BOWLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1598, 10 November 1905, Page 3

BOWLING.

OPENING OF GISBORNE CLUB’S SEASON.

The steady downpour ol rain whioh sot in yesterday morning did not augur well for the opening of the Gisborne Bowling Club’s season, and for a long time it looked as if the ceremony would have to be postponed for the second time in the one year. The play arranged for the morning bad to be abandoned, but early in the afteroooo the clouds lifted somowbat, and at 2 o’clock it vjob decided to go on with the day's programme. There was a fully representative attsndanoß of members, but the gathering of the public who much below that of previous yeaie. The time-honored match, President v. VioePresident, was commenced at 3 o’clock, and at 4 o’olook the opening ceremony took place. The President (Mr J. A. Harding), who is also President of the Northern Bowling Association, made an excellent Bpeecb, prefacing his remarks by extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, especially the ladies, who had braved tho storm to be present. The presence of tbe ladies showed that the good old gams of bowls was not forgotten by the fair sox of Gisborne. He was pleased in looking round to see a number of visitors, including several from the nowly'-formed Turaoganui Olub, to which be wished every suocess. The establishment of a strong second olub in Gisborne would create a keen rivalry, and lead to many good games of bowls. He hoped always to see tbe best toolings of friendship exist between tbe clubs. (Applause.) Passing on, the President made sympathetic reference to tbe great loss which tbe olub had sustained in regard to tbe removal by death of Messrs W. Cooper, J. Rosie, and W. J> Quigley ; also iu regard to the death I of Mrs Pattie, tbe wife of their much esteemed member, Mr W. Pettie. Tbe late Mrs Pettie bad always tikon a keen j and lively interest in tbe affairs of tbe Gisborne Club, and her memory would long be revered by membets. Speaking of the tournament held in Gisborne last January, Mr Harding said that the looal olub had swept the board of all tbe ttophies, and be hoped to see the sane measure of success at the next tournament. Since the close of last season the olub bad lost tbe services of their popular

oaretakor, Mr Tanaloy, bat members, whilst rogretting his departure, would bo pleased to know that Mr Tausloy was goiug into business ou his own account, thereby groatly improving his position. Ho was sure they all wiehod him every sue. cess. Mr G. Watson had been appointed caretaker, and the oxoollont condition of the grounds was full testimony that the committee had made a wise and judiolous selection. In oonolusion, Mr Harding thanked the ladies who had been so kind in supplying toa durlDg the past season. Ho oould assure them tbe favor was muoh appreciated by mombors. He apologised for tho absenoo that afternoon of Mrs | Harding, who was unfortunately indisposed. In hor plaoo he would ask Mrs Gaudin to throw the jack, and it gave them muoh pleasure to doolaro tho green open for ploy. (Applause.) Dospito tho extreme wet woather during the paat fortnight, tho green was unanimously dcolarod to bo in firat-olms order, and a very enjoyablo afternoon’s play followed. The match President v. VioePresident resulted in a win for the former by 12 points, the following being the sooros :

PRESIDENT. VICE-PRESIDENT I Primrose Redstone I Thompson Colebrook I Ambridge Harvoy I Harding, skip 30 Gaudin, skip 14 I T. Adair E.'.Williaina j 0. Lewis E. Lewis Nioholas F. Pcttie ' Bright, skip 24 Witty, skip 19 I Johnston Shierlaw I Morgan Oman I MoQowan Craig Ifwerson, skip 20 Crawford, skip 23 I Neal Murray I Sirnson, skip 21 Robertßon, skip 27 95 83

Majority for President, 12. Afternoon tea was provided by Mesdames Harding and Gtaudin, who were assisted by a number of young ladies. Entries elose for handicap fours and handicap singles dqxl Tuesday. Ten new members wore proposed.