UMPIRE HOOTED.

NZ Truth, 15 March 1924, Page 9

UMPIRE HOOTED.

An Unseemly Incident. The majority of the large crowd present at the Basin Reserve was shocked at the hostile demonstration against one of the umpires (Mr. Dan McKenzie) In the match on Saturday afternoon. Dacre and Baker were at the wickets when Dacre called Baker for a run. The latter player refusing to go, Dacre mado an effort to get back. Macartney returned the ball to Ratcliffe who dislodged the bails and the umpire when appealed to gave the Aucklander out. Whether that player was out, only the umpire who is standing m a direct line with the popping crease Is m a position to say, but the question amounts to this: What would Mr. McKenzie gain by giving a wrong decision against any batsman? Any unbiassed spectator knows that Mr. McKenzie gave a decision that he thought was a correct one, and what he conscientiously believed to be right. For argument's sake say he made an error. (I was not m a position tb dispute or uphold the decision). Have you ever come across an umpire or referee who did not do so? I have not! What an unthankful job is that of an umpire, ,and no matter how correct his decisions may be, there is sure to be some who do not see eye to eye with him. What made matters worse was the popularity of Dacre and the expectation from the large crowd that they would m all probability have seen some lively play If the decision had been given In the batsman's favor. I wonder what sort of cricket we would get if an umpire was guided In his decisions by his wish. The small minority should remember that an umpire's position is one not to be envied and the gentlemen who come forward Saturday after Saturday and give their time up for tho benefit of cricket should at least command a certain amount of respect." J am sorry to say that was not shown by a certain section to Mr. McKenzie. This gentleman has done a whole lot for cricket as well as other branches of outdoor sport and I with thousands of others was indeed sorry to see such a hostile demonstration against him.