BOWLING.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1915, Page 7

BOWLING.

NEW PLYMOUTH CLUB. THE OFFICIAL OPENING. The New Plymouth Green was officially opened for the season yesterday afternoon. The weather was showery, but it failed to damp the enthusiasm of a large number of bowlers, who spent an enjoyable afternoon on the green. Eight rinks were occupied throughout the afternoon, and visitors were present from the other town clubs and from clubs in other parts of the district. There were also a large number of ladies present, and afternoon tea was provided by the wife of the Club president (Mrs. If. Eraser).

During till! afternoon the president (Mr. M. Fraser) performed the opening ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Fraser said this yetir marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Club, which was opened by the late Mr. James Paul in 1885. He paid a tribute to the memory of Mr. Paul, who was the father of bowling in Taranaki, and there were many present who had pleasant recollections of happy days spent on the green with Mr. Paul. A 1 functions connected with sport seemed out of place in these days, said Mr. Fraser, but it had truly been said that the battles of England were won on the playing fields at Home, and all branches of sport had contributed splendid quotas for the firing line. If bowlers could not do as well in this direction as kindred sportsmen they could assist with the silver bullet and he was pleased to say that throughout the season bowlers in Taranaki would contribute money on certain days in the week, the proceeds to go towards relieving the sufferings of wounded and sick soldiers. Mr. Fraser said that for twenty years the Club had not been beaten on its own green, but this splendid record had now come to an end. He congratulated the Hawera Club and the West End Club on their victories of last season. Mr. Fraser concluded by ex>tending a hearty welcome to the visitors, and expressed the hope that all would have an enjoyable season. Mrs. Fraser then threw the jack and declared the green open. During the afternoon a match wa9 played between teams selected by the president and by the vice-president, and after some keenly contested games the president's team won by five points. Before the bowlers dispersed Mr. W. C. Dudley, of Opunake, expressed the pleasure the visitors had received that .afternoon and thanked the Club for its hospitality. He called for three cheers for the Club and three more for the soldiers at the front.

A collection was taken up amongst the bowlers for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund and produced £3 12s. The Green, in spite of the adverse weather conditions of late, played excellently, and the caretaker, Mr, Aldridge, deserves much praise for his good work.

STRATFORD CLUB. There was quite a large number of bowlers present on the bowling green this afternoon, and although the weather was far from fine some enjoyable games were~pTaycd between the showers. The results were as follows:

Webb, W. S. McDonald, Ward, Collier (b) 30 v. Woodhead, Lyons, Bickerston, W. MvDonald (s) 29.

Edgecombe, Smart, Nicholson, Sharp (s) 19 v. Jackson, Porritt, Bells, McMillan (s) 16. Cooper, Mills, Richardson, Masters (s) 14 v. Elder, Foley, Martin, Leversedge (s) 14.