BOWLING NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 24283, 26 August 1942, Page 7

BOWLING NOTES

[By Draw,]

Questions and Answers. “ Disgusted ” writes on the matter of the centre’s decision to hold the usual bowling matches during .the incoming sea* son. In the course of a lengthy letter he urges that the centra should not tolerate the holding of matches and tournaments when the country and the Empire are in such deadly peril. “It is. I think, most unfair that the bowling fraternity should advocate the playing of the usual matches, and I can assure you that I will have nothing to do with the game in future,” he adds. . “Draw” cannot follow “Disgusted in his views, and can only say that the centre and dubs in this district, as well as others in the Dominion, are composed of men (and women) who are as loyal as any in the Empire. “Draw” is firmly of the opinion that the centre has done the right thing in carrying on and that its action will have the support of all fair-minded and reasonable people, No particular good will be served by enlarging any further on this letter. Centre Matters,

A circular issued by the centre executive to ail clubs asks for particulars for inclusion in the centre’s annual booklet. This booklet is each season eagerly looked forward to, as it contains the list 'of matches to be played, together with much information regarding the rules and regulations governing the various competitions. It is therefore desirable that secretaries should supply the information to the centre secretary without delay. It should also be noted that the following resolution was passed at the annual meeting of delegates:—“That it is the opinion of the meeting that afternoon tea be continued by all clubs for Wednesday and Saturday matches.” There is also another matter referred to In the circular which should appeal to all club activities. The item is in connection with the Otago Council of Sport. It states that tho centre’s delegates to the Council of Sport are prepared to make representations on the subject of a reduction in rates and rents, in regard to local bowling clubs and asks the various clubs concerned to supply all the necessary information. It is really time that something was done in this direction. Bowling clubs are included in the first line of any city’s amenities, and, therefore, should have all possible assistance from the city fathers. Even if the areas in question are. not made ratefree, there should at least be a very substantial reduction in the rateable value where genuine sports bodies are concerned, as tho provision of these various recreation areas is really a matter that should be attended to by the ■City Council. Umpires’ Association.

The report to be presented at tile annual meeting of the association, to bo held on Friday, briefly outlines the -work or the 1941-42 season. Twelve meetings were held during the year, and as the average attendance was practically 30, that is clear evidence that the members take more than a passing interest in the work. In the business to be brought before the members is a recommendation that there be instituted an examination of umpires, and that an official badge bo presented to those who secure a favourable percentage. This is a matter that will require deep consideration, as our game of bowls does not require the services. of umpires in the same way as in football,' cricket, hockey, and other sports. The game is somewhat like croquet, and in this ? when a tournament is in progress, quite a number of persons are appointed as umpires, and during the course of a game, when a call is made'for an umpire, any one of them (generally the one handiest) may give a decision. In croquet there are seme decisions which-can-be settled by the player, his word being taken. The umpires are convenient on our bowling greens, .blit it would he unwise to make the umpire too prominent an official. Use the Umpires’ Association to educate the rank and file into a better understanding _of the laws and regulations, and then it will have served a more than useful existence. 'A word of praise is due to-the association’s solid and quiet worker, Mr J. J. S. Johnson, whose attention to its affairs i* very thorough. > ' Ladies’ Association.

This body will hold it* annual meeting this week. A copy of the association's annual report and statement of accounts has reached “ Draw.” The association appears to have had a very successful year, notwithstanding the fact that the cash balance shows a reduction of a little over ■ fill, due in the main to increased expenditure on the playing areas. The report discloses that there are 4SO women players affiliated to the association, 362 in and around Dunedin, and 188 in clubs attached to other towns in Otago. Out of the 362 players in Dunedin, 230 are associate members. The, usual interctub matches 'and tournaments were held, and resultedlnterclub Donald Stuart Banner: Green Island 1, Dunedin 2. Hislop Cup (rink competition): 'Dunedin-I, St.-Ivilda >2. 'Annual tournament—Singles: Mrs A. J. H.'Gregory (Dunedin) 1, Mrs-G. Colutobus (West Harbour) 2; pairs, Mesdanies Watt and Adams (Phcenix, Oamaru) 1, Mesdames Walker and Whale , (Mornington) 2; rinks, Mesdaraes Pastier, Trenwith, Austin, and Miss Mee (St. Clair) 1, Mesdames 'MCDougall, Beath, Jarvis, and Timmings (Otago) 2; champion of champions, ‘Mrs A. J. H. Gregory (Dunedin)-1,-Mrs S. Austin . (St. Clair)

The revenue is obtained from many sources; fees brought in £72, tournaments showed a profit of £3l, while donations from clubs and individuals are shown at approximately £99. Included in the latter is one donation of £2O. Special mention is made of the services given by Mr P„ J. Campbell, who has for some time acted as greens supervisor.