CRICKET AND THE WAR.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15454, 6 December 1915, Page 9

CRICKET AND THE WAR.

SYDENHAM CLUB'S STAND. The stand taken up by at least two of the cricket clubs in Christchurch with reference to discouraging players, who are thought to be eligible for enlistment, from taking part in the club games, has caused a. good deal of comment, but it would p,eem that the balI ance of opinion is favourable to the clubs' attitude. At Sydenham Park on Saturday some of the Sydenham players who were "barred,"' were present as lookers-on at tho Sydeuham-St. Albans senior game, and during the game they indulged iu some gooci-na tared banter against, certain players who they considered should have been placed in tho same class as themselves. It is understood that the matter will be discussed at the meeting of the Cricket Association, which is to be held to-night. TO THE EDITOR OV "THE PRESS." Sir, —In this morning's issue of your paper, under the heading of '"Not \Vanted," there appears the following: —"Mr J. S. Barrett, of St. Albana Club, stated that, in view of the very proper action taken t>y the Sydenham Club, his club would play tho match with Sydenham set down for this afternoon." I might state that Mr .J. S. Barrett, has 110 authority whatever for thus speaking 011 behalf of tho St. Albans District Cricket Club: and further, the letter which appeared in your issue of the 3rd in-t. was not in any way dictated by my club. This explanation is flue to Sydenham to remove any impression that- the St. Albans Club should be guilty of such bad taste as to interfere in tho management of a kindred club's concern. The eommitteo of the St. Albans Club have given the question of allowing meu eligible for service to play with the club mature consideration, and our roll of honour and membership list show | that every member capable of serving is doing lais duty. In this connexion the match with Sydenham was discussed by my committee, and it wa.s unanimously decided that the St. Albans Cricket Ciub have f•; 11 confidence in the patriotism of the Sydenham Club, and that the fxerutivo of the latter club will take what action they deem necessary to call sh>rkers to ac- o.uir.—Yours, etc.. on behalf of tho St. Albans District Cricket Club. • C. R. THOMPSON. Hon. Sec. December 4th.