Person Page - 289

Reprinted from the Adelaide "News", 14th March 1929      Mr . Hubert Arthur Davis (president of Hawthorn Bowling Club) was born at Riverton, and is 56 years of age. He was educated at Riverton Public School, and Way College.
     Leaving home when 14 years of age, Mr. Davis went to Broken Hill. On lhis arrival, with only £5 in his possession, he found there were at least 600 men out of employment. For six weeks he was compelled to accept any job he could get chopping wood, and helping to load vans for tradesmen. Then he secured a position in a ham shop in South Broken Hill. His wage was £2/10/ a fortnight.
     The surroundings were not congenial, so he left and found a place driving a baker's cart. By dint of perseverance and hard work, and plenty of overtime, he, at the age of 18 years, became foreman of one of the largest bakeries in Broken Hill. Having saved enough money he went to night school under M. George Reid.      The disastrous strike of 1892, which ruined many, caused Mr. Davis to leave the Barrier. He then invested in property ventures at Jamestown, Canowie, Yongala, and in Maslin's Estate, when it was cut up. His health gave way and he went to Pinnaroo, where he took up land. He cleared and sold three farms and successfully farmed his own block.
     In 1913 Mr. Davis came to Adelaide and founded a land and estate agency business. It grew into one of the largest concerns in South Australia for dealinrg in land and farms outside the metropolitan area. He retired from his business in October, 1927, and handed it to his staff in recognition of faithful service.
     Mr. Davis was an original member of the Keswick and Wayville Bowling Club in 1924, but has been more actively connected with South Park, where he gained his bowling tuition under Messrs. Harry Morris and W. Marshall. Removing from Wayville to Millswood, he joined Hawthorn Bowling Club in 1927, although still a member of South Park. His organisation work for Hawthorn Bowling Club was recognised, and he was elected president. He plays in No. 3 position for Mr. Arnold Hall in Division I., and usually skippers the Wednesday afternoon pennant team. He has reached semi-finals in several tournaments in the four-bowl pairs at Millswood and in the singles handicap and championship at South Park.
     Hawthorn Bowling Club has its green on a portion of the Price Memorial Oval, and has a lease of 40 years. The club premises have recently been extended and improved. The green is one of the finest and most expansive in the State.
     The organisation of the club work is thorough. Every new member receives instruction in the theory and practice of bowls, for which purpose there are six stewards, under the leadership of Mr. A. H. Morplhett. Hawthorn Club is represented in Divisions I., III., and V.
     Mr. Davis is a man of independent means, earned by personal industry. He is anxious to make the trip with Australian bowlers to Britain next year.
     He has a family of five daughters. His only son was killed by burglars at Broken Hill. The eldest daughter married Mr. Noel Foord, manager of the English, Scottish, and Australian Bank at Robe.
     Mr. Davis was a councillor for three years in the Jamestown Corporation. He was for many years a preacher in the Methodist Church.²