Herewith is a quote from his letter which appeared in the Scotsman of
16th March 1889:
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'It seems to me extraordinary that while, with respect to kindred sports such as curling, coursing, racing, football, cricket etc., steps have been taken to constitute a central authority, and to establish everything connected with them on a clear and well- understood footing, nothing of the sort has hitherto been attempted for bowling. And, certainly if one looks to the extended practice and increasing popularity of the game, and, further to the many nice points that arise in regard to rules, it does seem that the time has come when a movement should be made to constitute a 'Scottish National Bowling Club'. Such a club would bear the same relation to bowling that the National Coursing Club does to that sport; that is to say it would not, like an ordinary club, hold meetings on its own ground (in fact it would have no ground at all), but would be composed of representatives of all affiliated clubs; and I doubt not that so large a proportion of clubs throughout the country would join as would clothe it with an authority which would obtain universal recognition. The duties of this club would be first of all to revise the existing rules, which are both obscure and imperfect, and issue a new code, drawn up in such clear and explicit terms as would prevent the unfortunate disputes that are constantly arising.' |
Mr Brown was supported by Mr James Pretsell of the Edinburgh Lutton Place Club, and other prominent bowlers from the east, but in the west, especially in Glasgow, the proposals did not find favour. Later, however, Glasgow bowlers had second thoughts and agreed to take part in the forming of a Scottish Association.
It was not until August 1892, that James Brown received sufficient support to issue a circular to all the bowling clubs and associations throughout the country calling on them to initiate a movement for the establishment of a National Association.
As a result of the circular a historic meeting of delegates was held on 12th September 1892, in the Waterloo Rooms, Glasgow. At this meeting the Scottish Bowling Association came into being. The proceedings were fully reported in the Glasgow Evening Times of 13th September 1892.
The meeting was chaired by Mr D.L. Stevenson, Whitevale Bowling Club, the President of the Glasgow Bowling Association. Not surprisingly Mr James Brown, Sanquhar, acted as Secretary. There was an attendance of 105 delegates from all parts of Scotland. A great deal of discussion took place regarding the name of the Association, but the meeting decided that a committee of twenty five be appointed to draw up a draft constitution and rules and to recommend a name for the Association.
Mr James Brown was appointed interim Secretary. Mr Brown had informed the delegates that a number of clubs from the North of Ireland and the North of England had intimated a desire to be included in the scope of a Scottish Society.
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First President S.B.A. 1892 |
Secretary and Treasurer S.B.A. 1892-1895 |
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