BOWLING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 51, 31 October 1913, Page 8

BOWLING.

♦ THE STRATFORD CLUB. The opening of the season yesterday afternoon was a very success!ul 1 unction.. The green looked gay and picturesque with the summer attire ol the players and their lady friends who were present in force. And the attendance of quite a big contingent from the sister club in Kltham added to the enjoyment, for bowlers are notning if not socially-inclined. As to toe weather, it was ideal, and tno given played up to expectations after wakening from its winter repose. Some time before three o’clock, Mrs T. C. Fookes, wife ol the president of the Club, “threw” the jack faithfully and well, a fact which was attested by the rousing cheers that followed the orthodox opening act. Then sides were arranged, and a match, President v. Vice-President (Mr C. Smart) was played, of twenty-one heads. At an interval in the proceedings afternoon tea was partaken of in the pavilion by all and sundry, iu the close of which the President made an appropriate speech. Mr Fookes referred with pleasure to the presence of so many Bltliam brother howlers and also to the ladies and many young players at the Chib s opening. All were to lie congratulated on the very line day. “StratSoid always does things well,” ho said smilingly, “and we have done particularly well in picking such a fine day.” ( ’rmtiiniiii!' - . he congratulated the mati-

agemeut committee on' the forward state of the arrangements for the opening of the season. The green was in good order, thanks to the voluntary assistance of those members who had practically utilised all their Thursday afternoons in the task. The pavilion had been freshened up with a coat of paint and looked spick and span. Indeed. it had been remarked that the bowlers had had a “spring-cleaning.” (Laughter.) The whole surroundings went to nrove that the Club had not been lazy during the recess. The Club promised to flourish, as the membership was increasing and the enthusiasm was also very much greater. As a young player—he was only a tluee-year-old member—he was proud of the honor conferred upon him in having been elected president. He remarked that he was keen on the game, and he sometimes wondered how his business got on, as he was' always on the green. (Jortf had offered somfi attractions to him, but it had not got a hold of him, . Otherwise lie would have to shut up.his office altogether. • (Laughter.) Ho'had come to the conclusion that bonders had ho’right to have a business at all. ' itt.enewed laughter and applause.) Referring to tlie inauguration of a system of sectional play for the ensuing season, Mr Fookes said, he hoped it would be the means of all the members receiving a chance

to play, as that was the intention oi the Committee, who wished to encourage interest in and in /the Club. v rt'ie “Buttons” would be played for liy the sections'; the “Feathers” by the pairs; and 1 the Curtis trophy for the championship singles. I ndor such favorable auspices', he felt certain the Club would have a successful season, and in the championship would do their best to bring it to Stratford. Last season they had sent teams to the Northern bowling tournament, and had provided the runners-up ior the championship of the province. The President then presented the trophies won during the past season, the recipients being heartily cheered as they came forward. Mr 11. McK. Morisou is the holder of the very handsome CUrtis trophy for the singles; Mr J. Brake received a pair of bowls for the handicap single (he had a great record, going through without being beaten ); and Mr K. Masters (who was not present) takes the prize for the younger members’ competition Hearty (’beers were then given for Mrs Fookes for opening the green, and play in the match was proceeded with.

From the scores given below it will he noted that the President’s side won by S points, the total scores being lbs to 100.

The president’s teams arc mentioned lirst in each rink;—

Masters, Barnard, Porritt and Fookes bs) 2G, v. Davis, Bickerton, Amooro and Smart (s) 22. Staples, Peeve and Martin (s) 14, v. Moon, Wilson and Lewin (s) 27. Webli, Curtis, Wright and King (s) 24, v. Fairhall, Biggs, Stunners, and Carman (s) 17.

Harris, Murray, Brake, Morison (s) 21, v. Newton, Bellingham, Penn,

.Jackson (s) 20. Davey, Carter, Nicholson and Songster (s) 23, v. Munro, Cow, jGrant and McMillan (s) 14.

The Patea Club has decided to ask lor a transfer from the Wanganni to the Taranaki centre.