NEW BOWLING GREEN

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 88, 7 January 1918, Page 3

NEW BOWLING GREEN

OFFICIAL OPENING AT ISLAND BAY. The Island Bay bowling green •was officially opened in perfect weather on Saturday. Mr. 11. A. Wright, M.P. ; for the district, opened the club in a i short happy speech, and was ably 1 seconded by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.M.G.). Mr. Neville I l '. Willoughby, the president, also gave a short resume of . the formation of tho club. The president's wife throw the first jack amidst applause, and the rinks were filled with players, representing Wellington, Tliorndon, Hataitai, Victoria ' Newtown, Knrori, Seatoun, Lyall Bay, To Hiwi, Upper Hutt, IV : tone, and Kelburn. ■ Amongst the visitors, besides numerous individual bowlers, were Mrs. Luke, Colonel R. J. Collins and Mrs. Collins, Colonel J. E. Hughes, C.M.G., ! D.S.O. ■ An efficient orchestra played selections on the croquet lawn throughout the afternoon, and afternoon tea with ! refreshments wore served to a gather- ! ins, which numbered 600. Tho children were specially catered for. During an interval an opportunity was taken to present Mr. H. T. Balliiiger, wilh a pipe as a small recognition by the committee of his untiring efforts on the rlub's behalf. Visiting bowlers were specially thankfid for ilmir attendance, and three hearty cheers given on their departure. The consensus of opinion amongst the visitors was that the green for a new one played marvellously well. Despite the huge attendance, the Ladies' Committee had made ample provision for all guests, no fewer than 1100 cups of tea being served out. Large additions were made to the membership, which now stands at.forty-five. Debentures were also freely taken up.