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According to various sources, the Katanning Bowling Club officially started on 11 December, 1920 in conjunction with the Katanning Croquet Club. The newly formed club requested a reduction in its water rates from the Katanning Road Board however water shortage was a huge problem so it was knocked back. It was also suggested that a tank be excavated in the creek adjacent to the new greens to hold water during the summer months.
However, the following report appeared in the Great Southern Herald on 29 October 1913 that shows that the Bowling Club was actually formed at a meeting called by Mr Alec Thomson at the Katanning Mechanic’s Institute on Tuesday, November 25, 1913.
BOWLS
KATANNING CLUB FORMED
Great Southern Herald
29 November 1913 – P4
There was a very gratifying response to the invitations issued by the chairman of Katanning Road Board, Mr. A. Thomson, to a meeting at the Institute last Tuesday evening to consider the advisability of forming a bowling club in Katanning. Numerous apologies for non-attendance owing to other engagements were also received.
Mr. W. J. Rogers was voted to the chair, and called upon Mr. Thomson to place the proposal before the meeting. Mr. Thomson said that the question of laying down a bowling green in Katanning was one that had engaged his thoughts for some time past, and now that the Old Show Ground had been vested in the Road Board for recreation purposes, he thought the time was opportune for the formation of a club. He believed the difficulties that presented themselves were surmountable, and the chief of these was the water question.
In this connection he hoped to be able to arrange with Mr. F. T. R. Piesse for initial requirements, and next year to make further provision by catchment in the Old Show Ground. He would move that a bowling club be now formed in Katanning. Rev. P. C. Morkham seconded.
In answer to a questioner, Mr. Thomson stated that he hoped to get 100 members, and he suggested a membership fee of two guineas. That would be a start, and, with the assistance of the Road Board, and by issue of debentures, he was satisfied the financial aspect of the question would be overcome.
Mr. E. V. Piesse volunteered the use of his green for the early stages of the new club and gave some valuable information as to cost of laying same down, &c’. Mr. A. Gillam also gave information as to approximate cost of I green, and promised, as an old bowler, to give the movement all possible support.
After further discussion, the motion for formation of the club was declared carried unanimously. Mr. Thomson suggested that the meeting should then elect officers and proceed with the work of laying the green as soon as possible.
The chairman advised the election of a provisional committee of seven to go further into the matter and report to a later meeting. Mr. H. V. Piesse supported, and on his motion, second ed by Mr. J. Baker, the following gentlemen were elected a committee to report to a further meeting that night: Messrs. A. Thomson, A. Gillam, H. Piesse, F. G. Joy, E. Saggers, J. Pettit and Rev. P. O. Morkham.
At the invitation of the chairman, Mr. T. H. Barnett, an old member of the Albany Bowling Club, then addressed the meeting, and gave some practical advice as to the laying of the green. He said he rejoiced to know that the Albany Club was to have a kindred club within reasonable distance of their own and hoped it would mean very many friendly exchanges between the two clubs, and also that many of them would be given the opportunity of attending at the opening of the new club at Katanning. He advocated the laying of a square rink, which would be far more satisfactory than piecing the turf as the club membership grew.
Mr. Barnett was thanked for his good counsels, and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.
Katanning Croquet Club members 1924-25
Katanning Bowling Club
Great Southern Herald
1 December 1920 – p2
At the recent meeting of the Katanning Road Board, Mr. Richardson gave notice of motion that he would ask the Board to supply water either free of charge or at greatly reduced rates, to the Katanning Bowling Club.
As the Bowling Greens are on park lands owned by the town, possibly Mr. Richardson has some shadow of reason in asking for this concession, and were the supply ample for a private requirements during the whole of the year, it might conceivably be granted. But the supply is a most uncertain quantity, and the Bowling Greens to many of the townsfolk will be things to admire from afar.
A better proposition for the board would be the consideration of creating a permanent water supply in the Park grounds by excavating a tank in the creek within its boundaries. Such an excavation might cost £100 and would conserve sufficient water not only to supply the Bowling Greens, but to justify the laying down of gardens and lawns in the park.
When the question of granting portion of the park to the Bowling Club was first mooted, our member, Mr. Thomson, suggested that such an excavation should be made, and used, in addition to the above mentioned purposes, as a swimming pool. Although the suggestion was not entertained at the time, it is possible the Board would be more favourably inclined to it now.
OFFICIAL OPENING.
Great Southern Herald
4 December 1920 – p2
The official opening of the Katanning Bowling and Croquet Club is to take place on Saturday, 11th inst., at 4 p.m., when the Hon. J. Scaddan, Minister for Railways, will declare the greens open. Representatives from various other bowling clubs have been invited to be present, and it is expected that a large gathering will be in attendance.
Katanning Bowling Club.
OFFICIALLY OPENED.
Great Southern Herald
15 December 1920 – p2
Saturday last was the culminating point of the ambitions of bowling enthusiasts in Katanning, when the Hon. J. Scaddan (Minister for Railways and Mines), officially declared the green open for play.
In the course of a very happy speech, Mr. Scaddan pointed out the advantage it would be to the town, and also to men desirous of having a little recreation and meeting in a friendly way. He also stressed the point that there are times when a man must get away from his work, and from his experience, he did not think the people would regret having started the Bowling and Croquet Club in Katanning. He then apologised for Mrs. Scaddan as she, unfortunately, had sprained her ankle and was unable to attend.
Mr. Thomson, at a later period, called upon Mrs. F. H. Piesse to declare the Croquet Club open for use of the ladies of the town.
Mr. Thomson, the President, then thanked Mr. Scaddan for having journeyed down from Perth to open the Club, and then the green was made full use of. Mr. Scaddan skippered one team and the President another, the former team having on easy win of 32 to 17.
Afternoon tea was handed round by the ladies, whom the committee desire to thank sincerely for their work. The energetic secretary, Mr Cobham, will be pleased to receive applications for membership to either the Bowling Green or the Croquet Club. The fees have been fixed at £2/2/- for the Bowling Green and £1/1/- for the Croquet Club.
Notes:
According to Bowls Australia’s records the Katanning Bowling Club commenced in 1972.
The Katanning Bowling Club separated from the Croquet Club and moved from Thomson Park to its new premises in Tait Terrace in 1963.
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