BOWLING.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1916, Page 8

BOWLING.

OPENING OF FITZROY GREEN. In ideal weather, the formal opening of the Fitzroy green for the season, took place yesterday, in the presence of a record attendance of players and visitors, ladies being very largely represented. The green has never looked in such excellent trim, while the surrounding:* added greatly to the attractions, the brilliant (lowers on the banks looking their best in the glorious sunshine. The president, Mr. F. C. Beliringor, heartily welcomed the visitors, and expressed the great pleasure afforded to the club by so hjrge an attendance. He paid a well-merited tribute of praise to the green warden (Mr. Healy) and the caretaker (Mr. Ward) for the excellent condition of the green. Referring to the effect of the war on bowling, Mr. Bellringer mentioned that several members of the club were doing duty at the front, and he expressed the great regret felt at the loss of the club's first president, Colonel Malone, to whose support and administrative ability the club's present flourishing condition was large]* due. He concluded by wishing all bowlers an enjoyable and successful season. On behalf of the New Plymouth Club, Mr. M. Fraser (president) thanked the Fitzroy Club for the invitation io be present, and for the hospitality received. It was, he said, sometimes remarked that, during the war, bowling and other recreations should not be indulged in, but he contended'that it was a mean? — and a pleasant one—of keeping "old men'' out of mischief, and was, therefore, a great boon. He concluded by inviting the Fitzroy bowlers to attend the opening of the town green on November 0.

Messrs. Roebuck (Okato') and Xcwcll (West End) also returned thanks on behalf of their respective clubs. Mrs. Bcllringer, by request, then threw the jack, and delivered the first bowl, after which the green was declared open for play. The usual match between teams representing the president and vice-president was then played, with the following result, the president's team being mentioned first at each rink:— Bartlett, Corrigall, Higgs, Bcllringer (skip), 17, v. H. Hill, a Andrews, J. Wood, Curtis (skip), in. J. Hill, T. White, Plumtree, Branch (skip), 26, v. McGill, C. Gill, Reston, Woolley (skip), 20. Walls, Gable, J. Johnson, J. Morey (skip), 29, v. Boswell, Furlong, McXeili, Roebuck (skip), 23. W. Wood, Jury, Hammond, Fred. Newel! (skip), 22, v. iPote, Morrison, Oxenham, Morton (skip), 20. Waldock, A. Avery. F. Lee, C. Allen (skip), 31, v. Gibson, J. Fox, Codd, Eenncll (skip), 22. Franks, A. Thomson, Oliver, Reale (skip), 27, v. Wellev, Leedam, J. Bennett, A. Smart (skip), 24. Lister, Cannell, Cook, Smith (skip), 20„ v. F. Thompson, J. Thompson, N. Johnson, Firth (skip), 21. Honeyfield, Beadle, Frank Xewell. Allen (skip), 20, v. Billing, F. Hill, Petty, P. Lealand (skip), 21. Totals: President, 10'; Vice-president, IS2. It will be seen that the games were mostly very closely contested, the excellent condition of the green conducing to accurate play, the level of which was well above average.

A number of Fitzroy players stood down in order to allow the visitors to enjoy a game, there being sufficient present" to make up one or two more rinks 'had space permitted. The afternoon tea provided hy the club and dispensed by the ladies was greatly enjoyed, and contributed to the success of the afternoon.