SHANNON BOWLING AND CROQUET CLUBS.

Shannon News, 20 October 1925, Page 3

SHANNON BOWLING AND CROQUET CLUBS.

OiPEN THEIR SEASON

There was a good attendance of members and their friends at the opening- -of the Shannon Howling and Croquet Club’s season on Saturday afternoon. Representatives also were present from the Terrace End, Manawatu and Riccurton, and Levin' Bowling Clubs and the Levin and Otuki Croquet Clubs. Owing to the heavy rain the previous night and on Saturday morning, the bowling green was soft and at first it was not considered advisable to play on it, but after the opening ceremony it was decided to play half a dozen heads. Fortunately the sun made its appearance during the afternoon and although only a few heads were played, the visiting bowlers and the local players were enabled to spend an enjoyable afternoon. The ladies of the Croquet Club also played a number of tournaments. Everything passed off most successfully despite -the, sodden state of the greens, those present spending a pleasant afternoon. The. lady members of the Croquet Club provided afternoon tea which was all that could be desired.

The president, -Mr .1. T. Bovis, in extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, referred to the harmonious manner in which the work of the Club had been carried out during the past 20 years by its members, the most wonderful point being the lack of friction or hostility of any kind, and he felt sure that at the end of the present season that record would remain unbroken. . In extending a hearty welcome to the new members of the club lie pointed out that this harmonious working was the secret of success and bv a. steady continuance in such a cause and plenty of practice and goodwill they' would not regret joining up with the Club. Owing to -unforeseen circumstances the Club were not able to carry out their intended programme last-* season. One or two visits were owing to sister clubs and these would be made at a later date. He said there should be a greater of inter-club games at home and abroad. The game of bowls never had-more followers than at the present time. He thanked the ladies of the Croquet Club for providing afternoon tea during the past season -and they (the bowlers) wished them continued prosperity. He said the British bowlers were visiting the Dominion this season and an effort would be made to secure a visit from one or two rinks. He drew the visitors’ attention to the four poles erected on the* border of tlu: green. These, he stated, stood fur progress, viz., lighting the green for night play and the lights would be switched on at a. later date. He then called on Mrs Bovis to throw up the Kitty, after which Mr Gunning, one of the oldest members of the Club, rolled the fir-st bowl and he then declared the season open. Mr Clayton, on behalf.of Mrs Clayton, president of the Croquet Club, in a brief address, pointed out the pleasure the ladies had'derived from the game of croquet since the club started two years ago and thanked Mesdame.s Brown and Capes for coaching members. After wishing members a pleasant season lie called on Mrs Brown to shoot the first ball, than declaring the season open. The results of the games were as follow: T.evin. —Clements (skip) 0 v. Shannon. Knowles. (skipf™- Palmerston North—. Tones (skip) 10' v. Shannon—'Bovis (skip) 9. Palmerston North—

Crump (skip) 14 v. .Shannon—B. Spencer (skip) 3. Terrace Ena—J. Davidson (skip) 10 v. Shannon—(Morgan (skip) 8. Levin—Pike (skip) 10 v. Shannon —H. Butt (skip) 7. The winners of the Croquet tournaments were Mrs Evans (Otaki) and Mrs Capes and Miss Williams.