Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1929, Page 4

The ancient game of bowls lias held the attention of many of the townspeople during the week, and tlm local (.'liib may lie congratulated om the success with which the tournament passed oil, as well as the prowess displayed uy several local how.'ers who. manifested their ability to hold their own against such a galaxy of talent from various parts of the Dominion. Bowling is a very old pastime. Jt is prominently remembered n the brave days of old when Admiral Drake elected to finish his game on Plymouth Hoe before he repaired to sea to settle tfie pretentious Spanish Armada, which r the time were approaching England to challenge the right to the supremacy of the seas. Drake must have boon a wonderful skip, and certainly very selfcontained. The game of course is a very affable one, with time for converse and comradeship. It is not over strenuous, though a week’s howls such as has een enjoyed, may be rather exacting on tne players. Interest and enthusiasm about the game grows with the proficiency of the player, though it i.s always possible to be invehiglod bv the fortunes of the game, as in other games where good fortune gives encouragement from time to time. The local tournament was followed with a good deal of interest by the public, and the lady friends of the Club bid one and all welcome, and extending liberal hospitality with the preferred friendly cup of tea. Bowling should grow in popularity locally as a result of this week’s function. The game is seductive to some extent, and its votaries can become very much wrapped up in the finer points of the play. Food for much discussion is provided to enthusiastic players as they talk over their batt'es, and discuss the merits of the play. The intercourse and homeliness of the proceedings on the green provide .a very pleasant pastime, and out in the open so much it must also be very healthful. It is good to see the public congregate in such healthy surroundings, and tlTe pastime is certainly to lie commended for the opportunity it affords as a levelling ground in communities. and for bringing the |>eop!o more and more together. The trim's of ski 11 are also of interest and value in testing other qualitos of human nature, and altogether it can well he.conceived iviiy bowling is of such ancient, origin, Hid why it has the vogue it enjoys. Bowling appears to lie destined like I lie brook the pact spea ks of. to go on for ever on its joyous useful course.