BOWLING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 October 1940, Page 2

BOWLING

PARK CLUB SEASON OPENED ON SATURDAY. LARGE GATHERING OF VISITORS. Perfect bowling conditions favoured the Park Bowling Club for the official opening on Saturday afternoon. The visitors were unanimous in congratulating the club not only on the splendid scenery around the green itself, but on the various approaches past the flower beds extending from the Park gates. The pavilion, both inside and outside, had been profusely decorated with bunting and provided a picture that will linger long in the memories of all beholders. There was a large attendance of visitors, every club in the Wairarapa being represented by one or two rinks. A very welcome visitor was Mr G. Noad. president of the Lyall Bay Club. In declaring the green open for the season Mr R. Wallace (president) expressed pleasure at seeing such a large gathering of visitors and club members present. Of the sixty members on the roll of membership last season fifty-five were there with their bowls ready for another season. He also welcomed several new members who were making their debut in bowling. On behalf of the club Mr Wallace thanked the green committee who, with the voluntary assistance of many other members, had devoted so much time during the past winter in preparing the green and improving the surroundings. He made special reference to the Park Custodian for the advice and assistance which he was always so willing to give. On behalf of the Wairarapa Bowling Centre the Rev. W. F. Stent (vice-pre-sident) congratulated the club upon the perfect greens prepared, and speaking on behalf of all the visitors he thanked Mr Wallace and his club for the welcome accorded them. "The members of the Park Club,” said Mr Stent, “are noted for their hospitality and today it appears as if they have excelled themselves.” Mr Stent reminded bowlers that on the King’s Birthday there would a Patriotic Tournament, the gross proceeds from which are to be handed to the Patriotic funds. He asked every bowler in the Wairarapa to enter, so that the result would be a creditable tribute by the bowling fraternity. Mr Wallace then asked Mrs J. Burke to roll up the first kitty and bowl and declared the 1940-41 season officially opened. Friendly matches were played, every rink on both greens being fully occupied, and all players were unanimous in their praise of the surface of the rinks. ( Afternoon tea was provided and a capable committee of ladies assisted the chib's caterer, Miss Watt, for which they received a hearty vote of thanks and tKree hearty cheers. At a special general meeting, of the Masterton Park Bowling Club held on Saturday afternoon it was unanimously decided to convert the present New Zealand Government non-interest bearing stock held by the club into stock, of the New Zealand Government War Loan of 1953.