BOWLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2516, 1 June 1909, Page 2

BOWLING.

(By "Toucher.”)

Bowling Club lias scon its close. Ushered in in October last 'year., the season red in in October last year the- season of this -club gave -promise of much cn'j oyme.nt, and one can faithfully say 'that the promise has been fulfilled. 'Now that this -club’s season has closed, I think it -would not be out of place to give a retrospect of things achieved during the year and also bring before the members matters -which may tend'to. further benefit the club in the new season. It was at the annual meeting last September that a departure was made from the old state of things when the members decided to appoint separate ’small committees (apart from the general committee) to attend to matches, ‘refreshments, and the grounds. One of the most important of these committees was the Match Committee (comprising Messrs J. J. Martin. M. G. Nasmith, junr., and W. 0. Skeet), which controlled -all club and intor-club matches. In previous years the General Committee had the control of matches, and such control did not prove at all satisfactory. In the season just past twice as many competitions were igot off as 'in the previous season, and in this respect there were no grounds for complaint. The first competition got ott was the Handicap Fours, for bowls presented by Messrs Matthewson -and H “TarCm and the firms of Burns and Co. and White-Mackay. After a series of good games the trophies were won 'by J. Somervell, T. McConneJ, W. H. Houglas, and J.' P. Williams (skip). Next, Handicap Pairs were competed for, the players being divided into three sections for the purpose of each pair playing each pair. Very niterestino- games ensued in the- sectional finals, victory finally resting with »* • McPherson and W. Ratcliffo (skip). These two players secured the very serviceable bowling bags presented by Messrs J. Colley and W. H. Clayton. A Points Game, an innovation on Hie green, was got off, and resulted m a win for B. Hird, who obtained the walking-stick presented by Mr C. , Morse. The Colts’ Singles, a competi- j tion for the new members, provided a splendid series of games, which wa.<* h-j ua'ly won by It. Thelwall, who thus secured the gold medal presented by Mr J. J. Martin. The Handicap Singles furnished a good competition, and .as -a result of it B. Hird won the pair of bowls presented by Messrs Stewart and Co., the second prize, a- walking-stick: (presented by Mr J. M. Lennon) fall- j ino- to W. McPherson. The Ben no to j Clip and the Club’s gold medal, carry- j iiior with it practically the championship of"the Club, was secured by B. Hirer. The final in this competition rested between Hird and J. J Martin, the latter had been the holder of the Cup since the inauguration of the competition three years ago. Hird in this competition, had 15 wins and 3 losses lie being beaten by Nasmith, junr., Bennett and Williams. Martin had had the same number of wms .and losse., his losses being against Hird, Coilej, and Lewis. In the final Hurd again o-ot the better of Martin. Hird is to be congratulated on his many victories, but from a club point of view the winning of three competitions by one nartiou'ar player is to be regretted. It would have been better had the trophies been won by ,different players However, Hird deserved his w ins. In inter-club matches the Turanganiu Club "ave a good account of itseir. it was represented at the Northern Bon 1-in-o- Association’s tournament in Napiei by r J. P. Williams, A. Sawyer, vV. J. P. Gandin, and J. J- Martin (skip). This four did very well on the whole. In the matches against tho Gasborne Club, the Turanganui Club did very creditably winning one out of the three games for the rubber. For next. season, I understand, several trophies are already promised. Mr H. J. Gi leve lias donated a gold modal, Mr W. J. Cox has promised a trophy, and. Mr WHDouglas has donated a pair of silver feathers, to be known as theJ)oug > Challenge Feathers. So foi next sea son good competitions are During the year the im -^T Committee (Messrs M. G. Nasmith, iun? and J. J- Martin) has done good work’ They commenced by making Ce minor improvements and (to made arrangements for tic d nf afternoon tea. Gas vas mstaiiea, aid all the necessary appliances for the "cup that cheers” were made. A tea house was erected adjoining the pavilion covered with netting, and creepers planted, 6 which are expected to cover the little structure next season. A a necessary adjunct a number of spl - did seats were donatedUo tZ? Hepburn, McConnell and Colley. Though the committee's efforte a terimon tea was provided every limr&cuy, and as a. consequence there lias been a good attendance of the fair sex dunn« season. The ladies who Provid'd afternoon tea in the season were Mes min° ta-was alfo ’fnrnishrf by the folioine gentlemen, who had the k n y sistance of. lady frieiads : Messrs £lLei - burn, Williams, Jeune and barton. ii regard to refreshments the Club can lay claim to having made great pi gress during the past season. - fMlrtin/have had a fairly seaSt oTthe « best order it had ever been in, an d *as superior to the Gisborne green. Without E- derogatory to the committee Sate that o^e J^ m a'it? isSet and WilUams X S -mmittee re Tn ed •**£ s stance from Mra J tho club susI lei when their caretaker religfed.'hi haling been a most- capable !'rounds 1 .' 1 Plots of flowering plants and shrubs could with P“ ercd about tho green, shady noc d r&fTrSS Irmind mad r e ra of S the pro nertw Doubtless in the new season -a step “will be mademthi-s c nee l °£^ era] Throughout the Committee, has don fcl ly to the tlfnrgs bourg lc almost ent^y dSftho loason tho comrnrt ee only leld thr nor m theSning of thi t"nir»U a“skip for the committee to nieeton , q )V in every month n ? tioe to be given circular. The business could then

dealt with in -a proper manner. There, are several matters which could with advantage be considered by next year s committee. They include the matcli lining of the pavilion room, the covering of the floor with- linoleum, the hanging of pictures on the avails, and the erection of suitable l-ockcrs. Uns would malic the. room quite bright and. attractive at no great cost. Further, the. club could be connected with the telephone exchange. There is another matter which could be discussed with advantage, and that is the making cu a rule requiring players to have both feet on the mat. Such a rule would prove of great benefit in the preservation, of tho green. These matters are well worthy of consideration. In conclusion I must congratulate the Turanganui Chib on its 1908-09 . season, and hope that tho season to come will prove as successful -as tho past.