BOWLING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 188, 18 November 1910, Page 8

BOWLING.

OPENING OF THE.WEST END GREEN. In tU'e bright, sunshine of yesterday afternoon, amid the moving of multicolored flags and the enhancing presence of a large gathering of ladies in summer attire, the opening of the season by the newly-formed West End Bowling Club was eminently successful. Congratulatory remarks flowed in upon the management from all sides on the splendid improvements made in the grounds within the space of a few months. Few, indeed, would now recognise this pari, of the landscape, which, from a waste of tussock and fern, has been converted, if not exactly into a place of beauty, at least to remain as a joy for ever, Picture in the mind the white-capped sentinel of Mount Egmont in the south, away to the west the waters of the Pacific shimmering in the sunlight of the summer day, and all around the picturesque (to be) beauty of the work of the Western Park executive—then, some faint idea of the glorious surroundings in which the Westenders are' to play the game will be vouchsafed to us. So much for the abstract. In the concrete it should be mentioned that in March last a commencement was made with the formation of the green. Messrs. Sladden and Palmer surveyed the site, and, under the direction of Mr. G. H. Lynch, the work progressed until the satisfactory playing area for the opening ceremony was presented. Mr. ' Lynch deserves considerable credit for his work, as, although the green was not without its imperfections ( it could hardly be otherwise) it played very well, and gives promise of being in first-class order in the course of a season or two.

Among' those present during the afternoon were representatives of the Stratford, Fitzroy and New Plymouth clubs, members of the local clubs being present in force. At 3 o'clock the President (Mr. J. D. Sole) addressed the gathering. He said the presence of so many bowlers and visitors was very gratifying to himself and to the members of his club. It proved very conclusively that the. Club had the good wishes of the outside public, as well as of members of sister clubs, and that was a good omen, indeed. The formation of the Club was now almost a matter of ancient history. With the limited time at their disposal, as well as the limited means at their command, they would all agree with him that the | Club had done very well. (Hear, hear.) '.He thanked the members of the parent club, and also the Fitzroy Club, for the very valuable assistance rendered; they had always been willing to help, and he did not know how the, Club would have got along hat it not been for that help. He also desired to publicly thank the Western Park Board and the Borough I Council for what had been done. In a couple of years' time they hoped to see a nice plantation all round, which would add greatly to the beauty of the Park and the green. The president expressed regret at the absence of their late secretary, Mr. Hobbs. The formation 01 the Club was .mainly due to his efforts. A wire had just been received from him as follows: "Best wishep for a successful opening.—Hobbs." (Applause.) He claimed the, indulgence of bowlers for the imperfections of the gfeen —it was not perfect years it would be tr>e best; green in the place. (Laughterrand applause.) He hoped all would enjoy themselves, and that they would meet on many future occasions on the green, which would always be open to bowlers and the general public. Mr. Sole then called upon Mrs. Sole to "throw the jack." Mrs. Sole accomplished this time-hon-ored custom amidst loud applause. MrW. N.Ewing, on behalf of the New Plymouth Club, apologised for the absence of their president (Mr. G. Grey), who was unavoidably absent, but who wished to express his personal sympathy and congratulation. Mr. Ewing said the Club was to be congratulated on the immense amount of enthusiasm shown in bringing the green to such a creditable state in so short a time. On behalf of his Club, he wished ijhe West End every success and prosperity. (Applause.) His Worship the Mayor (Mr. G. Tisch) also congratulated the Club on the splendid state of the green. It was only another of the valuable assets of their beautiful town of New Plymouth. (Applause.) He apologised for the absence of Mr. G. Browne (chairman of the Western Park Board). Play was then commenced, six rinks being in use. The newly appointed secretary, Mr. V. Beal, was initiated into | the multifarious duties of his office, and proved himself the right man for the place. Afterwards tea was served to all and sundry, and altogether the' Club's officers were indefatigable in their efforts to make the gathering as enjoyable as possible. The following were the scores of the match, President v. Vice-President, which resulted in a draw:— V.P. P. G. Corry, F. Newell, A. Avery, C. Rundle ...: j> 30 C. Martin, Bendall, Goodacre, Govett • - [,. 2!i Francis,. F. G. Sole, T. Avery, Gray. . ..* 34 Woods, L. Goldwater, Firth, A. • 'K. Smart ...'~ S. Robottom, Lepine, Tisch, Brooking :. , 26 J. Johnson, Greiner, Morrison, Hall _ 49 Ballot, Ellerm, Mannix, McKellar . ,a. v , 17 __ N. Johnson, F. A. Lee, Ford, I Lambie ~ ! Whitehead, Hosking, Marks, H. Goldwater . .. , ...... '.- 25 J. D. Sole, C. S. Curtis, Morey, ' Abbott ~ .... - .-,' F. Newell, Lye, Dingle. Ulealy.. 34 Hurle, It. Lee, Edwards, Ward. Totals IC6 16G