GISBORNE BOWLING CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2136, 19 July 1907, Page 2

GISBORNE BOWLING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING

Tho annual mooting of thp Gisborne Howling Club was hold last night at tbo Farmers’ Union rooms, Mr. W. I’ettio (Vice-President) occupied tho chair, and tho attendance tho largest recorded lor years. ANNUAL RKPOIIT. Tho annual report, of tho committoo stated: — . . .. ' ‘■ln aguin bringing forward our annual report for presentation to our mombors, your committoo lias pleasure in congratulating members upon tho continued prosperity ol the Club, and the satisfactory season just brought to a conclusion. Tho Club membership registers 60 players and 48 honorary members. Tho balance-sheet, duly audited, which will be presented to-night, exhibits a credit balance of £lio -Us pci, a profit of £26 16s 4d accruing on tho season’s workings, which must be satisfactory to members. Tho groon, buildings, surroundings and property of every description, ore all in lirst-class order, and reflect groat credit upon the caro\.akoi, Jai. Lentil, who has been most painstaking in tho discharge of his duties. . At the Mastorton tournament m January last our club was represented by Messrs Nicholas, Martin, Gaudin, and Ponsford. Although not successful in winning _ the coveted honor, our representatives acquitted themselves very creditably, and wore in a very forward position at the close of tho tournament. Tho thanks of the club are due to the members who formed that rink, and to them wo sav, “ Better luck next time. ‘A most eii.joyablo day’s play was had during the season with the iuranganui Club, when five rinks from ' their club tried conclusions with ours,

but, as on the previous occasion, were defeated. Later a return match was played on their green, with the result that tho tables wore turned, and wo look forward wit'll pleasure to further competitions during next season.

LOCAL MATCHES. Tho following are the results for this season : Champion Singles.—A handsome trophy was presented for this event, which was eagerly competed for, a great contest being tho result, Mr Ponsford proving the winner, with Mr Nicholas as runner-up. Handicap Singles.—This ovent brought out a big field, excited the keenest interest, and tho prize, a gold medal, was eventually won by Mr Corson, Mr W. Puttie being second. Full Rink Handicap.—This match brought a large number of players into the contest, and proved most exciting. Tho winners were Messrs G. Miller, F. Pettie, A. T. Hookey, and It Robertson. Handicap Pairs.—This competition also proved very popular, and after a well-sustained fight the winners turned up in' Messrs Eure and Dodd. Mr Witty’s prize competition resulted in a tie between the donor and

Mr Simson. During tho season the following donated trophies, for which the special thanks of the club are duo : Messrs. W. Pettie, F. Martin, T. A. Crawford, F. Harris, J. Nicholas, J. Pettie, J. W. Witty, and Mr White (of Auckland). Your committee desire to place on record its deep sorrow and heartfelt regret in the removal by death of our highly esteemed and respected President, Mr J. A. Harding, which took place on May Bth, 1907. This, as you aro all aware, was very unexpected, and the loss is keenly felt. Too much cannot be said of the splendid work done for our club by our late President during his term of office, which extended over five years. Another of our most popular members, Mr J. S. Johnston, passed away oil January oth, 1907. A hearty vote of thanks is accorded to the local papers for their kind assistance and many favors extended during the season, and to all who have in any way assisted in making the season a success ; also to Mr Davies, our auditor. District Shield Matches.—Owing to the death of Mr Harding, this contest was not completed, and the committee decided to abandon the match for this season and place an ‘‘ In Memorium ” inscription on the shield.” The sum of £164 17s was received in subscriptions. The principal item of expenditure was “ Caretaker £104.” The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, expressed pleasure at the large attendance. It indicated that bowling was still making headway, and that next season would prove even more successful than its predecessors. He referred in feeling terms to the demise of the late President, Mr J. A. Harding, whose loss was a great' blow' to the club, from which it had not yet recovered. He also made symjiathetie reference -to the- death-of'the late' Mr J. S. Johnston, and to the resignation of two old and valued members in Mesrs H. Lewis and H. McGowan. The Chairman went on to say that the affairs of the club were in a highly prosperous condition, and ho paid a tribute to the officers and committee. Ho was sorry to announce that. Air T, Adair had decided to 'relinquish the position of secretary, as he had proved a most capable and popular officer. With regard to tho membership, though the figures were good, the Chairman trusted the number of playing members would be largely increased next season. There was ample accommodation for them on the green, and from a financial point of view also an addition to tho membership was desirable. With regard to the pavilion, ho thought it contrasted unfavorably with those in other centres. It would be a question to consider whether the time had' not arrived when an up-to-date pavilion should be elected. He would recommend the meeting to consider the advisableness of borrowing £IOOO to pay off the present liability (£500) and erect a building in' keeping with the growth of the club. He believed the financial position would warant this step. In , conclusion Mr , Pettie trusted that ’the club would be strongly represented at tho next Auckland tournament, remarking that it behoved the members to get into practice as early as possible. (Applause.) Mr W. Gaudin seconded the motion, and ,-the report was unanimously adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Mr Hennesy nominated Mr W. Pettie for the position of President, paying a tribute, to his zeal and enthusiasm in the club’s interest. Mr. Hookey, in seconding, said that members felt “lost” if Mr. Pettie was missing front the green. (Applause.) ; No other nomination was received and Mr. Pettie was unanimously elected, with acclamation. He briefly thanked members for the honour conferred upon him. On the nomination of Mr. Sheridan, Mr. W. J.Hennessy was elected' vicepresident. Mr. T. Adair was urged by the meeting to reconsider his retirement as secretary, but intimated that he could not Very well undertake the duties this year. Mr. H. E. Dodd was thereupon unanimously elected lion, secretary and treasurer. There was a spirited contest for the committe, /ten of the prominent members being nominated. . Messrs. T. Adair, T. A. Crawford, Corson, F. Harris and R. Robertson were elected

