NEW PLYMOUTH BOWLING CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1919, Page 7

NEW PLYMOUTH BOWLING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting «of the New Plymouth Bowling Club was held at the pavilion last night, Mr. W. P. Brooking presiding over a good attendance. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report congratulated the club on the improved financial position, which, from a debit two years ago of £l9 19s 7d, had passed to a credit of £77 8s 10d, and it was hoped that, with careful management, the club's indebtedness, which had been clinging to it for the past 30 years, would, in the near future, _be reduced. Sundry improvements in the building were, notea, and thanks expressed to Messrs Luscombe, Wood, Washer, Johnson, and Brooking for help in this respect, the committee having provided the material and the gentlemen named carrying out the work. During the year Mr. Luscombe, who had held the position of green warden with much success years, resigned, and Mr. Johnson was appointed in his place. Thanks were expressed to him for the attention given to the work. Owing to the attention of the wardens and the caretaker (Mr. Barnitt), the green was in better order for play than it had ever been. Regret was expressed at the pending removal of the caretaker, who was taking up a more remunerative position elsewhere.

Referring to the year's play, the report made suitable comment on the win of Messrs Hooper, Ford, Phillips, and A. It Smart (skip) in the New Year Tournament. The part taken in the Dominion Tournament by club plavers was noted, the rink skipped by H. Smart winning its section. The Taranaki Tournament was also referred to, seven rinks from the club participating. The Pairs Tournament at Easter was won by a New Plymouth pair—Messrs Goldwater and Lee, who were heartily congratulated. New Plymouth Club got into the final of the Banner Competition, but was defeated by Hawera, who were in turn defeated by Pihama. In the Gilmour Cup Competition two teams were entered, the B team gaining second place to West End Club's team. The annual match with St. John's (Wanganui) Club was referred to. and also friendly matches with Waitea , (3), Fitzroy (2), Inglewood, Strattord, and Vogeltown. A visit was received from Napier Club members, who were hospitably entertained on the green. In the club competitions there were increased entries, and all the events were keenly contested. The senior championship was won by Mr. E. Bary and the handicap singles by Mr. 0. N. Firth. The junior championship, which was only instituted ,during ( the year, was won by Mr. E. ! Pen-in and the handicap by Mr. W. 0. Phillips. Trophies for this competition were donated by Mr. Bary. The pairs challenge badges provided keen competition, and were again won by the preseut , holders—Messrs C. Carter and J, S. S. | Medley—who won the highest number of games, Mr. J. S. McKellar resigned through ill-health, and, being one of the oldest members of the club, the committee made 1 him a life-nieraber, Mr. McKellar generously donated his two £5 Meritures to the club, and these have been suitably acknowledged and the liability written off. The balance-sheet showed total receipts £379 14s lid (including a credit brought forward of £l3 8s 8d) and a balance in hand of £77 3s lOd.

.On the mqtion of the president, seconded by Mr. H. Fookes, the report and balance-sheet were adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERSThe election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. A. K. Smart; vice-presidents, Messrs E. Bary and F. C. Bellringer; secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. Carter; auditor, Mr. J- S. S. Medley; delegates to Centre, Messrs A. K. Smart, O .N. Firth, and C. N. Johnson; committee, Messrs H. Fookes, N. Johnson, E. Perrin, J. R. Hill, F. Hooker, and W. F. Brooking; green warden, Mr. C. "SJohnson; selector, Mr. H. Smart. NEED FOR NEW GROUNDS. Mr. A- K. Smart reported on the committee's efforts to secure new and mote extensive grounds for the club, and, after considering the only site thought at all

suitable, had come to the conclusion that it did not afford sufficient room to war* rant them in taking any steps to secure it. A proposal was made' for the extension of the present grounds to form an extra rink, which would then give two :rinks which might be utilised as a winter green, but the cost, would be. somewhat high. Mr. Carter moved, and Mr. Paton seconded: That, in the opinion of the club, the time has arrived when we should acquire an additional site, with a view to giving some relief to the fpresent green, and also to provide for winter play. The committee is asked, as soon as there are any definite proposals to submit, to call a general meeting of the club, when such proposals could he considered. The motion, was carried, after a short 'discussion. GENERAL. The presentation of the trophies won in'the dub competitions was,marked by enthusiasm, all the recipients being heartily applauded. The question of more encouragement to junior players was discussed and suggestions made for meeting the needs of young players. A discussion took place on the method of arranging rinks for tournaments, a complaint being made that the younger and less experienced players were left out when rinks were made up. Subsequently, the following motion was carried: That the committee call for the names of members of the club wishing to play in local turnaments. On the motion of Messrs Bellringer and Carter, the club resolved to express its disapproval to the Centre for allowing Sunday play in connection with tournaments under its jurisdiction. Mr. Firth explained that the position at the last tournament was unfortunate, and if Sunday play had not been allowed one of the rinks would have had to forfeit its match, as at least one of the members had to be in Wellington on a certain date.

Other members expressed the opinion that the same course should have been followed as in the Citizens' Match, and the game postponed. It was decided to adopt the board system in selecting members to play in banner and club matches. An honorarium of £lO 10s was voted to the secretary (Mr. W- .T. Chaney) for his services during the past year. Votes of thanks were accorded the retiring president and secretary and other officers, and also the press and the ladies.