POPULAR BOWLERS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 421, 30 April 1937, Page 4

POPULAR BOWLERS

FAREWELL FUNCTION j Presentations To Mr W. Harris And Mr D. Butchart i Members of the Stratford Bowling Club met at the pavilion last night to farewell Mr W. Harris, stock inspector, who has been transferred to Wanganui, and Mr D. Butchart, who has accepted a business appointment at New Plymouth. Both have been prominently associated with the club, and the general regret at their departure was expressed by officials and members of the club. Mr H. Summerfield, president of the club, made a presentation of a case of pipes to Mr Harris, and Mr j Butchart received a fountain pen. j A short toast list was honoured, and there was an informal programme of entertainment. Proposing the toast of the “Taranaki Bowling Centre,” Mr L. J. Furrie said that all governing bodies had their problems, like all clubs. The Stratford club had been well served by the centre, and their decisions had been loyally accepted. Mr A. H. R. Amess, past-president of the centre, said the main business of the centre was to organise the competitions and run the tournaments. For years past the Taranaki bowling tournament, had earned the commendation of all who had been associated with it. The pairs tournament had shown a loss, and the question of its continuance would probably I have to be reviewed Mr Amess re- ■ ferred to the spirit of good fellowship among bowlers, and the harmonious relations between clubs and the centre. Champion Of Club. Mr Summerfield proposed the toast of “Our Guests,” and expressed regret at the departure of Mr Harris and Mr Butchart. Mr Harris, he said, had been green warden, and he had been instrumental in providing a green that was a pleasure to play on. He had been president for two years and he had been ably assisted by Mrs Harris. He had a notable record as a bowler. In 1933 he vras Taranaki singles champion and for six years he had been champion of the Stratford club. Mr Butchart, continued Mr Summerfield, bad been on the committee | for the last two years, and he had | been a particularly valuable member of the social committee. The club would always look forward to meeting the departing members again. Mr W. Summers referred to the splendid service given by Mr to the farmers of the district. Whenever they were in any trouble or wanted any advice he had been ever ready to assist. Mr Geo. Smart mentioned that Mr Harris had also given great service as a selector. All regretted his departure. but were pleased that he had beev. promoted to a higher position in his department. Mr C. R. Finnerty said that the outstanding quality of Mr Harris was his fairness. Another trait was his generosity. He was always willing fo assist beginners. Mr Finnerty said he had known Mr Butchart for a long time, and he to ohad been very happy to assist new players. Mr Amess referred to the splendid social qualities of Mr Harris and Mr Butchart. They were both good sports men and gentlemen, said Mr W. S. Clarke in paying tribute to the personal attributes of the guests. Younger Members' Appreciation. On behalf of the younger members jof the club, Mr T. Lawson, junr.f wished Mr Harris and Mr Butchart every success in the future. Mr W. E. Williams said there was no bowler in Stratford who had done more for the club than Mr Harris. ‘ Wherever Mr Butchart played he was : always happy, and members looked forward to meeting him-at the New Plymouth tournament. The loss sustained by the club I through the departure of Mr Harris | and Mr Butchart was further em- i phasised by Messrs G. Ewing, L. B. I Davis. S. Ewing, p. Coe and T. Law- | son senr. Mr Lawson also conveyed ! to Mr Harris the good wishes of the j South African War Veterans Associa- j tion, of which Mr Harris was a mem- ' bei- while in Stratford. Mr Harris, in responding, thanked i all the speakers for their very kind ; remarks. It was just a little over 15 i years ago when he received another ' presentation from the Stratford Bowl- j mg Club. He had gone away and had ■ never thought that he would return. I He had enjoyed his experience with i the Stratford club, and whatever he ' had done as green warden was mere-! ly second nature to him. He was born j m a nursery and was greatly interested in the green. The actual work I was done by Mr T. Lawson who had 1 been a very keen and conscientious | caretaker. There were many things which he would have liked to do to I the green, but, unfortunately, he had I to go away. There were faults in th - ' green, but they were magnified. Some t

! of the bowls we'-e not up to standard [ and the green was blamed. He was i going to a warmer climate, and while Ihe was getting to an age when he 1 could appreciate it he would miss the ! old faces among the members of the [ club. i Mr Butchart said he had spent many happy hours on the Stratford green. He thanked the members for [ their very kind remarks and for their ' tangible appreciation of his associations with the club.