BOWLS & BOWLERS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1873, 6 October 1913, Page 3

BOWLS & BOWLERS.

SEASON OPENS. THE CLUB CEREMONIES & GAMES. Friday's gloomy conditions did not inspire much confidence in Saturday's weather, but tie packed clouds to the Soutli cleared aw,ay during the night, and Saturday dawned' respondently fine, though there was still a nip in the northerly breeze. No less than seven City and suburban clubs opened their greens for the season, during the afternoon, and thanks to the sunshine and the laughter of spring , in the air each ceremony was bright, happy, and successful. The various greons also attracted many ladies, a section of whom in each case assisted towards the sucoess of the afternoon by supervising the afternoon tea arrangements. From a bowling point of view the present season forms a milestone in the progress of . one of the most popular of summer games. It is the first season in which every club in New Zealand is assembled under one banner—that of the Dominion Bowling Association.' Hitherto bowling in New Zealand has been controlled in the main by two associations—the Northern Bowling Association, in the North Island, and the New Zealand Bowling Association in the South., During the winter recess the two bodies , have been welded, and all " big bowls" will bo controlled by one executive,' whilst district bowls will be supervised by the centres. The first big tournament under the new association is to bo held in Dunedin in January, and thereafter at Auckland, Ohristc'hurch, and' "Wellington. The speciaPExhibition Tournament is to be held in Auckland during February next, and is sure to draw many bowlers to tlio sunny North. WELLINGTON CLUB. Speaking from the landing of the grand stairway approach to the upper story of tlio Wellington Bowling CluVe pavilion the president, Mr Donald McLean, addressing a gathering of between 200 and 300 people, extended a hearty welcome to all. Ho was glad that they had been fortunate enough to secure a fine day for the opening. The greens w<pre in capital order, Mr. Dimsdalo-liav-ing been very successful this year. Sinco the last opening, the club had been unfortunate enough to lose two of its oldest members. Tho reference was to Mr. William- Findlay, who died in Edinburgh towards the end of last year, and quite lately Mr. William Brunskill, whose demise came very suddenly. As their late secretary Mr. Brunskill was much respected, and he would be greatly missed. Letters had been received from quito a number of clubs near and far, sympathising with the Wellington Club in the loss of so valued a member. On' occasions of- this kind figures and statistics were sometimes given—well, ho was not going ..to give any. (Applause.) He knew ,that they were all eager to get on the green, so would just call upon Mrs. McLean to throw the jack, and with that he would declare the green open for the season. Mrs. McLean laid tho first jack with unerring skill, and with that the president opened the door of enjoyment to the flannelled bowlers, who straightway swarmed on to the velvety lawns, and promptly forgot that there was any other object in life than to "lay" alongside of tho little white China ball. The teams selected for play represented the president and vice-president respectively, the scores being as follows (skips names only are mentioned): — President. ■ \ McLean ».. 25 Hill ... ... 24 Bell 19 ' Sievwright ... ... *. 14, Churchward ... ... 20 Thompson _ ... 16 Jackman ' 27 , Wylie.... ... .... ... 20 Trevethick ... 16 . Dall 21 ~ McEldowney ... ... 22 Ballinger ... 22 Osborne ... 25 Kinvig ... ... 20 Inness ... ... >.. 24 Total ... >.< ... 805 Vice-President. Moult >» 13 Webb ... 17 Bary — 8 Brown ... ... ... 20 Osmond ... ... — 19 Whittle 24 Berry ... v.. ... ... 22 Holland ... 17 Benzie ••• 21 v Johnston ... 15 H. Frost 20 Wallace ' ••• 13 Cohen 15 Wall 19 Bremner ... 11 Total 254 Mr. Osmond, the crack skip of the Auckland Bowling Club, was a visitor to the Wellington Club's green on Saturday afternoon. KELBURNE CLUB. A largo gathering attended at tho opening of the Kelburne green. The president, Mr. E. S. Baldwin, drew attention to the fact that this would be the last season on whichtho club would use the present green. A start was being made almost immediately on the new green on land loased from the City Council. A large pavilion would be erected and tho new accommodation would no doubt attract a large membership. The Hon.-A. L. Herdman, in addressing the gathering, regretted that the club was moving from its present site, but it was a source of pleasure to him to learn that the new arrangements would place the club's finances on a solid basis, and ho wished the club every success in its venture. Mrs. Baldwin threw up the first jack. Tho green being in excellent condition seme close and interesting games wero played. The following are the scores: Batten, Cook, M'Call, Grey, 17; v. Hutchison, Wynne, Drury, M'Robie (s.), 23. Murdoch, Smith, Barraud, Chittv (s.), 23; v. Kirk, Trengrove, F. Johnson, Routley (s.), 23. I'atcrson, M'llraith, Gannaway, Wil--1 liamson (s.), 21; v. Meadoivcroft, H. Gannaway, Begg, Harton (s.), 22. Clark, 11. I'limmer, Naldor, Dumbell (s.), 21; v. Doherty, GoodalJ, M'Arthur, Baldwin (s.), 19. Hutcliings, James, Johnston, Rnowles (s.), 20; Mouat, Rist, 'Widdop. King (s.), 12. 'f no following will represent Kelburno on Saturday next: —' Hutt —H\itchison, Professor Kirk, M'Bobie, Bautley (s.); Thorndon—Doherty, Widdop, Marquiß, Horner (s.); Petono — Meadowcroft, Hamerton, M'Coll, Knowles. HATAITAI CLUB. The Hataitai Club's season was opened on Saturday in tho presence or a largo number of members and friendy bowlers from other clubs, a largo number of ladies also being present to enjoy a game of croquet. The president, Mr. G, Penney, in welcoming members, was pleased to seo such a largo gathering and after reviewing tho play of the past season, trusted that the coming season would prove as enjoyable and success- , ful. The ground had been carefully at- ; tended to during the recess by the ground committee and caretaker, and would be found in perfect playing order. He then declared the green open by asking Mrs, Penney to throw tho jack.

