The Tauranga Bowling Club - Early Beginnings

The Bowling Green, Tauranga
Postcard by Rendell, Collection of Justine Neal

On the 21st April 1898 a meeting was held in Mr. Thomson’s office of those interested in bowling. Mr. Samuel was elected to the chair and in opening the proceedings said that every town of importance in the colony had its green where those of a social nature could meet and engage in one of the oldest English past times. He said the game of bowls promoted health and sociability and established friendships which lasted a life time, besides which there was a species of freemasonry amongst all the bowlers of the colony.

A committee of five were appointed and by July of that year a contract had been let for the formation of the bowling green which included maintenance during the season. It was reported in September that the bowling green was looking well and should be ready for use at the beginning of the season.

Tauranga Domain, Photograph by P. Browning
Postcard published by AH & AW Reed (SR615), Collection of Justine Neal

The great day of the opening was held on Thursday, 2nd February, 1899. By this time about forty gentlemen has intimated that they would become members. A large number of ladies and gentlemen assembled at the new green which was alongside the tennis court and had actually been leased from the tennis club. The first game which was closely watched by the visitors lasted a little over two hours. The condition of the green was stated to be more in favour of the beginners than experienced players as the unevenness of the surface prevented the bowls taking the proper bias while in many cases they ran off in a contrary direction to that intended. Complaints were also made about the heaviness of the ground which compelled players to use a good deal of strength to get their bowls to the jack.

The defects of the green were tackled in April, 1899 when it was levelled and top- dressed. However during the night someone sowed it with a mixture of cow grass and dock seed which led to a reward being offered for the conviction of the culprits.

On the 3rd November 1899 the Bay of Plenty Times reported that the Tauranga Bowling Club was favoured with beautiful weather for its opening yesterday. Mrs Westenra provided afternoon tea for a numerous gathering of ladies and gentlemen who apparently enjoyed the good fare, and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was spent.

Mrs Humphreys took several photos during the afternoon of the players and assembled guests.

References
Tauranga 1882-1982.
Papers Past, Bay of Plenty Times 1899.