SOCIAL EVENING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3944, 18 May 1929, Page 3

SOCIAL EVENING.

TENDERED TO LOCAL BOWLERS. On Thursday evening, at Walls’ rooms, Mr. W. S. Heyes, president of the Foxton Bowling Club, entertained members of the Club at an enjoyable social function, which was much appreciated by those present. In the absence of the Mayor (Mr. Perreau) Mr. D. Christie presided. Besides a good attendance of local members, Messrs Johnston and Choat, representing Palmerston Clubs, were also present. In his opening remarks, Mr. Christie intimated that the motive of the gathering as intended by Mr. Heyes was for the foregathering of members to afford an opportunity of discussing in an informal way matters 'concerning the Club’s welfare, and tendering suggestions for the betterment of the Club. 'Referring to the year just closing, lie said members generally were of the opinion that it had been a most successful one'from all points of view, the finances had considerably improved, the Club had been successful in competitions, and socially there ‘had been an improvement. This in a great measure had been due to the President. The playing condition of the green had been far better than for years past, thanks for which were due to Mr. Thomson and Mr. Newth. (Voices: “And yourself.”) The Committee had dispensed with the services of the caretaker from Christmas until the closing of the green, which had assisted the finances. A great improvement had 'been noticeable in the standard of play as a result of the improved green, more especially first year players, concluded the speaker.

A short toast list was honoured, commencing with the loyal toast. Mr. L. Couch presided at the piano and all toasts were accorded musical honours. The toast of “The President” was proposed by Mr. M. H. Walker, who voiced the popular opinion that Mr. Heyes had filled the position with credit to himself and satisfaction to members, and it was the general wish that he take the position for a further term.

Iu reply Mr. Heyes said he was pleased to know that his efforts had met with such appreciation. What lie had done had been through the love of that particular organisation, and the success of the past year had been due not so much to his own efforts as to the fact that members had had a good green to play on. A good green had been the result of good work on the part of members, and in this connection he particularly mentioned Mr. Christie. In other respects success had been promoted through catering for the younger players. Competitions had also contributed considerably to this 1 end, and the trophies competed for had been an incentive to the younger players. During: the past season the .Club had had a good deal of success in Centre trophy play, having won the Triangular Shield, and Fletcher Shield. In thanking Mr. Walker for his kind remarks, Mr. Heyes said, while of the opinion that the position of president should be filled afresh eacn y ear, if it was the wish of members that he accept the position for u further term, he would consent to <io so at the right time. The toast of “Kindred Clubs” was proposed by Mr. E. Huntley, Mr. Johnston and Mr. Choate replying. Mr. Johnston recalled incidents connected with the Fletcher Shield match played locally, saying on that occasion Terrace End Club was pleased with the playing qualities of the local green, and the excellent game that had resulted. He hoped Foxton Club would meet them in a match for the Manson and Barr Cup next season, and he assured Foxton bowlers Terrace End would not be downhearted if they lost to a Foxton rinlk. Mr. Choate thanked local howlers for the pleasant times he had spent on the green during his stay in Foxton, and expressed his pleasure at being present that evening. In replying to the toast of “Successful Skips,” proposed by Mr. Christie, Mjr. Thomson said anything he had done foil’ the Club had been to protmote its welfare. He had always advocated the “sole selector” principle, and during the past season had officiated in that capacity. The Fletcher Shield competition had been, in his opinion, the best proposition during the past season, as it had provided for four rinks competing, thus giving the youngeir players a chance to take part. The selection of teams for the Manson and Barr and Dixou Cup contests had proved a difficult problem, and he had enlisted the assistance of the President iu his endeavour to do the best to get trophies to Foxton. He believed that the qualities of a successful skip called not so much for skill in play as in generalship.

Opportunity was taken at this juncture by the President to present the trophies won during the year. In handing to Mr. Mat tar the Barr Cups won by Messrs Mattar and Heppner in the pairs competition, Mr. Heyes paid a tribute to Mr. J. M. Barr for his generosity in presenting for competition two solid silver miniature cups mounted on ebony stands. These trophies had been donated with the object of stimulating interest in the Club, and that object had been attained. In complijmenting the recipients, he said they had undoubtedly deserved their success, as they had played consistently throughout. To Mr. J. Newth he extended his congratulations on winning the Wilford Cup, and said it afforded him real pleasure to see one of the Club’s first-

year players carry off the cup. The President also announced that Mr. Thomson had intimated his intention of presenting for competition next year valuable trophies for a pairs competition. Thanks were due to Mr. Thomson for walking this announcement now, as it would allow of an early comlmencement with the competition in the coming season. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Thomson.

Mr. Mattar expressed thanks on behalf of Mr. Heppner and himself for the congratulations offered, and recounted the difficult propositions he had met with during the competition.

Mr. Newth also recalled the history of the season’s play, and remarked on the pleasures he had experienced. The toast of “Young Bowlers” was proposed bv Mr. John Ross, who eonsidelrod “eolt.s” as the life blood of a Club. At one time howls was considered a game eminently suitable for the aged and middleaged, hut nowadays the game was as popular with young men as with those more advanced in years.

Messrs Couch, Howe, Newth, Scadden and Stevenson suitably replied. Mr. Christie paid a tribute to the work of Mr. 'Warwick as sercctarv, and said members were much indebted to him for having the Club in its present good financial position.

Mr. Warwick said be had enjoyed bawls during the past season more than at any time during his life. There had been a good spirit among members. Regarding the Club’s finances, the year had commenced with •considerable liabilities, but the position had boon greatly improved during the season. Thanlks were due to the President for his'attitude, and determination to cut down expenses. With the good prospects for the coining season he anticipated the Club would soon be on a sound footing. Mr. Johnston expressed (lie view that the figures as quoted by Mr. Warwick spoke glowingly of the work cf the Club’s officials, and of the enthusiasm of members.

In a discussion on ways and means of supplementing the Club’s funds, Mr. Couch undertook to work up a concert, to be staged at an early date. Tn this respect a ermunittee consisting of Messrs 'Couch, Thomson, Christie and Tlcves was appointed to carry out ffie arrangements.

Tt was intimated in general discussion that six yards of soil had teen obtained for use on the green, nd an' appeal was made to all members to lend a band in preparatory work in the off season. Sreeinl mention was made of the valuable assistance rendered to the Club by Messrs Newth, Christie and Thomson.

Mr. Thomson generously offered t" 1 arrange for a “table bowls” evening at his residence in about a fortnight’s Lime.

During the evening Mr. 'Couch rendered vocal and piano solos, which were much appreciated. At the conclusion Mr. Christie ex pressed to Mr. Heyes the npprecia • lion of bowlers for the very pleasant evening lie bad afforded them.