GENERAL, A bonus of £.3 3s was voted the caretaker, Mr. Lentil, members speaking in appreciative terms of Ins good •work and unfailing courtesy., In graceful acknowledgment or Ins long association with tho club, Mr. Henry Lewis was unanimously elected an honorary life member. Members expressed the hope fliat he would long be spared tn take an interest' in the club’s affairs, and that- ho would take an active part next, scson. The recipient suitably responded. It was agreed to ask Mr. IT. McGowan to consider the question of withdrawing ffis resignation ‘as a member of the club.

PRESENTATION OE PRIZES. . The event of the evening- was the presentation of the prizes 'iv»n diuing the season. lii lighter mood the members settled down tQ. a. social evening, and a number of toasts were honored, at the president’s invitation. ‘ ■ ... -

•“The Prize-winners’.’ was a toast enthusiastically, honored, and the president handed, out the; prizes. Each of the successful men was called upon for a response, and. speeches rained -copiously in congratulatory vein. ;

■ Mr. Sheridan, - in-a. felicitous little speech, submitted'tlio toast-of “The I*reside nt.” paying ' a worm tribute to Mr. Pettib’s claims as head of the club, making - a .'point ■ of liis. genuine sportsmanlike" spirit. . The manner in which tho toast was acclaimed was an evidence o.f the hew; president’s popularity with members. Mr Pettie, in- acknowledging the compliment, announced that he would present a champion cup for singles competition, the conditions to be decided later. • '.Should, tlio tjqphy not be 'won putrigljt .in . seven \vears he would lip pleased ‘to receive it as a memento, and-.replace it with a similar cup, in order to keep the interest sustained. •• (Applause.) He {ilso made a donation of a pair of bowis, to be competed for by new members joining not later than December 31st. Members were in -generous mood, and several other trophies, were promised. ensuring a most interesting season’s play. The" trophies-prom-

ised includo tlio following:—Mr. W. Gaudin, cup valued at £5 Cs (handicap singlos); Mr. It. Johnson, sold I modal (conditions loft to committee to arrange); Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co., on behalf of tho Distulors Co., Ltd., sot of bowls; Mr. T. Adair. two sets of bowls (handicap: pairs competition); Mr. T. Corson, .trophy • Mr. J. Pettio, on bolialf of tho Wiiite-Macka.v Co., sot of bowls; Mr. J Sheridan, set of bowls: Mr. J._ A. Lucas, set of bowls; Mr. Zachariali, pair of trousers • Mr. AV. J. Honnessy, four pairs bowling shoos. The president’s stipulation that a gold medal valued at not loss than £2 2s

be presented the winner of his cup each year was heartily agreed to by tho committee.

Mr. Crawford gave the health of

“Tho Handicapper,” Mr. Heimossy responding in a workmanlike style befitting this much-maligned official in any club. “Kindred Bowlers” was proposed by Mr. Hookey. “Tho Chief” (Mr. F. Harris) had willy-nilly to respond, also Messrs. Lucas and Sheridan on behalf of the other town clubs.

Mr. Ambridgo proposed “The Press.” A toast -'-oposed in humorous vein by Mr. Sheridan was that of “The Librarian,” the speaker hinting at the good things to be found in the “library.” Mr. Adair responded in tho same “spirit.” Mr. Mackrell proposed success to tho young bowlers in most modest terms, indicating that among the newer players thoro are some determined aspirants

fr.i tho Auckland trip. After ovoryone had been toasted the gathering broke up with “Success to our next merry meeting.”