Croquet And Bowling Clubs' Season Begins

Chronicle (Levin), 20 October 1949, Page 2

Croquet And Bowling Clubs' Season Begins

Ideal weather prevailed for the recent opening of the Otaki Croqaeu Club. The joi-nt secretaries, Mesdames E. Harding and S. Brooks, had worked most assiduously to have everything in readiness for their big day. Visitors were present from all neighbouring* clubs, southerners coming from as far as Paraparaumu apd Paekakariki. Many lady bowlers were among those present. 7 Mr. J. D. Avery, presiden'o of the Otaki Bowling Club, performed the offlcial ceremony and played the first ball through the hoop. In "a most apt speech he declared the green open. Mrs. M. Percival, the croquet club president, replied in happy vein. Mrs. Bryant, district president, of Manakau, also spoke on behalf of , visitors. Beautif ul shoulder sprays, the work of Mrs.-C. Jensen, were presented to the president and all other officials. A delicious afternoon tea, to which all the bowlers present were invited was provided by the ladies. Competitions on the croquet green were the order of the afternoon, winners being as follows: Aunt Sally, Mrs. Bowling, Manakau; French croquet, Mrs. Gurney, Otaki; golf croque'c, Mrs. S. Brooks. Mesdames D. McCready, R. Young and J. Gurney were in charge of the competitions. Ladies' Afternoon The Otaki Railway Ladies' Bowling Club officially opened its season on Wednesday and was favoured with a beautiful sunny day. Visitors were numerous, coming from Levin and Paraparaumu, with croquet club members also supporting their sister organisation. With the green in first class order and looking very fresh following the weekend rain, the scene generally was quite picturesque. Mr. T. V. Cahill, vice-president of the Railway Bowling Club, in apologising for the unavoidable absence of the president, extended a cordial welcome to all and conveyed the best wishes of his club to the ladies for a happy and successful season. Mrs. J. Barnett, president, acknowledged the tributes paid by Mr. Cahill and offered 'ihe thanks of her fellow club-membe'rs for the many kindnesses shown at all times. Mrs. Barnett then called on Mrs. Whitelaw, the oldest .playingtAmember present, and Mrs. Manttan, the founder of the ladies' club, to piay up the kitty and first bowl respec'dvely. The green was declared officially open and throughout . the afternoon many keen games were seen and thoroughly enjoyed. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies, all arrangements being most ably carried out under the guidance of the club's energetic secretary, Mrs. Rosoman. Railway Bowlers' Function The Otaki Railway Bowling Club fared no better than many other clubs when on Saturday the official opening of its green took place. Heavy rain the previous night preeluded the possibility of any play, and apart from playing the .-fitty and first bowl visits to the green were not possible. Th'e official ceremony was performed by the club's president, Mr. A. Watt, who welcomed the large number present. He assured all that the current season bode fair to be well up to the standard of preVious seasons, thanks to the untiring efforts of the green - keepers and secretary, Mr. W. S. Hughes, who had spared no effort in having everything in readiness. Mr. J. D. Avery, president of the Otaki club, offered greetings from his club and expressed the hope that the season would be a pleasant and happy one for all bowlers. Mr. W. Wilson, centre delegate, endorsed these remarks and expressed the centre 's willingness to further the interests of all clubs. Mrs. J. Barnett, president of the Otaki Railway Ladies' Bowling Club, also congratulated the men on the many improyements evident, and offered hest wishes for a successful season. Amidst applause, Mr. McGregor played the first "jack," with Mr. A D. Webster following with the first bowl of the season.