BOWLING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1942, Page 2

BOWLING

MASTERTON PARK CLUB SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENED. AN ENJOYABLE GATHERING. Before an attendance, which it is considered, eclipsed all previous records, the Masterton Park Bowling Club’s greens were officially opened on Saturday for the season by the president, Mr A. Osborne. In his remarks the president paid a tribute to the work of his committee and those ever-willing helpers who had so ably assisted during the offseason. A hearty welcome was accorded the numerous visitors and especially the club’s only life member, Mr R. Kilmister, who, he hoped, would be able to enjoy a roll up during the season. To the new members he expressed the hope that they would thoroughly enjoy themselves and that they in turn would look forward to opening days in the future with the same zest as the older seasoned players do. Mr Osborne expressed the opinion that opening under such perfect playing conditions on greens that were in first class order, and with a large influx of new members, augured well for another successful season. Mr J. B. McKenzie was thanked for his generous donation of four silver medals for a new competition. Mr Geo. Hayne, president of the Wairarapa Centre, wished the club a happy and successful season, and stated that a live committee together with the co-operation of the members was a. particularly happy combination and made for success in any sporting body. Mrs A. Osborne, wife of the president, was then called upon to throw up the “jack” and to the delight of everyone, played a “toucher” with the first bowl of the season. The season was declared open, and the vice-president presented Mrs Osborne with a dainty shoulder spray, the handiwork of Mrs H. Carr.

A most enjoyable afternoon’s play ensured, and it was unanimously agreed that the greens played remarkably well. Of the seventy-two bowlers participating, there were seven visiting teams, viz., two each' from Eketahuna and Carterton, and one each from Masterton, Greytown and Martinborough. To the many members who were obliged to stand down, the club extends its sincere thanks for their sportsmanship and for assisting the ladies with the afternoon tea arrangements. To Mesdames A. Osborne, H. Smith, R. Jenkins, C. Andrews and R. Thorne the committee extends its appreciation for the very efficient manner in which they supervised the afternoon tea arrangements. Messrs J. B. McKenzie, W. Drummond, C. Leigh and H. W. Thompson represented the Park Club at the official opening of the Masterton Club’s greens.

MASTERTON CLUB OPENING OF SEASON. LARGE ATTENDANCE OF BOWLERS (Notes by “The Bowler.”) The Masterton Bowling Club officially opened the new season on Saturday last, by the president, Mr H. Thomas. The weather was perfect and there was a large attendance of bowlers (nearly 100), including representatives from the Park Club. and the South Wairarapa clubs. The president, in his opening remarks, made reference to the meritorious work done by previous presidents, and he wondered whether he'would be able to carry on the good work. He stated quite definitely that if it could be done, it would be done. He knew' that all the bowlers were going to play and work for the benefit of the club in good fellowship and with the friendly rivalry which gave democracy its full flavour. “Even now, as I am speaking to you, our boys, your boys, our sons and the sons of our friends, are risking their lives in Egypt for us, and making a name for themselves that will never die,” said Mr Thomas. “They are doing this as many of you bowlers did in 1914. Our appearance on the bowling green is one certificate and our guarantee that we have done our lot on the Home front and are enjoying our relaxation the same as soldiers enjoyed their smoko. No man has the right to neglect his Home front work for his bowling.” Mr Thomas mentioned, that he had been talking to those in authority and they had informed him that never in the last 20 years, have the two greens appeared in better condition. The thanks of the club were due to a number of willing helpers, and to the club’s custodian, Mr'W. Bishop. The president had a special word of thanks for the club’s patron, Mr - F. H. Dunderdale, who for so many years hag so materially assisted the club. The Rev. W. F. Stent, a vice-president of the Wairarapa Bowling Centre, stated that he had attended 18 official openings of the Masterton Club, and he knew that all bowlers when taking part in the actual game did not forget the great struggle for freedom now on.

Mrs H. Thomas, the president’s wife, amidst applause, threw up the “kitty,” and played the first bowl. The president then declared the season opened. During the afternoon, many enjoyable and interesting games were played. The afternoon tea arrangements were in the most capable hands of Mrs H. Thomas, who was ably assisted by the following willing helpers: Mesdames F. Roberts, Playstead, L. Wylie, H. Morton, G. Hayne, F. Mills’, W. Hendry, A. Stubbings and Miss A. Perry. The decorations of the tea tables with beautiful flowers were most artistic. . The tea and refreshments were much appreciated by the ladies and bowlers present.

Prior to the official opening the president presented Mr H. H. Daniell with a past president’s badge in recognition of his excellent service to the club. At. the request of the president, Mr Daniell presented the winners of last year’s club competitions with their orders for trophies.