilmister and Michael Coventry, and asked that all stand in silence as a tribute to their memory. After tliis a telegram was read from Mr. L. G. Lowry, M.P., who was still in hospital in Rotorua, wishing the club every success. The hope was expressed that Mr. Lowry would make a speedy recovery and again be able to take part in bowling. Mr. Dallas, president of the Karori Club, also wrote conveying the best wishes of members of his club, and wishing the Otaki Club every success and an enjoyable season. The Wellington Centre and I the N.Z. Bowling Association wrote in similar terms. Mr. Wilson paid a tribute to the good work of the ladies who, he stated, could not be done without. Apologies were received from the Mayor (Mr. C. F. Atmore) and Dr. Atmore for their unavoidable absence, the former taking part in another opening ceremony. Mr. G. H. Hanson, a former member of the club and now of Wanganui, who forwarded a donation, thanked the club for its hospitality on the occasion of his visit to Otaki last season, and wished the club every success. Mrs. Wilson was then called upon to roll the kitty, which « she did in true bowlers' style, while Mr. Dave Noble, the oldest piaying member of the club, rolled the first ball, doing so in fine manner, just missing kitty. (Applause followed) . Mr. B. A. Gulse, who is Otaki's representative on the Wellington Centre, conveyed to the club the best wishes of the centre, which he represented that day, and trusted that the club would have a very .^joyaMe seas^^ He Tegarded his appomtment as delegate to the Otaki Club as an honour, and assured all that while doing his best for the club, he. would have the interests of bowling at heart generally. Mr. Guise made mention of the fact that it was desirable that anyone taking part in tournaments should appear in "whites," although he admitted these might be hard to obtain. He had hopes that they would shortly be procurable, but anyone unable to procure them should make application to the "heads" to appear in greys. He assured them that under the circumstances this would be granted. Mr. Guise also extended best- wishes from the Newtown Club, of which he was a member. (Applause) . During the day afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies and fully appreciated. Considerable improvement has been carried out at the club's green, mainly through the efforts of Mr. Les Walsh and Mr. Ted Bartosh. The grounds have been nicely cleaned, plants put in and coat-hangers, holders for cigarette butts, and a cycle rail erected. The

caretaker, Mr. Tim Winterburn, has also done good work. Tournament Postponed Sunday morning broke unfavourable for bowls and in consequence the tournament to have been held at the Otaki Railway green was postponed, word being sent to Wellington and other distant players that no games would result. However, the weather brightened, and it was agreed to hold Barnett pairs games during the afternoon. These started in good weather, but after two games heavy rain fell and play had to be abandoned. On the Otaki green there were a large number of players and games were about half-way through when the rain caused players to seek shelter and ultimately go home.