BOWLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2317, 9 October 1908, Page 3

BOWLING.

THE 1908-9 SEASON

OPENED BY THE GISBORNE CLUB. Tho Gisborne Club formally opened the 1908-9 season yesterday afternoon on the Kaiti green. Although tlie weather was very threatening in the morning, and showers fell oven after midday, the climatic conditions improved sufficiently to permit the ceremonies being jiroceccled with . Tlio ‘attendance of visitors, moreover, was much greater than was anticipated considering tho adverse weather. Afternoon tea and refreshments wero provided by tho President and VicePresident, and wore dispensed by Mrs. Hennessy, the Misses Hyde, anil other ladies. Tlio.presence of Messrs Vita Bros, orchestra added materially to tho enjoyment of players and spectators. Tho greens appeared to be in capital order, but the showers had made them -a, trifle heavy for play. The President, Mr. AV. Pettie, extended a hearty welcome to all who had attended, referring especially to the officials of the Turanganui Club. Because of tho disappointment caused by tho unfavorable weather, he intended issuing invitations for nnotlier afternoon after the Show, when he hoped all who had been prevented from coming, as well as those who had come, would be present. Ho was pleased to be able to refer to tlie very prosperous condition of the club, and, judging from the number of now members just joining, he looked forward to another- very successful season. Mr. Pettie referred to the club’s intention of increasing tho pavilion , accommodation, and then invited His AVorship the Mayor to threw the jack as a formal indication of the opening and a mark of great honor to a nonbowler.

, Air. Lysnar, after congratulating the club on its prosperity, said he had a great respect for tho game of bowls, and'stated that- it -was quite possible lie might, as the result of the initiation just received, become a bowler during tho present season. Cheers were then given, and games wero proceeded with. The play for ail opening day was excellent. Once the players got the strength the majority seemed always handy to tho jack. Close finishes wero experienced in nearly all the games, as shown by the following scores, wherein the President defeated the Vice-President in the time-honor-ed opening match by 8 points:—Boulton, Williams, Ambriilgo, AV. Pettie (19) v. Bullock, AV. R. Corson, Hennessy (19); O’Meara, Kyme, Craig, Simson (16) v. T. Robertson, Redstone, Collins, Crawford (11); Townson, AA’ilson, Eure, Ponsford (29) v. AVootton, Morgan, F. Pettie, F. A. Martin (19); Blackburn, Sheet, Mclntosh, Witty (15) v. H. Miller, Greig, Paltridge, GAudin (18): Douglas, Cussen, G. .Miller, 11. Robertson (15) v. Hinl, Sawyer, Nasmith, J. J. Martin (19). Totals—President 94, Vice-Pre-sident 86.