PRESENTATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2721, 28 January 1910, Page 3

PRESENTATION.

AIR. GEORGE AIATTHEAVSON. The match between the Gisborne and Turanganui Bowling Clubs yesterday afternoon was interrupted for the purpose of paying honor to a veteran bowler, Air. George- Matthewson, the oxPresident and one of the- founders of the Turanganui Club, who relinquished office prior to bis visit to the Old Country last year, and whose club mates, on bis return, deemed it befitting to practically recognise his services to the club. Air. AV. Bruce, President of tlie Turanganui Club, in a brief but appropriate speech, spoke of the great services which Air. Matthewson had rendered to the club, of the pleasure of the members at seeing him return to Gisborne restored to health, and of their hearty good wishes, for his happiness and prosperity in the future. On behalf of tlie Club, lie banded to Air. Alatthewson a very handsome pair of gold-mounted bowls, supported on turned rimu pedestals. Air. Bruce then humorously asked the assembled bowlers to give Air. Alatthewson ‘‘the usual roar,” which they did by giving throe hearty cheers, followed by the singing of “For lie’s a jolly good follow.” Air. AV. Pottie, President of the Gisoorne Bowling Club, in a very happy speeclr pointed out that Air. Alatthewson had rendered great services, not only to the Turanganui Club, but also to the Gisborne Club, of which he was one of the earliest members, and to the good old game of bowls. It was largely due to the exertions of Air Alatthewson, be said, that the Turanganui Club now occupied the excellent position which it held, and it was due to him, and a few other old players, that the game of bowls held its present prominent position in Gisborne. He heartily endorsed the remarks of Air. Bruce, and, on behalf of the mem here of the Gisborne Club, expressed a wish that Afr. Alatthewson might continue to enjoy good health and long life to play the good old game. Air. Alatthewson said lie was greatly surprised bv this tribute from the members of the Turanganui Club, a tribute which, he felt, was not deserved. It was true that he had done what be could for that club, but what be had done was little compared to what he had done in the old days for the Gisborne Club, and in overcoming tlie difficulties which attendee! the establishment of the sarac in Gisborne. He heartily thanked the members of the Turanganui Club for their handsome present.. and for the kindly feelings which had prompted the gift. He also wished to thank Air. Pettie verv heartily for his kind remarks. He mentioned that during his recent visit to Scotland he had been on manv bowling greens, though he had not seen any great tournament, and be thought that the Gisborne bowlers could well bold their own against those whom he had se-an ill the Old Country. Each of the bowls given to Mr. Alatthewson bore, on a. gold plate, the inscription, “Presented to G. Alatthewson, Esq.. J.P., by the Turanganui Bowling; Club, as a mark of esteem and appreciation for his past services as President of the Club.” The pedestals for supporting the bowls are- made of local wood—rimu from the Alotu district.