HUTT BOWLING TENNIS AND CROQUET CLUB.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 6, 3 July 1930, Page 11

HUTT BOWLING TENNIS AND CROQUET CLUB.

The twenty seventh annual meeting of the Hutt Bawling, Tennis and Croquet Cluto which was held in the eluib 's pavilion last Thursday evening, was one of the most interesting in the annals of the club. Tie President (Mr. T. H. Noi'ris), presided over an attendance of about 50, including representatives from both, the tennis and croquet sections. In moving the adoption of the report Mr. Norris expressed pleasure -that all of the maintenance for the year had been met out of revenue. The new pavilion which was formally opened last July provided the members with increased comfort, but ho would like to see members make better use of it during the winter months. The finances, of the club were not as strong as -he would like to see them and did not .permit of any more improvements for |the present. He was pleased to report that during the year none of the active, mmebers had died and made reference to the desath of Mr. rE. P. Eisih.worth, a past president of the club. The lower green was in as good condition as he had seen: it for many years and had been top-dressed and gave good promise for the coming season. The top green was only in fair -condition, but >he had hopes that it would be playable next~ season. The croquet and tennis greens were in excellent condition and had given satisfaction. They too had ■been manured and top dressed.

Tnter-Oluib games.—The club entered as usual- for both the Saturday and Wednesday Pennants. . Friendly games were also played; among these were the usual much enjoyed matches against Victoria and Eastbourne. The Hamilton Cup match "against Wellington was played on our green, under excellent weather conditions, and was" admitted by aid participants as one of the most social games of the year. The club was represented in Centre matches against Marlbojough and Manawatu Bowling Centres. The Manawatu Centre'favoured us wit3i a visit and a friendly game was played on our greens. Visitors and members enjoyed the game.

Canadian Bowlers.—A tour of New Zealand was made during the year by Canadian bowlers. Messrs M. J. Hodgins and T. H. Norris represented the Club in a match against the Wellington Centre.

Hutt Valley Banner.—This compati.tioc was again played between the Valky clubs. This year we aTe pleased ton i ort. that our club was victorious and are the holders of the Banner.

I-T&sidc-nt's Cup.—The annual match agairi't Petone for the President's Cup reiulttftf in a^win for the eluib, and thus enabled us to still Tetain the cup.

l>i*thie Cup.—The twenty-third annual competition for t»he t)uthie Cup was played on the Hutt green between Wellington, Wanganui and Hutt. The visitors and friends were entertained by our teams —-Messrs A. Macaskill, H. Brooks, J. KJennington, M. J. Hodgins (s); Messrs H. G. Teagle, E. J. Guineas, J. Davidson, W. Hendry (s). Wanganui were successful in again winning the cup. All present enjoyed a very pleasant and happy day. The club

