THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1912. MUNICIPAL BOWLS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10717, 22 October 1912, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1912. MUNICIPAL BOWLS.

I'll a munJcipalisation oif sport is a subject that ha s hardly been mention, ed in New Zealand. It is true that in various well-appointed boroughs, such a« Masterton, we have our public baths and recreation grounds. No attempt has yet been made, however, in the direction of municipalising golf links and bowling greens, so that these fascinating pastimes may be indulged in by tho multitude. In' Scotland there are public golf links Avhich draw immense crowds, while the London County Council has set aside links for those who cannot afford the usually heavy fees of private clubs. In Scotland, also, bowling greens have been provided for public use. On this subject Mr Manson, a, well-known authority on bowls, writes: —"Perhaps the .most interesting proof that bowls is a true 'volksspiel' is to bo_ found in the fact that it has become municipalised. .Tn Edinburgh, Glasgow, and elsewhere in Scotland, and in London (through the County Council), Newcastle, and other English towns, the corporations have laid down greens in public parks and open spaces. In Scotland the public greens are selfsupporting, from a charge which includes the use of howls,-of one penny an hour for each player; in London the upkeep of the greens falls on the rates, but players must supply their own bowls." Glasgow, by tho way, has no fewer than twonty-one public bowling greens, which were patronised by 180,000 players last year. Why should the municipalities of New Zealand not provide public bowling greens? The game is one that appeals alike to young and old. It is one of the most healthful exercises that are known. Unfortunately there are a great number of people whose circumstances will not permit them to indulge in the game. The cost of upkeep of tho greens is very considerable. and the membership fee becomes. in consequence, a little exclusive. It may be argued that if municipal bowling greens are provided, other forms of sport will require to be catered for. But are. they not'

H'avo wo not our municipal sports eric-lift grounds? If we havo the latter, why not bowling greens? Hie subject is one that is worthy of more than passing consideration.