MARRED BY SHOWERY WEATHER.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 13 November 1912, Page 3

MARRED BY SHOWERY WEATHER.

86 VISITING BOWLERS FROM AUCKLAND.

The opening of the above club and green took place last Thursday afternoon when, notwithstanding the showery state of the weather, a large number of residents of the district turned out to welcome visiting bowlers and their lady friends from Auckland, to the number of 120, who had been invited to take part in the l proceedings on behalf of the club, through the agency of Messrs Jas. Carlaw and G, A. Jackson. The visitors arrived by the 10.10 express, coming from town in 1 hour and 40 minutes, and had to take shelter in the railway station till the heavy shower of rain, which was falling on their arrival, had ceased before they could proceed to the Kaipara and Helensville Hotels at Helensville South, where a luncheon had been prepared for them, prior to proceeding to the Springs grounds for the opening ceremony which was fixed for 12.30 p.m. After luncheon traps and breaks of all description lined up and proceeded with full complements to the grounds, during a pleasant break in the weather, and by the time of commencing proceedings the greens were crowded with bowlers and spectators who spent the intervening time in viewing the baths and grounds, expressing their astonishment at the amount of work that had been done with the small grants from the Government by the Helensville Domain Board, and giving it as their opinion that it was the Government's duty to so develop the Springs as to make them the resort of the masses of the city and the Dominion. It was also pointed out by several prominent citizens of Auckland, that the most urgent proposition at the present tims was the organisation of on adequate 'bus service or perhaps a light railway between the grounds and Helensville township, a proposition which should be taken in hand in connection with a week-end railway service from Auckland.

Mr Jas. McLeod, Chairman of the Helensville Town Board, in addressing those present, said he was sorry to say that their Parliamentary Representative had heen unable to attend, as was also the case with several Ministers and other Members who had accepted invitations. He was pleased to see so many enthusiastic bowlers from the city, and gave them a warm welcome. These Springs, (continued Mr McLeod) had been taken over 25 years previous. The first grant from the Government was got through the intervention of the Auckland City Council and the Grey Lynn Council, since when there had only been a small amount given by the Government for the development work to be carried out, and there had been a small grant of £400 put on the estimates this year to complete the work in hand, i.e., the bowling greens, tennis courts and croquet lawns. It would be necessary to expend more money as the Springs grew in popularity, and it was already evidenced that more baths were required. The water was considered the best in the Dominion, having cured where Rotorua and Te Aroha had failed. These Springs were yet in their infancy, and it rested with the Government to properly develop them. (Cheers). It was at present under consideration whether the Springs should be taken over by the Tourist Department for proper development, and he would i point out to those present that as t the Springs were for the people all should interest themselves in the matter. He thanked Messrs Carlaw and Jackson, who carried out the arrangements for the teams coming from Auckland.

Mr Carlaw, after alluding to the magnificent hot springs and their future development, stated that on being asked to organise teams to come to Helensville to open the bowling green, he had been pleased to do what he could, in conjunction with Mr Jackson. He hoped to meet teams from the Helensville Club on future occasions in Auckland, and that they would be well to the fore in tournaments in the city. The teams for the day had been drawn up as Helensville and Auckland, and he would ask Mrs McLeod to open the greens.

Mrs Jas. McLeod, on being handed a jack (which is the small white ball used in bowls) proceeded to the centre of the field and bowled the distance of the first head, amidst cheers.

Mr J. A. Gregg, President of the Auckland Bowling Association, complimented Helensville on possessing such a splendid green, which had just been opened, and was sure that good games would be played thereon in the future. They had made a good choice in Mr Carlaw as selector of the bowl-

ers to take part in the games, he being a great enthusiast and knowing all bowlers in the city. After alluding to the train service, Mr Gregg said he w6uld throw it! out as a suggestion that all present should form themselves into a committee to do what they could to have the splendid grounds and the Hot Springs properly developed. In conclusion he thanked the Helensville Club, and residents for the hospitality shown them on this visit, and was sure that all would be only too pleased to revisit the Springs grounds on future occasions, (Cheers). Eight rinks were then set going, and after some rather close contests the' Auckland side were the winners by 165 to 158 on the first 21 heads. Afternoon tea was then partaken of, being presided over by a number of the ladies of the district, and an enjoyable time was being spent by all assembled which a shower of rain slightly damped, but good spirits came back with a glimpse of sunshine and bowlers, tennis and croquet players were soon at play again, but at about 4.30 a rather heavy shower put an end to proceedings, and the games had to be abandoned and all returned to the township. In the evening the visitors were entertained at tea when Mr Gauden voiced the thanks of all to those who had given them such a royal welcome to Helensville, and for the elaborate provision made ' on their behalf, and stating' that they were only sorry the weather had not been in keeping with the hospitality shown them throughout the visit. ' Cheers were exchanged as the train left on the return journey, and so ended another niche in the advance of the Springs Domain. The Bowling Club Committee, Messrs Jas. JMcLeod, Rimmer, Elleit, Nicholls, Jas. Hand, Wilson and H. W. Stringer (secretary), did yoemens work in arranging the details of the entertaining, and the thanks of the district is due to them, and those who supplied vehicles, the Kaipara and Helensville hotels for putting on such good lunches at reduced price, and to those who subscribed or otherwise assisted tbe function ; while the ladies who dispensed afternoon tea at the Spiings received the thanks of those present who appreciated the light repast. Following were the teams and scores :— Helensville—Baildon, Card, Eyre, Harrison (skip), 21 ; Auckland—Hill, Mays, Ooltman, Martire (skip), 18, Helensville — Tudehupe, Rimmer, Stachbury, BaddiJey (skip), 19 ; Auckland—Michials, Hodgson, Flewellyn, R. McGregor (.skip}, 29. Helensville—W, Baildon, Leighton, Kayes, EUesdow (skip), 22; Auckland—Aitkin, Coe, Diddane, Hand* ccck, (skip), 10. Helensville—Frazcr, W. Williams, Robeitson, Perrett (skip), 16; Auck-land--Pearson, Jonts, Bryden, E. Craig (skip), 27. TTelensvillo- -D. J. Wright, Lovett, M. Casey, M. Walker (skip), 16; Auckland — Walton, Wilson, Tutt, Mercer (skip), 32. Helensville--Tucker, Napier, Butler. Bouskel (skip). 17 ; Auckland— | Rowlands, Ferguson, Gaudin, A. Parsons (skip), 16. Helensville—F. Parsons, Gordon, Miller, Swales (skip), So; Auckland —Ledinghaui, Gribbon, S. Jenkins, Grey (skip), 11. Helensville—W. 11. Jenkins, Me* Leod, Malioney, Jackson (skip), 14 Auckland—Muir, Porter, H. W. Wilson, Casey (skip) 20. The Auckland bowlers Jweve so satisfied with the condition of the green that the hat on being passed round resulted in the caretaker and his two assistants receiving a guinea each in appreciation of the excellent work put on the green by thorn