Boulton is inducted into Bowls NZ Hall of Fame

The late George Boulton, of the Wanganui Bowling Club, was an inaugural inductee of the Bowls New Zealand Hall of Fame on Saturday night. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

After more than four decades of service to bowls at club and international level, the late George Noble Boulton MBE received his due with first ballot entry into the new Bowls NZ Hall of Fame on Saturday night.

Boulton had been nominated posthumously by his Wanganui Bowling Club to enter the Hall of Fame for his efforts as administrator for the 1950-1974 era.

As well as 27 playing greats, there were nine inductees selected for their "outstanding achievements in support of the sport".

Information provided by Wanganui club secretary Cynthia Adams showed Boulton's efforts fit that citation to a tee.

Born in 1902, he was president of the club from 1948-50 and made a life member in 1966.

Boulton was manager of the New Zealand bowls team when they toured Australia in 1957 and a year later when they travelled to the Empire Games in Cardiff.

He took over the presidency of the New Zealand Bowling Association in 1966-67, also being made a life member in 1972.

His expertise then took him further as he was named president of the International Bowling Board, holding the post from 1968-70, and was given life membership in 1970.

Later on, Boulton also served as chairman of the Wanganui Bowling Club's Centennial Committee in 1986.

He died in 1994.

At the Hall of Fame ceremony at Auckland's Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Boulton's entry was accepted on behalf of his family by daughter-in-law Lea Boulton, herself a life member of the Wanganui club, and his granddaughter, Cathy.

Bowls NZ created the hall as part of the celebration of 100 years of the sport in this country.

Aramoho Bowling Club's multiple time world champion Peter Belliss was also inducted and recognised as one of five "Kiwi Bowling Legends".