BOWLS—A WARNING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8865, 28 October 1907, Page 5

BOWLS—A WARNING.

To the Editor, Sir, —Having always taken a very keen interest in the game of bo .vis ~ though not a player myself—l feel it tny duty to draw attention to a matter affecting very seriously a large body of highly-respectable citizens. Events have occurred in the past which point to the necessity of a warning such as I am about to give. It is apparently not generally known that an Act of Parliament passed in the reign of Henry VIIL, and which is in force in New Zealand, provides that "no husbandman ("farmer," "master of the family"—Webster's dictionary) shall play bowls except at Christmas, and then only in their masters' houses or presence, and no person whatever shall play at any boule or boules in open place out of his garden or orchard." I am sure that the members of the Masterton Bowling Club have no desire to sully the reputation of Masterton as a community of law-abiding citizens, and that this timely and well-intentioned intimation will have the desired effect. If it has not, I have no doubt our worthy Mayor will see that instructions are given to Sergeant Miller to take steps to ensure the maintenance of law and order. In conclusion, I take this opportunity of further pointing out that by an Act of Parliament passed in the reign of Charles I. (also in force in the Dominion) "any person indulging in any sport or pastime whatsc : . ever out of his own parish on Sunday, and not being able to pay by distress of goods a fine of 3s 4d for so doing must (no option) be set publiquely m the stocl s Dy the space of three hours," I earnestly invite bowlers and golfers purposing journeying to Greytown or elsewhere in breach of the above provision to reconsider their position. To provide against contingencies, I suggest that the Mayor be asked to see that public •stocks are provided by the Council forthwith.— I am, etc., MICHAEL DALTON.