HBH 1890 April 12 Visiting Bowlers The social concert, which was held in Wellington on Monday night in honor of the visiting bowlers, was an appropriate finish to a highly successful and interesting tournament, one of which is calculated to give great impetus to this popular pastime in the North Island. There were about 150 present, including many of the leading citizens of WELLINGTON Bowling Club (Mr BARRAND) was in the chair, and amongst the company were the Minister of Education (the Hon Mr HISLOP), the Hon John BRYCE, M.H.R., and Dr MACGREGOR. Mr HISLOP apologised for the absence of the Premier, who was invited to the gathering, but was prevented by the state of his health from attending. The toast of "The Visitors" was eloquently proposed by Mr Kennedy MACDONALD, and responded to by the various Presidents of the visiting teams, namely: - Mr GORRIE (AUCKLAND) Mr BALFOUR (NAPIER) Mr PAUL (NEW PLYMOUTH) Mr WILLIS (WANGANUI) Mr WIX (NELSON) Mr BALFOUR in the course of an admirable little speech, in which he tendered the hearty thanks of the Napier team for the kindness and courtesy shown them by the Wellington club, suggested the formation of a North Island Bowling Association, and the proposal was received so heartily that at a later stage Mr BALFOUR was requested to move a resolution to that effect, with the result that the proposition was carried amidst cheers. Several other gentlemen delivered appropriate speeches ................more...........