"A public meeting was held
to see if there was a need for a bowling club. Mr Court was the first elected
President and the committee decided on a suitable site. They leased four sections in Baillie Street
from the Maori owners. (Term 21 yrs, cost £21pa). This land was later bought in
1920 for £500.
On Friday 30th
November 1900, the club officially opened with 66 members...A
newspaper report on Opening Day said, “I
see the Thames bowlers have not forgotten their friends in Auckland. They have
sent invites to all clubs to send a rink down for the opening day (St Andrew’s
Day) The ‘Ditcher’ sends his compliments, and trusts that the Thames bowling
will have a pleasant and prosperous time, and that an exchange visit will be
the order of the day. I have not heard what colour the Thames Club have chosen
as a distinguishing mark from the Southern clubs. The ‘Ditcher’ fancies yellow
would be the very thing, Quartzopolis have produced so much gold. Anyhow, this
is the result of my crushing.” Observer 1/12/1900
"Some of the 1900
Office Bearers for the Thames Bowling Club were: President: Mr Alfred Price;
Vice: Presidents: Messrs A Court, W McCullough, A Smith, W Burton; Green
Superintendent: Mr W Burton; Hon Sec.& Treasurer: Mr W Price."
Description: Showing the opening day at the Thames Bowling Club, 1 November 1902.
Source: Auckland Weekly News 13 November 1902 p011
Source: Auckland Weekly News 13 November 1902 p011
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19021113-11-3
Below: c1950-60s View of The Thames Bowling Club in Baillie Street aka Court Street, Thames.
Further Information:
"100 Years of Bowls 1900 - 2000" by Thames Bowling Club.
