THE LAW OF CRICKET.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1698, 14 June 1884, Page 3

THE LAW OF CRICKET.

Tub cricketing* public have been presented with a new code of laws. This code is substantially the same as that drafted by the Committee of the Marylebone Club last summer, and published in the Home papers in August last. At that time, in commenting upon the proposed changes, it was pointed out that a much-needed reform had been set on foot ; that the amendments were designed mainly to bring the law abroast of the practice of cricket ; and that the changes suggested would »in all probability be gratefully accepted by cricketers aa a body. It was feared that a good many impracticable suggestions might be laid before the Committee ;

but this fear has not been realised. It is true that notice of amendment was given to limit the width of the bat to three and threequarter inches ; but the gentleman, -who proposed to make this change, and to ask batsmen to play with what would be little better than broomsticks, did not appear at the meeting to support a proposal which would certainly have been rejected. What is far more to the point is that the Kent CountjClub have determined that in County matches played in Kent their umpires shall have bat guag-es, and shall stamp -with the brand of authority bats which pass through ■ those guages. It may be said, in a word, that the new code has commended itself to the public j by the simplicity, clearness, and decisiveness of its wording. No more than a trace remains here and there of all the old wordiness and ambiguity ; and there is a business-like classification in the work of the M.0.0. Committee which proves that the work has been done by practical men in a thorough and exhaustive manner. The meeting confined itself to dealing with the suggested amendments of which notice had been given. Mr I. D. Walker proposed to abolish substitutes, except in the case of. injury or illness suffered in the course of the match. Many speakers believed that players often took undue advantage of the courtesy of opposing captains, and that, in fact, the privilege was abused. It was, however, thought that Mr Walker's proposal was too sweeping:; and that if carried into law it would have the effect of ",everely injuring the prospects of many small clubs. So, on a division, Mr Walker's proposal was beaten by two votes — 26 against 28. Lord Harris carried, by 41 votes against 11, his proposed alterations to law 48 of the new code. The gist of his Lordship's amendments is contained in the "phrase — if the umpire be not satisfied of the absolute fairness of the delivery of any ball, he shall call "no ball." There was no real opposition to. this change, which', is of an emphatic' and stringent character ; and it now only remains' for umpires in all matches to carry out the law strictly and fearlessly, sure, as they ought to be, of the united support of the great cricketing authorities of the country. It is not top much to say that the system of professional umpiring is on its trial, and unless the men employed make up their minds to unhesitatingly give public effect to their openly-expressed private opinions, they will fjid their places taken by others who will act without fear or favour. The season opens well in a reform so complete ; and no cricketer will repent the stop which has been taken by the Club which has long taken position as the representative "Parliament of Cricket."— Times.