BOWLERS HAVE A DAY OUT.

Shannon News, 15 January 1929, Page 4

BOWLERS HAVE A DAY OUT.

AUSTRALIANS VISIT OTAKI. WELCOME BY NATIVES. (From the Otalri Mail). Between forty and fifty motor-cars con veying Australian bowlers, wives and daughters, together with members of the Dominion Council, with their wives, visited Otaki on Sunday at the invitation of the Otaki Club. The day was gloriously fine, the hip over the hill was greatly enjoyed, while on arrival at Otaki the visitors were entertained on the Otaki racecourse, kindly lent for the occasion by the Otaki Maori Racing Club. The Australians and Natives. The latter, some forty strong, greeted, both by local bowlers and other visiting bowlers were warmly assembled on the \lawn and as the visitors entered, gave a welcome in true Native fashion. There wa*s an immediate rush with cameras, and the Australians, also the Wellingtonian:;, were more than delighted with the welcome. During the day the Natives gave kakas and poi dances, and on each occasion were greeted with applause.

Mr. Pairoruku Rikihana, through Mr. Kingi Tahiwi (interpreter) gave an address of welcome to the visitors, and in doing so said it was the Native custom to welcome all who belonged to New Zealand but seldom was it their privilege to welcome visitors from overseas. "It was the Natives wish to extend the hiand of friendship to all who came to this fair land, and he wished it known that they desired to be kind and hospitable, and-promised that they would do their best to entertain. Although few in number they were great in spirit. Mr. Rikihana congratulated the N.Z. Bowling Association for bringing the Australians to these shores, and he hoped their stay would be a pleasant one, and that they would carry away pleasant recollections of their visit to Otaki. The occasion was one that he .hoped would be remembered for many years»to come, especially as such gatherings were very rare. During the war, said Mr. Rikihana, Natives came into touch with Australians, and looked upon them as brothers. Mr. Brandon said as Mayor and President of the Otaki Bowling Club, he desired to extend to the visitors a most cordial welcome, hoped their stay would be a.very pleasant one, and assured them that should they return on any future occasion they would be given another cordial welcome. Mr. W. H. Field, said as M.P. for this favoured district, which he had represented for some thirty years, he expended to the visitors a hearty welcome and said all were delighted to see them. ' He spoke of the good fellow- ! Ship that always existed between bowl* j ers, and welcomed the Australians on I behalf of the Parliament of Now Zcai land. No one was more welcome and I his regret was that Otaki could not see more of them. He also regretted that they would not see more of the country, in which there were many attractions, including the '-hot water" system (Rotorua) and beautiful mountain and lake scenery. Mr. Field spoke of botany and animal life but said in both Australia led the way although visitors to his farm at Waikanae had been agreeably surprised at what they had seen there. In referring to the flight of Mr. Kingsford Smith he hoped that shortly Australians would have an early breakfast in their own land and arrive in New Zealand for a late dinner. In speaking of the Natives Mr. Field said all New Zealandcn? were proud, of them — the more one saw of them the more one loved them. The race, he maintained, w'as a refined one, and the possessors of fine characters. Badges of the Otaki Bowling Club were then presented to representatives of the various Australian States, while in turn the Mayor and others received overseas badges, representatives of tno Maori race not being overlooked. Mr. Scott, President of the Dominion Council, endorsed the remarks of other speakers and joined with all in extending a warm welcome to visitors from across the Tasman. They were friends, and it gave his Council great pleasure in bringing them to Otaki. Mr. Scott referred to matches already played, and said the Australians had been beaten on this occasion but previously were victorious, therefore sides were equal. All now looked forward to next year to see who will prove best, although win or lose it made no difference in their friendship. Mr. Scott paid a glowing compliment to the Maoris of New Zealand, regarding them as a very fine race, and one that all should be glad to rub shoulders with. On behalf of his Council he thanked the Natives, and local bowlers, for their fine welcome, and said it was a privilege to be associated with them on such an occasion.

Mr. John Scott, manager of the Australian team, thanked all for such a hearty welcome, which he regarded as one of the best they had been tendered. When his team returned and told their friends of the great Maori welcome all would desire to make the trip. He assured the assemblage that it was thenintention to again come to New Zealand, when they would try to register a win. Mr. Scott, in conclusion, said all the visitors were deeply indebted to Otaki for such a welcome, and said they would also carry recollections of their visits to the town. After Mr. Scott had rubbed noses with a Maori warrior cheers were exchanged, and then followed "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." Mr. Stan Scott, on behalf of the Dominion Council and visitors, thanked Otaki bowlers for their cordial reception and said all were delighted with the manner in which they had been received.

After Mr. Brandon had acknowledged the compliment further cheers followed. An adjournment was then made for lunch which had been prepared by Messrs Bustin Bros, in fine style in the racecourse luncheon room,

'gaily decorated for the occasion. Although of spacious dimensions there was barely seating room, but the 250 present fully enjoyed the splendid Tepast.

Quite a number of Australians and Wellingtonians visited the local bowling green and expressed admiration at its appearance, and after trying it regarded it as a very line one —a decided credit to a country town. Visitors then motored round the district and viewed places of interest, chief of which, was the historical Maori Church. They later motored back to Wellington which was reached after the scenciy, etc;, had been most favourably commented on. Credit for the success of the function was due to members of the local Club, particularly Mr. Palmer and Mr. Wilmot (secretary). Both worked well and had able support from others. Several ladies also worked splendidly and helped in various ways.