DIGGERS’ BOWLING.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 366, 22 February 1937, Page 4

DIGGERS’ BOWLING.

ANNUAL FIELD DAY.

Real Re-union Held At Stratford.

The tread of martial feet—tour ot them—was heard on the bowling greens of Stratford during the weekend. The feet belonged, one pair to an artillery sergeant disguised by

means of a German forage cap, a flintlock pistol of ancient vintage, and an imposing- -armlet bearing the magic letters M.P., and the other pair to a soldier in full uniform, tin hat and all, but disguised in this case by an enormous walrus moustache making an excellent characterisation ot Bairnstather’s "Ole Bill." Military manoeuvres, too, not by uniformed troops in khaki but by bowlers in true summer wear, took place on the greens, while bugle calls and martial music rang through the peaceful walls of the club pavilions. It was the occasion of the annual field-day of the Taranaki Diggers' Bowling Association, when the Stratford and Avon Clubs’ greens were given over to play by digger bowlers who came from all Taranaki and even Wanganui, to participate In a joyous re-union. Altogether 44 rinks, 26 on the Stratford green and 18 on the Avon green, took part.

Despite the nature of the gathering, serious bowls were played and played well. The 176 bowlers took their games seriously yet mixing with them a modicum of fun; whjle for the hundreds of non-players, war-time reminiscences occupied much of their time. At the Stratford green a Wanganui rink skipped by Ron. Armstrong went through five rounds undefeated, while at Avon, W. J. Smith’s Inglewood team won four games and drew one to run out winners of that section. The final at Stratford was keenly contested when Wanganui won by 3 up. The atmosphere of war days was noticeable throughout the day. Evan the names of the rinks brought back cherished memories. They were: Walker’s Ridge, Hill GO, 11 o’clock Square, Anafarta, Shrapnel Gully, Stinking Horse Farm, Suicide Corner. One Blanket Hill, Sugar Refinery, Quin’s Post, Red Lodge, Lone Pine, Green Dump. According to the official order of the day. the troops assembled, the Ist Battalion on the Stratford green and the 2nd Battalion on the Avon green, at 08.30 hours. Following r-um issue at 8.45 hours, hostilities commenced at 09.00 hours. The final assault by the survivors took place at 17.00 hours, where the objective was the Diggers’ shield and medals for the successful party.

The Mayor, Mr. J. W. McMillan, presented the trophies to the winning team. He congratulated all the players and commended those responsible for organising such a jolly day. Mr. J. Pavitt, president of the Taranaki Diggers’ Bowling Association, also spoke and thanked the local clnbs for their generosity in allowing play on the greens. He presented badges to the winners, these to be worn on all occasions when Diggers’ matches were played.