GISBORNE BOWLING CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 947, 21 July 1903, Page 2

GISBORNE BOWLING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. Tho annual meeting of the Gisborne BowliDg Club was held at the Masonic Hotel last evening. There was a large attendance, Mr J. A. Harding, President, being in the chair. The report for the past year, which was read by the Secretary, Mr C. H. W. Dixon, was of a most satisfactory nature, the seasou huving been one of the most successful oil record. The credit balance was £l9 15s Sd. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, the President said that j the whole of the bowlers must be proud of oho position of the ciub. The linances were in a better position than they ever I were before. The club had started a sinkiug fund towards the liquidation of their outstanding liabilities, and it was hoped that this amount would bo increased each year. The utmost good feeling had I at all times been shown by members, and he (the President) had found it a pleasure I to act in the position he had done. I Capt. Eerris seconded the adoption of I the report, which was carried. I Mr Matthewson urged the necessity of

increasing the sinking fund each year. He hoped that it would be added to each year. (Applausei. The election of officers was then taken, Mr J. A. Harding being re-elected President, on the motion of Mr W. Pettie, seconded by Mr J. W. Bright. Mr J. Ponsford was elected Vice-Presi-dent and Mr T. Adair treasurer. On the motion of Mr G. Matthewson, seconded by Mr W. Gaudiu, Mr G. H. VV. Dixon was re-elected secretary.

There were eight nominations for the four members of committee to be elected, and a ballot being taken Messrs Pettie, Hennessy, Gaudiu, and Bright were elected.

Mr G. P. Davies was re-elected auditor. A notice of motion in regard to the amalgamation of the Haiti aud Whataupoko Glubs was discussed. The resolutiou proposed that a small portion of the subscription to the parent club should be devoted towards the suburban clubs. Members were opposed to devoting any portion of their subscriptions to the suburban club, although they were not averse to the amalgamation of the clubs for the purpose of sending a team to the tournament. A vote beiug taken the motion was lost by a large majority. Mr B. Buttle, on behalf of the commercial travellers visiting Gisborne, acknowledged the kind hospitality that they had received from the Gisborne Club. Mr H. Dean re-echoed the sentiments of Mr Buttle, referring to the faot that in Gisborne the game of bowls was really going ahead.

The President reciprocated tho kind remarks of both gentlemen, stating that the members of the Gisborne Ciub were at all times earger to receive and entertain visitors. The presentation of prizes then took place, in the following order Champion Singles, for gold medal presented by Mr J. Coleman, Mr Ponsford ; Handicap Singles, gold medal, presented by Mr W. J. P. Gaudin, Mr Wallace; Shield Match, for shield presented by Mr J, Harding, aud Messrs A. Clark aud Sons’ prize, Gisborne Ciub, Messrs Gaudin (skip), Matthewson, 0. Adair, and F. Pettie. The Vice-president’s prize was won by Messrs Coleman and Sheridan, and the Pennant Flag by the Whataupoko Club. Of the Handicap Pairs one game remained unfinished, and the Committee agreed to extend the time for the playing of this. The Shield was again won by the Gisborne Club. The President regretted the Snield was not on view that night, but it was on order, and he hoped to see it hanging in the pavilion in a short time. . Mr Gaudin introduced the question of holding a social as a wind-up to the seaI son. The matter was favorably centertained, and a committee was appointed to make arrangements for holding the same at an early date. A vote of thanks to the President concluded the meeting. The members were invited by Mr Harding to a supper in honor of the occasion, and after full justice had been done to the good things provided the following toasts were duly honored: —“ 'The newlyelected President,” proposed by Mr W. Pettie and responded to by Mr Harding, who expressed the hope that the next season would be as successful as the last ; “ The Press,” proposed by Mr W, Pettie, and responded- to by Messrs Muir and Gaudin ; “ The Ladies,” proposed by Mr Gaudin, and responded to by Messrs A. \V. Adair and Nicholas. Daring the evening a presentation of a pleasing nature was made to Mr H. McGowan for the kindness that he had shown towards members and visitors. In a neat speech Mr McGowan replied, thanking the members for their handsome present. The presentation took the form of a very handsome silver butter cooler. The National Anthem concluded a very pleasant evening.