AUCKLAND CLUB’S 65TH YEAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 79, 24 June 1927, Page 7

AUCKLAND CLUB’S 65TH YEAR

ITS MANY ACTIVITIES The Auckland Bowling Club held its 65th annual meeting last evening. The retiring president was Dr. J. Hardie Neil, who occupied the chair until the election of the incoming president, Mr. G. J. Mackay. Mr. Mackay, on being elected to the highest office of the parent club of Auckland, was given a great reception by his fellow'-members. He has-been a splendid "'°rke r in the past in the interest of his club, and is a bowler who upholds the highest traditions of the sport. His election to this office, therefore, was keenly The report reviewed the season’s tournaments, noting the successes of members and the club’s position in the pennant competition, namely, third with a percentage of 57.85. It was with feelings of regret that the committee recorded the passing of five esteemed members in Sir Arthur Myers and Messrs. H. J. Torbitt, T. McMenemy, A. E. F. Gilbert and G. T. Oxley. In the demise of Sir Arthur Myers the club lost a very old member and one who, though living abroad, continued his interest in the club. A link with the early history of the club was broken with the passing of one of its first members, Mr. David Dingwall, who joined about 1862, and retained his membership until 1896, when he entered the newly-formed Remuera Club. . Following are the results of the club competitions held during the year:— Club champion ship, M. Walker; runnerup, P. J. Scantlebury. Junior championship: L. G. Ansell; runner-up, H. R. Allan. Champion pairs: G. J. Mackay and J. C. Duncan; runners-up, G. Cater and C. Muston. Club fours, aggregate system: J. Blades, C. Rawlinson, R. Newbegin, H. G. McCrea; runners-up, C. H. Howard, A. E. Hardy, A. W. Robertson, P. Moir. Club pairs, handicap: R. Tracy Inglis and E. I. Lyell; runners-up, H. Bkiinger and H. ,G. McCrea. Diamond Jubilee Cup: C. Muston; runners-up, P. J. Scantlebury. . Anzac Cup: P. J. Scantlebury; runner-up, M. Walker. Firstyear players’ championship: K. S. Macky; runner-up, A. W. Israel. Veterans’ handicap: G. J. Mackay; runner-up, R. Hewitson. Consolation handicap: K. S. Mackay; runner-up, J. P. Aldred. The election of officers resulted:—President, Mr. G. J. Mackay; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. E. A. Craig, W. H. Atkin, R. Tracy Inglis; hon. treasurer, Mr. A. E. Hardy; hon. assistant treasurer, Mr. J. E. Dicketts; hon. secretary, Mr. S. Coldicutt; hon. assistant secretary, Mr. A. H. Keesing; hon. auditor, Mr. A. F. Mackay; ground committee, Messrs. E. A. Craig, T. Kirk, C. Muston; management committee, Messrs. C. Allan, G. F. Cater, R. M. Hacket, B. M. Myers, G. B. Osmond and A. L. Parsons; match committee, Messrs. A. D. Gray and J. S. Ryrie; sole selector, Mr. P. J. Scantlebury; delegates to centre, Messrs. S. Coldicutt, E. A. Craig, P. J. Scantlebury; club coaches, Messrs. A. D. Gray, H. Hemus, C. Muston, W. C. Piggott and H. McCrea; umpires, Messrs. W. H. Atkin, James Carlaw, A. D. Gray, G. B. Osmond, J. S. Ryrie and P. J. Scantlebury. The balance-sheet showed that the year commenced with a debit balance of £3O and ended with a credit of £l9O. Catnment was made in the report on the need for more green accommodation and it was hoped that at an early date the committee would be able to bring forward something tangible in this regard. Feelings of deep regret were expressed at the passing of five esteemed members, Messrs. H. J. Torbitt, T. McMenemy, A. E. F. Gilbert, G. T. Oxley and Sir Arthur Myers. By the death of Sir Arthur Myers the -club lost a very old member, who, though living abroad, continued his interest in the club. A link was broken in the early history of the club #th the passing of Mr. David Dingwaii, who joined in about 1562, and retained his membership until about 1896, when he entered the newly-formed Remuera Club. The election of club coaches is commendable. It shows definitely that the club is providing fully for beginners, and does not intend that they should develop wrong deliveries as many young players have done in the past. This provision is being well guarded against in the Auckland Club. GREENS The club is very cramped for playing area at the present time. A special committee, which was set up last year, reports progress has been made in this direction. On the suggestion made by Mr. Scantlebury the club will adopt the setting aside of a certain portion of the surplus funds for the improvement of its greens and for more green accommodation. The finances of the club are in a prosperous condition, largely owing to the increase in the membership subscription. The members affirmed distinct enjoyment in the centre’s pennant competition. As this competition has only been competed for by the Auckland Club for two years, this is worthy of interest. The Ground Committee is to be congratulated on the great improvement shown in the greens this year. They were a distinct improvement on what has been presented to the members for many years past. Special congratulations were extended to Mr. S. Coldicutt on his re-election to the office as honorary secretary. There is no doubt the club has a real asset in the services of Mr. Coldicutt, and the members are keenly appreciative of this fact. The club is now looking forward to its 66th year of bowling life. There are bright prospects ahead for its members to explore, as well as traditions of the past to uphold.