Tko following aro tho results of friendly games played: — Medland, Stanford, Nimmo,. Hogben (s.), 21; Ward, M'Kittrick, Mitchell, Rennoy (s.), 11Johnson, Pritchard, Cheesoman, Julius (s.), 23; Jamieson, Cooper, Ballinger, Pryor (s.), 17. Halliday, Curtis, Williams, Kinniburg (s.)| 18; Slater, Shepherd, Nicol, Hendry (s.), 18. Mackenzie, D. Claridge, Donald, M'Whannel (s), 24; Fielding,,A. Claridge, Mathews, Laurenson (s), 12. Hulse, Hoggins, Jones (s.), 20; Hose, Edwards, Fathers (s.), 14. Barnes, ilartin (s.), 18; S. Lewis, P. Meyers (s.), 19.

VICTORIA CLUB. In declaring the Victoria green open on Saturday, Mr. G. E. Godber, president, remarked on the extensive improvements which had been carried out sinco last season. The pavilion had been extended, allowing greater accommodation in tho social hall and the members' room. He congratulated the Grounds Committee (Messrs. Townsend and Homingway) and the Building Committee (Messrs. Townsend and Sneddon) on the work. In conclusion, Mr. Godber extended a welcome to ■ members, their friends, and the ladies, and hoped that the season would be as enjoyable as those in tho past. The first jack was tlion rolled by Mrs. Godber. An enjoyable afternoon was spent by those present, tho green being in good order, with tho promise of improving as the season advances. Afternoon tea was provided in the pavilion by lady friends. NEWTOWN CLUB. The Newtown Club had a successful opening. With the perfect weather, a remarkably fine green, and tho large crowd present, the club had every reason to feel proud of the day's proceedings. In welcoming the visitors and ladies, Mr. J. Gallia, the club's president, stated that the last season had been a most successful one, and during the recess the club had entertained members and representatives from other clubs at social evenings. At present tho club was the holders of the Edwin Feathers, the Senior Pennant (for two years), and tho Junior Feathers (for a similar period). He made special reference to the excellent condition of the green, and complimented tho caretaker (Mr. Erlo) on his work in this direction. The season was then declared open, Mrs. Gallie throwing the jack, and Mrs. Trevor hoisting the flag on the pavilion. Afternoon tea was provided in the pavilion by the ladies: Tho games played resulted as follow: — Bennett, Bradley, M'Girr, Green (s.), 24; Thomson, Popple, Astill, J. Kerr (s.), 15. _ _

M'Ewan, Copithorne, Duff, Henry (s.), 16; J. Roberts, Hon. C. M. Luke, Higginbottom, Shallcrass (s.), 24. Leahy, Laws, 'Webb, Bland (s.), 21; Crengel, Harrowby, J. Pollock, Trevor (s.), 12./ • FicldKouse, C. W. Martin. Spiers, M'Lean (s.), 20; Lemmon, Drew, H. Sexton, Richards (5.),/12. Chegwidden, -Grehside, Warwick, Wylie (s.), 8; R. M. Brackenridge, Konnard, J. M. Braokenridgo, J. Brackenridgo (s.), 14. • Parkinson, "Gallie, Noblo, Prico (s.), 14; Parton, Russell, Rawson, Prince (s.), 13. Haycroft, M'Lay, Meyriok, Powell (s.), 14; Rovell, Gyles, Carroll, Bailey (s.), 11. Fisher, Remington, Swiney, Scott (s.), 24; Mowbray, Brown, Smith, Armstrong (s.), 11. ' Parker, P. Roberts, Travers, Chittey (s.), 13; Middlebrook, W. Roborts, P/racl, Mann (s.), 9. Totals —President, 104; Vice-Presi-dent, 121. Next Saturday a match between players under 50 and over 50 will be played. • JOHNSONVILLE CLUB. The Johnsonville Bowling Club's green was formally opened on Saturday by the president (Mr. W. L. Thompson) in the presence of a number of members, ladv friends,, and, visitors from other clubs. A game was played by rinks skipped by the president and vicepresident, s the result boing a win for the vice-president's ring. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies. _ The green is in very promising condition—better than it has ever been—and members "of tho club are looking forward to a splendid season. PETONE CLUB. The Petone Bowling Club held a meeting on Saturday afternoon at the Pavilion, Jackson Street, when 14 new members were elected.. Tho green was afterwards tried and found to be in perfect order. Tho official opening of the season takes place next Saturday.