TOO STRENUOUS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1926, Page 4

TOO STRENUOUS

BOWLS IX DOMINION

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 27. Tf, at New Zealanders are faced with the danger of Waning Americanised, and that they play bowls in much the same manner as they play Rugby football—with too much energy- were statements made at' the civic reception to the British howling team yesterday. are becoming too strenuous in all we do. AA e are in danger of becoming Americanised.” said Air E. AA'. Johnston, a past president of the Canterbury Bowling Centre. ‘‘AA'e are closer to America than wo are to England, and we are quick to adopt American ideas, and [ think vpu, the British bowlers, have come at a' time when you can do the most good fur bowls ill this country.

’‘AA'e X'ew Zealanders must give up our strenuous way of going at things, and we must convert howls into a pastime and recreation—it must cease to he a business, at it were.

“I am proud to know that there are fourteen or fifteen ladies accompanying the team.” said Mr Johnston. ‘‘AA’e have seen in the newspapers the controversy about the wives of the Australian cricketers accompanying their husbands to England. Certainly they should go. If not. it is converting sport into business, in which the game is to win at all hazards. “A\ r e talk of the brotherhood and freemasonry of sport.” said Mr Johnston. ‘‘and we should try to make Ikiwls the gem of the freemasonry of sport. I appeal to you to do it. Play for the game’s sake, without striving to win so much. That is what we will have to do. The medical men are crying out about the nerves of the people—well, play bowks.” ■‘Your game,” said Air AA’right. “is played in a very strenuous manner. I saw the All Blacks beat England at Twickenham, and, having seen your men play bowls, T am inclined to think that they bring into tlieir play many of the methods.. employed .by your famous footballers,” (Laughter), j