BOWLING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 3

BOWLING.

OPENING OF THE SEASON.

LINWOOD CLUB.

Tho Linwood Bowling and Croquot Club opened us aoason on baiurday afternoon in line weather, the green, although a little soft after recent rain, being in excellent condition. Thero was a large attendance of club members, visiting players and ladies. The president (Mr T. Marriott), in extending a hoarty welcome to the visitors, expressed ins that for a third year in succession the opening of the club's season should find tne worm sliu at war. Many ot tho members had sons av tho front, and especial rympathy wou*d bo folt with Mr J. A. Ambrose, whose. sen, Lieutenant Ambrose, was reported dead in a recent casualty list. The spwker oppressed the hope that next opening day would follow in peacetime, and, af.sr comp.imonting tho green supervisor and groundsman on tb© way in wh.ch the green had been prepared for the season, he declared lhe season open. Tho first bowl was Bont down by Mrs T. Marriott, who tcored a " touohor," amid loud applause. The proceedings concluded with tho singing of the National Anthem.' A match was vhen played bo.ween teams selected, by tho president and vice-president respes.ivoly, and durin.j ths afternoon tea was served,- a pleasant time being spent by all.

OPAWI CLUB. The official oponing of the Opawa, Bowling and Croquet Ciubs n.n.h season took place on Saturday •at.ernoon, in fine weather, there being a good attendance of members and visitorß from other clubs, together with many ladies. The green, though soft, boro evidences of very careful preparation, and. was quiie playable, despite two days of soaking rain. The Hon G. W. Eussoll, who had been invited, to attend, ecut an apology for obsence( pressure, of Ministerial dut.es keeping him in Wehingtou. Tho president (Mr J. W. Hillary), after welcoming the visitors, comp.imenied ihe green superintendent (Mr H. A. Bruce) upon Gvo splendid condition of the green ,and thankod thoso members who, under the guidance of Mr E. Taylor, had helped to instal a h.gh-prcssuro water supply on the green. Relerrmg to the war, he said that one member of lhe club, Lance-Corporal Cooluley, was at the front, and twelve or fourteon sons of members wete either at tho front or in training camps. Members would deeply sympathise with the loss sustained by ono of their members, Mr Annand, the death of whose son was reported in Saturday's newspapers. Tho speaker express-

ed the hope that his successor, next season, would be able to congratulate the club on commencing a new season in time of peace. Tho Mayor of, Christchurch, (Mr H. Holland) in a brief speech then formally declared the season open. The first jack was aent down by Mrs J. \v" Hillary, and tho Mayor played tne first bowl of the season, scoring a " toucher," amidst groat applause. Daring tho afternoon a match, between teams picked by tho president and vicepresident respectively, was played. Afternoon tea wag -served, and a charge was made to members only for tho benefit of the "Our Day" Fund.