THK bowling tournament — which the Northern Association holds at in tervals of two years — opened m Wellington on Monday morning. There was a high wind, and a cloudy sin and if the puffy wind provoked much cursory language, the ram, at any rate, held off and Captain Edwin's name, there fore, «as not unduly taken in vain •+■■(■•* Vice^President David Nathan made a neat speech in opening the proceedings. Reference to the war, he said, was un avoidable, but he would content himself with observing that the bowlers were in perfect accord with. Tomni" Atkins in beinp- averse to "De Wet." Do you see it p I rejoice to add that David still lives. * * * Great mistake to debar Dunedin from entering for inter-olub tournament after taking the trouble to send a two-nnk team here. Dunedin was allowed to compete in 1897, and the same privilege should have been gracefully accorded on this occasion. However they displayed a true sportsmanlike spirit in going for the Pairs and Singles. * * * Invercargill also sent a couple of pairs — and good pairs, too. * * * As nearly everybody this week is talking bowls, and, of course, is anxious to know "Who's who," a few noints about the personnel of the various teams may not be out of place. * * * First of all about the Wellington Club (which is strongest in membership in the North Island). Neil McLean, who has put up a few wharves in the Empire City, is sole skip of one rink, and the man who beats Neil is no chicken. For the other rink, Balhwer and Sample skipped on alternate days. Ballineer should have held the position, and Churchward (than whom the club possesses no stronger man) ought to have been given command of a third rin^—one rink standing out in turn each match. Peter Drummond (Neil McLeans lead) is a veteran Scot, who sings "Annie Laurie" very nicely. Wm. Gray bosses the Postal Department, and plays bowls with a cool head and no gas. Lockie is a left-hander, with a bias for small bowls, and a keen desire to win. The other rink is one of skips. Veitch (of Veitch and Allan) plays well in any position. 