GISBORNE BOWLING CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2090, 16 January 1908, Page 3

GISBORNE BOWLING CLUB.

WELCOME HOME TO THE -REPS.” The members of tho Gisho-ruo Bowline Club recognised the splendid ctfoTte made by its representatives in the recent tournament at- Auckland in an eminently suitablo fashion last Arrangements were made to welcome them on their own green, and also to provide an open-air con- - cert. It. was also decided to invite tho visiting Napier bowlers to bo present, as well as those Gisborno players who went North representing the Turanganui Club. All these arrangements were carried out in an exceptional manner, although the late arrival of the boat from Auckland left little time to the Napier representatives, who had less than an hour on shore. The success of what turned out- to be a thoroughly pleasant gathering was to some extent due to tho weather conditions, for the night was X Teautifullv fine, and the moon shone v from a clear sky with remarkable brilliancy, whilst the atmosphere was cool and" bracing. The concert was much above the average, even- item being keenly appreciated. Tho selections of the Club Orchestra, were heard with excellent effect' in tlitopen air, and even the speeches were ■above reproach, being interspersed with a goodly proportion of humor, and never being aillowed to drag into the tedious stage. The invitation given to members and friends to attend was taken full advantage of, and by 8 o’clock, the hour at which it was expected the howlers would- arrive, there was a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. It was, however, nearly 9 before they walked on the green, and their arrival was the signal for hearty cheers. This was responded io by a droll chorus, “How Tired Wo Are,” in which the “reps” appeared to infuse a rare depth of feeling. Mr. J. Bright was entrusted with the task of "formally welcoming the returning bowlers. Though just beaten at the. finish by Carlton, ne stated, the record they had put up was one to be proud of, and ho did not think many tournaments would bo held before "the pennant would come to Gisborne, in the course of some humorous remarks, he assured the visitors that there were plenty left behind of tlio same standard as the representatives who had- gone to Auckland, and who would give the latter as great a game as they had ever had in their lives. Gisborne had in the past been noted for many things, but ho thought the next cry to attain popular favor would be: “Good oid Gisborne, where tho good bowlers are 1” Mr. Win. Pet-tie, in responding, expressed the great pleasure it afforded the teams at- having been so warmly welcomed back. At one time they had had great- hopes of bringing the coveted honor to Gisborne, but when they failetl he naturally expected that •Gisborneites would take no notice of them. However, though not completely successful, they had certainly got Gisborne talked about, for after the first- clay’s play’ the talk got round that “Gisborne would bo close up at the finish.” They had won all the snatches in, their section, and had ultimately been beaten by Carltoi, -through the superiority of its driving. The tournament had been a most , thorough success in overy wav. and - the games had- been played in that spirit of good feeling that should always be noticeable amongst bowlers. They bad congratulated Carlton on a well-merited victory, but were confident that another year would find ..Gisborne the premier. Mr. Pettie aiso congratulated their old rivals, Hastings, on their play, and also referred to the satisfaction it had given tlio Gisborne players to see tho Hawke’s Bay team, Groenmeadows, take • such -a prominent place in the Citizens’ match. Mr. Ambrklge next spoke, welcoming the visitors, on behalf of whom he coupled the mimes of Messrs. Beat-son, Caudiii, and J. G. Thoni.pSOtl.

In tlio course of liis rc.pl v. Mr. Beatson, of the .Hastings Club, saicl at was expected Gisborne would send several teams to the tournament to stake place in connection with die Napier carnival, and lie could sac with confidence they would get a warm reception and some tussles that would astonish them. He congratulated.' the Gisborneites on tlio fino showing they Iliad made at Auckland, which was 'particularly creditable when it was borne in mind that Gisborne had onhtwo clubs, and had no opportunities to get the tournament play which was available for the Aucklanders throughout the season. Mr. Gaudin said the Turangaiiui representatives were quite satisfied with the showing they hid made. /Their teams of eight included six -who had never played in a tournament before, yet they had succeeded : in giving Carlton one of the toughest contracts of the tournament. The ■experience gained would lie of great Value to the players and the club. Shortly afterwards the proceedings terminatcdi with the singing of “Old Lon*’' Syne.’' Those who contributed to the concert were Misses Bedstone and Campbell, Messrs. McClvmont, Blooro, Williamson, and /achariah. The Club Orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. Foster, gave a number of selections. ■ r ,. This afternoon Messrs. Sim son and Bright will skip teams to play a match -against the returned icp.,, and a keen contest is expected to r - usult, -