BOWLING SEASON

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 14, 12 October 1942, Page 2

BOWLING SEASON

Wellington Clubs’ Official

Openings The Thorndon, Hutt, Karori, Khandallah, and Victoria bowling clubs officially opened the 1942-43 season on Saturday afternoon. There were , large attendances, and the greens were. in excellent condition for so iearly in the season, being .firm and keen. Thermion Jubilee. The season’s play that was begun at Thorndon will include the jubilee o£ the club for early in’December-the club will be i>o years old. It is the second oldest club in Wellington, having been formed in 11892 by members of the Wellington club hiving off. Bowls has been -played on practically the same site ever since then. The club’s green- used to be on the corner of, Tiniikori Road and Park Street, but a-second green, the one now in use, was formed later, and about 20 years ago the land at the corner was sold. The old pavilion, considerably altered, is still in use. Because of the war the club may not celebrate its 50th birthday with any special gatherings, at least at the time when it falls, but a decision hah not yet been made. Reference to the club jubilee was made by the president, Mr. W. I. Clark, at the ceremony on Saturday, and by the president of the .centre, Mr. J. Norrie,.who also addressed the members and visitors, and congratulated the club. Mr. Chapman, M.P., a -member of the club, said that -probably the most important event in the club in the last 20 years had been the recent decision to allow (play on Sundays. 'Mrs. Clark threw up the first kitty, and- Mr. H. Buxton, the oldest member and a life member, delivered the first bowl. Hutt Club. The Hutt Bowling Club formally opened its season in conjunction with the lawn tennis club that is associated with it, the record-gathering being entertained with band music. The president, Mr. F, F. Hollands, and the mayor of Lower Hutt, Mr. J. W. Andrews, spoke, and prayer Was led by the Rev. J. E. Lopdell. Mrs. Hollands threw up the jack, and the club’s patron, Mr. W. Hendry, played the first bowl. Karori Club. The flag of the Republic of China was flown at the Karori Bowling Club’s green, and cheers for China were given at the opening of the club's season on -Saturday, which was the -Chinese national holiday in commemoration of the founding of the republic. In his speech during the opening ceremony, the president, Mr. A. Dempster, referred to the chib’s efforts to raise funds for comforts for soldiers. He specially welcomed among the visitors Mr. W. Newcombe, a foundation member and life member. Praising the work of the greenkeeper, Mr. T. Walker, he said Mr. Walker had been iu the service of the club 28 years, which he believed was the longest of any greenkeeper in the district. Mr. R. A. Wright also spoke. The silver kitty was sent up by Mrs. Dempster, and the first bowl by Mr. Newcombe. A spiderweb competition organized by the vice-president, Mr. A. J. Dixon, raised over f 9 for the Karori Soldiers’ Welfare Association. Kliandalltih Club.

There was a full green of players at the Khandallah club following the opening ceremony, over which the president, Air. P. Cntforth, presided. Air. Cutforth referred to the death of the immediate past president. Air. J. M. Bailey. In drawing attention to tiie excellent condition of the green and its surroundings, ho’ said that the club had a new greenkeeper, Air. Banks, but while there was no greenkeeper, Mr. ,1. Bringans had given valuable service by keeping the grounds in order. Airs. Bringans threw up the first kitty, and the club’s senior member, Mr. G. Lining, played the first bowl to it. Victoria Club. The Victoria club’s season was declared open by the president, Air. W. Keech, Air. AV. E. Bedstone sent down the first kitty, and Air. G. Snaddon played the first bowl-