Manawatu Bowls Archives
TROPHY CHALLENGES
HURN CUP
HURN CUP – THANK YOU, MR. HURN
The Hurn (or Hurn’s) Cup, which now resides permanently in a glass cabinet at Bowls Feilding, has a long and fascinating history.
While the Cup has been contested by clubs within the Manawatu region in recent years, historical records show it was once played for on a much wider scale. It was originally donated to the Manawatu Bowling Centre in 1898 by Mr A. J. Hurn, proprietor of the Denbigh Hotel in Feilding. Interestingly, despite its early donation, there is no record of it being played for until 1914.
An extract from the Feilding Star dated March 5, 1914, records the first match:
“The first match for the latest addition to the trophies offered for competition among the bowling clubs of this coast, the Hurn Cup, took place on the Feilding green yesterday afternoon. The challengers were a Wednesday rink of young players from the Palmerston Club.
The first rink to do battle for Feilding comprised Chappell, Robertson, McQueen and Stewart (s). Stewart’s rink, with every member drawing like an art class, handed in a card at the finish which showed: Feilding 33, Palmerston 16.
The next challenge is from the Taihape Club, with Terrace End and Gonville to follow.”
Today, a scoring book accompanies a framed photograph of the Cup, and is passed from each winning team to the next. The book reveals a rich competitive history, with past challengers including Waverley, Victoria (Whanganui), Gonville, Oroua, Durie Hill, Taihape, Ohakune, and the original Foxton club.
DIXON CUP / TUCKER BADGES/ MANSON AND BARR CUP
Dixon Cup
TUCKER BADGES
The Dixon Cup is one of the long-standing trophies contested within the Manawatu region, carrying with it a proud tradition of interclub rivalry.
Donated in the early years of organised bowls, the Cup is believed to have been presented by a local supporter of the game, Mr Dixon, whose contribution helped foster competitive play between clubs.
Over the years, the Dixon Cup has been keenly contested, often producing closely fought matches and showcasing some of the region’s strongest combinations. Like many historic trophies, it reflects a time when challenges were regularly issued and defended, creating an ongoing legacy between neighbouring clubs.
Today, the Dixon Cup remains a symbol of competitive spirit and tradition, linking current players with those who helped build the game in Manawatu.
The Tucker Badges hold a unique place in local bowls history, differing from traditional trophies in that they are awarded as individual or team honours rather than a single cup.
Donated by the Tucker family, these badges were introduced to recognise excellence and achievement in competition.
Historically, badges such as these were highly prized, as they were worn and displayed by players as a mark of distinction within the bowling community. They represent not just victory on the day, but consistent performance and sportsmanship.
Through the years, the Tucker Badges have continued to acknowledge outstanding play, maintaining their reputation as a valued and respected accolade within the region.
MANSON AND BARR CUP
The Manson and Barr Cup stands as a significant piece of Manawatu bowling heritage, reflecting the support of local businesses in the early development of the sport.
Donated by the well-known firm Manson and Barr, the Cup highlights the strong connection between the community and its bowling clubs.
Contested over many seasons, the Cup has drawn entries from across the region, often featuring highly competitive encounters. Its history mirrors the growth of bowls in Manawatu, with clubs coming together in both rivalry and camaraderie.
As with many traditional trophies, the Manson and Barr Cup represents more than just success — it is a reminder of the people, organisations, and history that have shaped the game locally.