•wishes to express its appreciation of the efforts of all those who assisted in the success of this event. Tournaments. —The usual Centre Tour liamoht was held in December, and the Hutt Vsiltey Tournaments in January . and April. The club was represented in all tournaments; also at Palmerston North and Nelson.at Easter. One of our rinks in the Hutt Valley Tournament in April was successful in winning the MeArtJiivr Shield. The successful rink—Messrs' J. Sinclair, F. Walton, W. J. Eddie, H. Fraser (s)—received the congratulaions of the club. Veterans' Day. —Several of our members took part in the Veterans' Gala Day Tournanfent, and .had a very enjoyaible time. General.—The Committee would be pleased to receive the framed photographs of any of the Past Presidents Whose photographs do not at present adorn the Pavilion-walls, and they also wish to" express their appreciation of the sterling services rendered by Mr. O. S-. Watkins as vice-president for the past two years. The President made an appeal for more playing members to assist both in the social and the financial welfare of the club. He regretted that more menifbers did not avail themselves of .the i invitation to a social function given to the Wellington Club, as a very enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. Norris made an appeal for better support of t»he club's winter socials. He had hoped that when the pavilion was en-: larged more support would be given,, 'but he had been disappointed. Heexpressed his thanks to the ladies and to tlhe general committee who had helped him through the season and on the: opening day. The Tennis Section showed a slight falling off in numbers and in both sections memibers w&o were not financial had been written off. The report and ,'balance sheet were adopted unanimously. Certificates were then presented, to the winners of the clubs competitions. The election of officers, was then proceeded with and was deciddd without an election. Mr. Norris welcomed the new President, Mr. Barton ..Ginger. The following were elected:—President, Mr. Barton Ginger; Vice-President, Mr. W. E. Bock; Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. Stonehouse; Hon. Treasurer,'Mr. Lr. Grant; General Management Committee Messrs H. G. Brooks, A. Burgess, J. Campbell, H. L. Capes, M. J. Hodgins, J. Keir, J. Kennington, M McGurk, O. S. Watkinisj. Match Committee: Messrs'-. A'.j Burgess j M. J. Hodgins and T. H. Norris: Hon. Auditor, Mr. J. Scholes; Delegate to Centre, Mr. M. J. Hid'gins. Tennis Match Committee: Messrs R. G-. Adams, G-. Stoupe, G. Hill. - Mr. GingeT thanked the members for t»he honour conferred on him and said that though he might be considered one .of the junior members he hoped to do his best for the club. He paid a tribute to t&e late president, Mr. Norris, and said that the club owed a debt of gratitude to him for the way lie had carried out the duties of his office. Mr Ginger said that &c regretted Mr. O. S. Watkins could not see his way occupy the chair as he wfts one of the dub's most* loyal supporters and he hoped Mr Watkins -should be able to

attend some of the committee meetings. He, also, appealed to members "to support the socials. The- new president said he had a very pleasant duty to perform and said that some of the officials of the club had decided to introduce an innovation by wayof honouring past presidents of the club; He asked Mat. CTorris to-aeeept the first president's badge which was then pinned on his (coat. The badge is of a very neat design in gold and enamel. -Mr. Nbrris^ swho was greeted with, applause, suitably replied.

- Mr. R/Y..Shearer then formerly .moved the notice of motion standing in Ihis name that: "To find the Rink to represent the club in the Champion of Champions contest, the Match Committee select six (6) Rinks of strong players, such Kinks to be played against each other on the two-life principle till the winner is found. The method of arranging play to be arranged by Matoi Committeee.'' This was seconded by Mr. H. Brooks. .

The resolution was freely discussed from all angles, many speakers expressing their thanks to Mr. Shearer for bringing - the matter forward.

On the motion- of Mr. Burke seconded by Mr. Slinn, the foillowing resolution was passed:—"That system of finding Ghaonpion Rink be adopted by choosing the rink for competition, this rink -open to challenge. Match Committee to select rink and arrange order of play. Nomination Einks asustail."

Mr. Shearer said he was delighted with the interesting discussion, and was quite willing to favour the amendment.

The president expressed his pleasure at seeing Mr. '' Jock Campbeill y^th them fully restored to health after 'Tvs recent illness. . .

Mr.'Brooks announced t&at Mr.- A. iSimpson who, in the past had been. a. very active and highly respected member of the «lub, was not able, owing *to ill-health, to participate in the game, iiad donated his theodolite to the club. Many memlbers spoke in high appreciation, of the generous gift 'and of the fine sporting qualities of Mr. Simpsoa and wished him a recovery to health. :The gift was accepted with, applause. On the -motion of the president Mt Simpson was made a life member of tike clulb and will !be presented with a special cluib'badge.

The club's delegate to the Tiorwteng Centre, Mr. M. J. Hodgins, was iastrueted to inform the Centre "that t&5» club wishes to adhere to the preseat system in practice in the Pennants contest."

Votes of tihanks to tte retiring president, and to the outgoing committee concluded tthe meeting.