THE SHIELD MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 36, 12 February 1929, Page 14

THE SHIELD MATCH.

MR. FERGUSON'S CRITICISM,

APOLOGY TO EOWNTREE

In a final reply to criticisms of his strictures on the recent Plunket Shield match play, Mr. S. Ferguson, of Wellington, writes answering Mr. D. MeKenzie, and apologising to the Auckland wicket-keeper. In regard to Mr. MeKenzie, the writer points out that in a similar letter in Wellington Mr. McKenzie omits certain paragraphs he forwarded to the "Star." Mr. McKenzie, he says, did not reprint the statement that Mr. Ferguson had not been given a senior match to umpire, knowing that Mr. Ferguson had specially asked for grounds near his home, where only junior games were played. Mr. McKenzie in Wellington did not, as in Auckland, state there was nu need for criticism of the umpires. Mr. Ferguson points out that, while he represented the umpires on the Wellington Cricket Association, Mr. McKenzie represented a junior club. Finally he challenges Mr. McKenzie to accept a vote of the Wellington players on the views stated by himself and Mr. McKenzie on the match in question.

Regarding the reference to the Auckland wicket-keeper, Mr. FersrUaon makes the amende honorable, as follows: —

"My only regret in having written the article concerns my remarks about Mr. Rowntree. I had no intention whatever in making any reflection on the character of Mr. Rowntree, either as a cricketer or as a man. As such may be inferred from what I have written, I sincerely regret having made them. My point was to show the weakness of the umpiring. I hope your veteran wicket-keeper will accept my explanation and apology for any injury I may have caused him, and may he long continue (as he has in the past) hie good work in the interest of cricket, not only in the Queen City, but throughout the Dominion. Finally, I hope when Auckland meets Wellington in the Basin Reserve next year they will be able to return the compliment, and no one will be more pleased than S. H. Ferguson."

Mr. X. B. Levien, secretary of the Auckland Umpires' Association, forwards the following letter received by Messrs. Turton and Harvie from Mr. W. R. Bock, chairman of the Wellington Umpires' Association: "There appeared in the 'Evening Post' an article by Mr. Ferguson on the umpiring of the Plunket Shield match in Auckland, and I understand the same article appeared a day or two ago in the Auckland 'Star.' The article has aroused much indignation in Wellington and especially anionjrst members of the Wellington Cricket Umpires' Association. On behalf of the association I desire to dissociate myself and the members thereof with the views expressed in the article in question and express regret that a member of ou: body should have been so indiscreet, to say the least, in his remarks. A cricket umpire should be the last to rush into print on such topics. I assure you of the sympathy of the members of the W.C.U.A."