ON THE GREEN Bowls and Bowlers

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 114, 4 August 1927, Page 7

ON THE GREEN Bowls and Bowlers

BY

JACK HIGH

On Saturday quite an interesting I programme of bowling events was arranged by the numerous Auckland clubs, only to meet with the usual downpour of rain, after play had commenced about an hour, making continuance quite impossible. Useless but nevertheless exasperated, indignation was roughly hurled at the offending weather that so persistently denies the ardent trundlers their rights to participate in their fond games on the ever-inviting sward. However, of late, many varied suggestions have been freely made to improve bowling in Auckland. These have been noticeably prominent by their number. Another one would not be amiss, especially if it suitably met with the pressing need, as a happy solution to this dreary winter’s irksome weather, from a bowler’s point of view. The only remedy that presents itself to the less ingenious mind is to conveniently hibernate. This comfortable suggestion has a wealth of pleasantly interesting possibilities to explore. If adopted, bowlers could then go sweetly and snugly to sleep, with the first shudder of the rude, clammy winter, and drowsily awaken again to the warm, welcome salutation of real seasonable weather in the budding spring. The suggestion is eminently more practicable than attempting to play bowls this truly inconsiderate winter. Anyway, it’s a deliciously enticing thought, isn’t it? And quite an agreeable one, too. A POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT Nevertheless, there is fortunately something else for bowlers to consider besides hibernating or endeavouring to play bowls in impossible weather. And this brings us to a very interesting point—the probable social development in bowling ranks. Towards the end of the summer season, Mr. James Pascoe, president of the Auckland Centre, rightly expressed the opinion, in no uncertain terms, that the social side of the sport was not receiving due consideration. He strongly emphasised this point on more than one occasion. No definite suggestions were then advanced as to how any improvement could be made, and the matter was apparently left at that. But, obviously, it was well merited criticism, for we find that there is a strongly marked tendency for bowlers’ social functions to assume much broader lines than has been customary in the past. For instance, the Devonport Orphans’ Club gave a boxvlers’ evening. The centre executive followed with a splendid musical evening to the centre delegates, only to be ably and happily emulated by the Devonport Bowling Club by a smart social function in the Masonic Hall last Thursday. A WIDER DEVELOPMENT? These desirable evenings have been so successful that many have been naturally wondering why it is not possible for the combined clubs of Auckland to organise permanent evenings on lines similar to the Orphans’ and Savage Clubs. In fact, it has been correctly pointed out that a very large proportion of these clubs’ members are constituted of bowlers who have already a keen appreciation of such evenings. The idea has apparently caught on. There is no doubt that it should at once commend itself for full development, as a necessary common meeting ground for all bowlers in the centre. This has been sadly needed in the past and would fulfil a long felt want in the future. There is real need for an entertainment committee, comprised of representatives from all the clubs. At the present time, even the entertainment of visitors is thoughtlessly left to the centre executive, which has done capable work in this respect in the past, despite its limited capacity and fi ance. On the other hand, a permanent social organisation of which all bowlers could become members, by annual subscription, the oft-quoted fraternity of bowlers could receive favourable encouragement and fuller realisation than at the present moment. All the possibilities for success are in evidence. Among bowlers there is a large number of prominent musicians. In fact, the conductors of both the Savage and Orphans’ Clubs, Messrs. Colin Muston and George Cater, are bowlers, besides individual members

of the orchestras, and the bowlers’ j names who can ably provide entertain- j ing items of more than passing inter- I est are almost legion. THE NEXT SEASON’S VISITORS It is hoped that the centre executive will call a meeting in the immediate future to put the whole proposal in definite form before the clubs for their favourable consideration, and so put the matter into practical operation. Next season we are to be favoured with visits from Melbourne and Adelaide bowlers and the probable development of the annual match between Australia and New Zealand is receiving wide consideration. Not only throughout the Dominion, but all over Australia, the finalising of these matters will necessarily have to await the meeting of the Dominion Council in September. But this involves only a matter of dealing with the necessary details, and should not hinder the urgent need of forming a more permanent and broader organisation for entertaining all our local and visiting bowlers than is in existence at the present moment. NOTES AND COMMENTS The recent heavy rains have done extensive damage to the new Grey Lynn green. One side of the terrace adjoining the playing area has completely subsided. The actual playing surface has not been affected as yet, but it is estimated that the replacement of the bank will involve the club in a considerable outlay. This is most unfortunate for the members of Grey Lynn, and there is no doubt that any scheme for raising still further sums of money to permanently establish the club in their new home will receive encouraging support from Auckland bowlers. The Auckland Club also suffered from a very heavy flooding, to the depth of several inches, over the lower green. After the water subsided a thick deposit of silt was left. It is fortunately estimated that little material damage was done, and that the club will be readv to open the green tit the usual time. On Saturday next the challengers for the Edwin Stars competition will be a team from headed by T. S. Bassett. The match should provide the best elements of good bowling.