NORTHERN BOWLING TOURNAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8326, 7 January 1907, Page 5

NORTHERN BOWLING TOURNAMENT.

. THE ARRANGEMENTS. The Northern Bowling Association's biennial tournament will open on thle Masterton Green, this morning, and the fixture gives promise of being a success from every point of view. The representatives of the various clubs taking part in the tournament arrived in town on Saturday, and were met by representatives of the Masterton Club and escorted to their hotels. On each morning of the tournament play will commence at 9 o'clock. It is unlikely, however, that play will start before 9.30. o'clock this morning, as there will be the customary speeches of welcome and the photographing of the assembled players before the "jack"' is thrown. The members of the Masterton Bowling Club have been working assiduoiisly during the past few weeks in order that everything may be in readiness for the tournament. The two greens are in splendid order; and no doubt some fine play will be witnessed. Special arrangements have been made in connection with the catering. Mr E. Pelling has been engaged to carry out the luncheon, which will be laid in a large marquee in the paddock, belonging' to the Rev. Dean McKenna, adjoining the greens. The Ladies' Committee will have charge of the afternoon tea. There will also be a refreshment tent on the grounds. On Thursday evening next the visiting bowlers will be entertained at a smoke concert in the Foresters' Hall. Owing to Mr F. J. Dignan, President of the Masterton Club, being absent in New Plymouth, Mr 0. Pragnell, Vice-President, is acting as President. Mr E. J. Rose, secretary, is assisted in his duties by Mr C. D. King.

I MEETING OP TOURNAMENT I COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Tournament Committee, representing delegates from the various clubs taking part in the Tournament, was held in the Club Hotel on Saturday evening. Mr 0. Pragnell, Vice-President of the Masterton Club, occupied the chair, and there were about twenty delegates present. Messrs 0. Pragnell and W. H. Jackson were appointed a Match Committee, to whom all matters of dispute during the Tournament will be referred. Mr J. H. Mentiplay, secretary of the North Island Bowling Association, announced that the Haw era, Fitzroy, and Hastings Clubs could not take part in the Tournament although they had been nominated. As the fixtures had already been drawn up, and in order to save drafting them again, it was decided that the clubs that were drawn to meet the Fitzroy and Hastings Clubs should have byes, such byes not to count as wins. The Hawera Club was struck out of the fixtures altogether. * Owing to the new rule with regard to the throwing of the "jack" not having been confirmed by the Bowling, Association, it was decided to play under the old rule, viz., "if the first 'jack' is thrown into the ditch, it shall be placed on the green six feet back from the ditch."