BOWLS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1564, 7 October 1912, Page 6

BOWLS.

THE OPENING OF THE SEASON,

WELLINGTON CI.UU. The seasons arc out of joint. After a wretched winder, marked by an abnormal numlcr of «c( .Saturdays, it was expected til n t the spring would insike some amends. To bo sure, the Mnori in his haunts on tlio banks of Ihu .Nan-awatu llivev had noted that "whitebait were unusually numerous in the river," and two months ago foretold mi early spring, Ma>, the Maori prophets have lieen out. in their calculations once inure, mid howlers will doubtless petition i'lunla. of Te Kiwi, praying that prophets should l>o bracketed lor sup-

pression with the tohunga. As a matter of fact, the »priii|f has been as unlike spring as it was possible for it to lie, and it will be found lh.it all summer fames will be thrown hack at least a month by the vagaries of the weather. Saturday was fix«nj upon for the opening of the bmi'lriig sftisou, for which function brilliant weather is'always hoped for by the earnest bowler. On this occasion, all supplications were in vain—the weather was extremely wretched. True, it didj not rain but for a slight shower earjy in , the morning, but rain threatened, irowmngiy the whole day, and a nastv raw-edged blustering north-westerly gale blew, raising clouds of dust in every direction. It was that kind of Wellington weather when everybody and everything looks at their worst, and depression stalks abroad in' spite of nil social wiles invented by man to combat it.

In the local bowling world (he interest usually centres in the opening of the Wellington Clubs green, which is generally a very pleasant and picturesque function. It would have been soon Saturday afternoon, for the, green and its adjuncts were looking at their very best, But the dull weather took all tlio colour out of tlio day. In the absence of the president (Mr. C- Smith) and vice-president (Mr. Donald M Lean), both of whom are on the other side x of the world, the season was declared open by the late president (Mr. Andrew Hamilton), who extended a. heart}' welcome to the large number present; He'stated that it was the hreutyseventh annual opening of the club, and one had only to look round to'witness how the club had progressed in that time. Only a few years ago bowls was considered a game fitted for those who were passed the age of activity necessary for cricket and tennis, but now it was ; being taken up by young men. Then, too, it was conceded by medical men that'the Low-line was conducive to longevity. Only last season a game was played between teams from the Wellington and Thorndou Clubs, the youngest member of which was 73 years of age, and both teams*'were of such a calibre that there was no champion rink in the Dominion which could afford to hold them cheap. (Applause.) He was pleased to see so many veterans of the game among those present—men who had helped so materially to make the club what it was. The thaDks of the club were due 1 to the ladies, who were always present in'numbers to grace any function in connection with the club, and to assist in providing members and visitors with thoso creature comforts made dear to them by convention and sound health. Ho extended to them a cordial invitation to attend at the' green every Saturday afternoon and any other day of the week for that matter. (Applause.) . ,'

Mr. Hamilton, explained that it was deemed advisable not to play oo the ereen that day, as it was still very, soft from tho morning's rain, and' would' cut Up easily. So instead of play the majority of those present adjourned to the pavilion and tho ladies to the social hall" where afternoon tea was daintily served. Tho ladies present included: -lies-lames A. Hamilton, G. Remington, l<.. Gilm'er, G. Brown, Kane, Misses Price, Crime, Jfartin and Kcmpleton. After tea an impromptu concert was arranged and songs were contributed by Mr. and Mrs. H. Woods, lliss'Kandat and Mr. G. B. Dall, and Miss Lissack recited cleverly. Down below the gentlemen spent the afternoon over the card tables. A feature upon which everyone remarked was the smart appearance "off tho greens (for there, are really three). Since last season many improvements have been effected. The toes of the southern banks (above the paths) have been neatly bricked* up' to support a face.that was given to crumbling, and a large brick wall- has been built to.support the western bank of the top green. A new and very picturesque tool and implement house] with a Marseilles-tiled roof, has been erected on the site of , the old one between the greens on tho western side of tho property. The new lot of sweet peas are showing well along the eastern wall, and the wire arches will in a few weeks bo masses of. bloom. Thanks to the efforts of Jlr. Dinsdale, the new green-keener the playing areas look very healthy, ami thero is a trimness and neatness about the lawnedges, garden plots, and hedges which reflect credit on his efforts. If the weather is favourable the green will be open for play to-day. , ,

NEWTOWN CLUB. A CAPITAL GATHERING, A large number of ladies and bowlers attended the opening ceremony at the Newtown green Mr. G. Scott, the president oi the club, in a brief speech, gave all a hearty welcome. He referred to the good condition of the green, and predicted a successful season for the club. He said that the membership was a few less than it had been at the end of last season/but lie Hoped that before many weeks had passed,last year's total would be exceed6u, l •' ,

Afternoon tea was provided, and manv pleasant games were enjoyed in the coinpetition between rinks selected by the president and rinks selected by the vicepresident. The match was won bv the president s team by 118 to 10S. Following are details of tho play :— Pankhurst, Chittey, Powell, G. Scott (s., 22; Flyger, Roberts, Bland, Prince (s.), 15. C. M. Luke, Smith, Duff, Wylie (s.) 2*>Haycroft, Carroll, Warwick, A. J. Pollock (s.), 23. . Tanks, J. P. Luke, Swiney, Trevor («) 21; Leahy, Chegwidden, Ranson, Lauirhton (5.),17. . ... Alpe, Lcmmon, Bailey, John Brackenridge (s.), 17; ' Mowbrey, Mayrick, B. Brackenridge, James Brackenridge (s.), 17 Mayo, M'Lay, Meadowcroft, ..Naismith (s.), 18; Popple, Harroivby, J. Pollock, Richards (s.), 22. Read, Pilkington, J. Martin (s.), 15; Jenkins, Pritchnrd, C. W. Martin (s.), i

VICTORIA CLUB. ■The Victoria Bowling Club's green \tas officially opened on Saturday aflernoon in the presence of a large number of members, visiting bowlers, end lady friends. Tho president of the club, Mr. C. B. Norwood, in liis opening speech, pdinted out that on this the seventeenth anniversary of tho opening of the club-fchev still hail with them a considerable number of the foundation members. He proceeded to welcome the ladies, who were present in large numbers, and remarked upon the excellent results of the work of the ground committee. He concluded by cxpreain» the club's regret at Mr. F. North's enforced retirement from the position of secretary and satisfaction at tie improvement in his healtli. He then declared the green opened,- and Mrs. Korwood threw tho first jack. After cheers for tho ladies and president, play proceeded. The following ten-head games were played:—

•Parton, Thompson, Mayer, Topp (s.), 15; England, Gaudin, Kitto, MncJforran (s.), 8. Kershaw, Cray, Monelaus, Cox (s.), 16; Powell, Post, Tomisley, Townsend (s.), 7. Redmond, Dongall, Kinnibnrgli, Baty (s.), 11; Castle, Kellow, Scott, Huestou (s.), M'Coll. Batten, Gray, Kirker (s.), 20; Evans, Bosant, Mackay, Norwood (s.), 11. Hangliton, Goldie, Langdon, Redstone (s.), 13; Madelcy, Worbovs, Hunt, Vareoe (s.), fl. Jl'Hutcheson, Rvdcr, Jfurdoch, Hom-injrn-ay (s.), 20; Butler, Hislop, Martin, Hatclv (s.), 17. Partridge, Betty, Dixon, Fossette (s.), 1G; -Alnclaurin, l.evi, Cavoll, Longmore (s.), 13. . ' Noumans, H. North, In»rwu, Keith (s.), 17; Campbell, Port, Jackson, Godljer (s.), U.