CRICKET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 229, 27 September 1935, Page 13

CRICKET.

MORE HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF'DELEGATES. The fact that the coming cricket season would be an attractive one was commented on by Mr. F. Earl, K.C., at the annual meeting of delegates to the Auckland Cricket Association last evening. Four big matches, he explained, would be played in Auckland, including two against the M.C.C. touring team and two Plunket Shield fixtures. In speaking to the annual report and balance-sheet, Mr. Earl said that although the balance-sheet did not disclose anything to rejoice about, there was no cause for alarm. The liabilities had been increased considerably, but lie was of the opinion that a great amount of the present deficit would be wiped off during the coming season. Fall in Gate Receipts.

Referring to the fact that gate receipts had fallen considerably during the last few seasons, Mr. Earl said that the position was one for which a parallel could bo found throughout the Empire, especially in England. The sporting public now demanded that its sport should be highly spiced. The public had an obsession at present for speed and thrills, to which a game of such a highly scientific nature as cricket did not lend itself. Nevertheless, the game was as good now as it had ever been. If the association continued to keep its public cricket-minded there were prospects of a distinct improvement. Mr. Earl took the opportunity to congratulate the Auckland team on its performances in the Plunket Shield competition. It was no reflection on the standard of Auckland's cricket that it had lost tho shield owing to its defeat by Canterbury, he said. An outstanding feature of the season was the success of P. E. Whitelaw in being .awarded the Redpath Cup by the New Zealand Cricket Council. Reference was made to tho visit of the English women's team, and it was Mr. Earl's opinion that there was a bright future for women's cricket in the Dominion. Time Allowed For Batting.

Several notices of motion with regard to . alterations of the rules, representing recommendations brought forward by the management connnitteo, were passed. One important alteration affected the length of time a team may bat on the first day of a two-day match. The previous rule stated that a team could not bat beyond the first day of a match providing play on that day had extended for three and three-quarter hours. In view of the fact that the matches were now started half an hour earlier than when the rule was first made, it was agreed to extend the batting time to four and a quarter hours. A discussion was held on the question of the excessive number of transfers dealt with each season. It was decided to impose a charge of 2/0 tor each application for a transfer, it being felt that this would in some measure deter players from changing, their allegiance from one club to anothei. It was pointed out by Mr. W. R. l'ee, chairman of the association, that the rules governing the award of the Grosvenor Cup for the best senior fielding team were under revision with a view to making the competition more interesting. In future a miniature would go with this trophy to be held permanently by the captain of the winning team. It had been decided to allow the clubs to know how they wero progressing from month to moncn. A special committee of three would see each of the senior teams in action once a month, and jjoints would be awarded on punctuality, smart appearance, captaincy y positional play, ground fielding, catching and returning to the wickets. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr. W. R. Fee, members of the management committee and the Umpires' Association for loval services rendered during the season. Miss M. Hutton Whitelaw, representing the Auckland Ladies' Cricket Association, expressed appreciation of the assistance given to her association in the matter of coaching, and also with regard to the control of the matches played against the English women's team. Election of Officers.

The following officers were elected:— Patron, Sir James Coates; president, Mr. F. Earl, K.C.; vice-presidents, same as last vear; management committee, Messrs. W. R. Fee. E. E. Nalder, N. C. Snedden, W. G. Miller, F. W. Byerly, J. F. Murray, W. J. Coates, H. Duncan, H. E. Warneford, L. B. Schnauer, C. M. Taylor, H. E. Sutherland. D. V. Moore; honorary secretary Mr. N. H. E. Hockiu; honorary auditor,' Mr. D. R. Garrard; honorary treasurer, Mr. J. H. Watts.

SUBURBAN CRICKET. MEETING OF R.V. CLUB. The annual meeting of the R.V. Cricket Club was held on Wednesday evening. Ihe annual report stated that while the club did not win the championship all its members had a most enjoyable season. Ihe club had been fortunate in retaining tile services of C. O. Finlayson, who had done most of the bowling during the season. In addition he had pulled the team out ot the lire on several occasions with g° ot | batting. It was pleasing to note that Rangi won the bowling average for the season. The Club was also fortunate in having as wlcketkeeper H. 11. Hunt. The club was in fl. very sound position financially, and had a very substantial balance. It was decided to enter a senior A and a senior B team In the coming seasons competitions. _ ~ , The election of ofHcers resulted as follows: Patron, Mr. A. G. Harvey; president, Mr. IX Harvey; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Harvey, sen., A. Harvey, jun., W. A. Harvey, jun.; chairman, Mr. J. Abbott; secretary, Mr. J. Taberner; treasurer, Mr. F. W. Day; club captain, Mr. C. Mills. , , , , The club captain was thanked for his services last season, and it was decided to thank Mr. A. Harvey, jun., for presenting a complete batting outllt for the best fielder last season. It was also agreed to congratulate N. J. Goldsworthy on winning the trophy. Winners of the other trophies were: Batting, C. L. Metge; bowling, C. G. Finlayson. . , , The selection committee was appointed as follows: Captain, vice-captain and club captain. Messrs. J. Taberner and L. Nairn were appointed delegates to the association. The secretary was instructed to secure a practice wicket as soon as possible.

INJURE! UMPIRES. QUESTION OF INSURANCE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) DUNEDIN, this day. At a meeting of the Otago Cricket Association a letter was received from the Umpires' Association asking for assistance towards the expenses incurred by an umpire as a result of injuries received during the umpiring of a game last season. It was stated that the umpire's expenses had amounted to £40, and that the Umpires' Association was investigating the possibility of instituting an insurance scheme for umpires. The Cricket Association referred the matter to the finance committee to go into the question of insuring umpires.

CAMBRIDGE SUB-ASSOCIATION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CAMBRIDGE, Thursday. At the annual general meeting of the Cambridge Cricket Sub-association the financial statement showed a balance of £1 14/(1 and assets £18 7/6. Officers were elected as follow: Patron, Mr. F. Lye, M.P.; president, Mr. T. F. Kerr (re-elected); vicepresidents, Messrs. K. H. MHIr, D. Low, F. M. Oliver, W. J. Smellie, D. Humphreys, R. S. Bntwistle and J. C. Catran: secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. .T. S. McKenzie : honorary auditor. Mr. F. M. Oliver; sole selector, Mr. K. S. Bntwistle; delegates to S.A. Association. Messrs. 11. S. Entwistlo and R. A. Hughes. The meeting decided to affiliate with the South Auckland Association. The delegates to the association were instructed to oppose the playing of a match against the visiting English team if It meant a call upon the funds of the association.