BOWLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2192, 21 October 1920, Page 3

BOWLING

OPENING OF FOXTON GREEN

The official opening of the local green each year is always a most successful and pleasant function, but there is no doubt yesterday afternoon’s opening was a record one in the history of the Club. The green had received a careful preparation, a few enthusiasts having put in good work during the last few days, and from an early hour yesterday morning a ‘‘working bee’’ was busily engaged putting in the finishing touches, and making all the final arrangements. The weather conditions in the morning were anything but promising, but fortunately the rain held off, but the wind which blew throughout the afternoon was rather unpleasant. The attendance was a record one, there being between 180 and 200 people present, which included visitors from the Terrace End, Levin, Shan-

non, Palmerston North, Feilding, and other bowling clubs and cro-

quet players from the Manawatu, Levin and Feilding Croquet Clubs. Most of the visitors arrived by mot-

or, and there were no less than 22

cars lined up outside the gate. The bowling green was fully occupied, 64 players taking part, and about 20 of the members of the local Club

who were in attendance were unable

to get a game, but spent a pleasant afternoon watching the play. The

refreshments were provided by members of the bowling and croquet clubs, and were dispensed by the ladies, headed by Mrs Mandl, Mrs Pearson( secretary), and the members of the croquet: committee, to whom the thanks of the Club are due for the excellent manner in which all arrangements were carried out. Afternoon tea was supplied to all in attendance, and the visitors were again provided with refreshments at the conclusion of the play. To supply the large number present was a very big undertaking, but the ladies worked with a will, and all present, were high in their praises of the excellent manner in which these arrangements were conducted. The opening ceremony was performed by Dr. Mandl, president of the Club, who extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors, and expressed the hope that they would spend an enjoyable afternoon. He referred to the condition of the green, which he felt

sure would be better this year than ever before, and in this connection

made special mention of the ser

vices rendered to the Club by Mr J. P. Smith, of Napier, who had during the off-season brought his own machine down and levelled and topdressed the green on two occasions. The members of the Club were very grateful to Mr Smith for what he had done. Dr. Mandl also referred to the attention given the green by the superintendent, Mr W. Nye, and said they were indeed fortunate in having such an enthusiast in this position. He also thanked all those members who had assisted in top-dressing the green and in getting it ready for play. Mrs Mandl rolled up the first bowl, and the green was then declared open, and eight full rinks commenced play. Some very close and interesting games were played, several being in doubt right up to the last head; in two the result was decided by the just bowls, and one ended in a draw. At the conclusion of the play Mr G. Harford, of Feilding, returned thanks on behalf of the visitors for the very enjoyable time they bad been given. He referred to the excellence of the afternoon tea arrangements, and complimented the ladies on the manner in which they had carried out same. He said that the Foxton Club was very popular with all the neighbouring clubs, and they were always very glad to visit

Foxton, knowing that they would receive a right royal time and be among good sports. On his call, three hearty cheers were given by the visitors for the Foxton Club, and an extra special round for the

ladies. Dr. Mandl then called for cheers for the visitors, which were

heartily given, and thus concluded the most successful opening that the local Club, noted for the success of its openings, has yet experienced. The following are the details of the play:— Foxton. Levin. Healey Holdaway Heasman Tait Bryant Channings Nye (s) 19 Beading (s) 17 Shannon. Pearson Kelly Huntley Murray Spring Butt D. Whibley (s) 19 Fargher (s) 20 Feilding. Fogden Miles Ross S. Gray Christie Dewe Mandl (s) 17 Robertson (s) 19 Palmerston. Mercer Vautier Tattersall Wilton Walker Michie Woods (s) 14 Crump (s) 25 Feilding Levin. Davidson Haswell. Oakley Higgin B. Gray Harris Harford (s) 23 Pollock (s) 18 Terrace End. Rumble Pink Follas Crystall Anderson Bull Tapp (s) 17 Suhan (s) 17 Shannon. (Various Clubs). O’Regan Richards Hinchcliffe Tattersall Carr Rimmer McKegg (s) 17 J. P. Smith (s) 13 Terrace End. Hensman Tremewan Robson Lovelock Murphy Wallace Gunning (s) 18 Wearne (s) 19

The official opening of the Terrace End green takes place on Saturday afternoon next. All Foxton players desirous of marking the trip are requested to put their names on the board at the green.

The Levin opening will take place in Monday afternoon next.