THE FIRST TEST.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18013, 4 March 1924, Page 9

THE FIRST TEST.

SOME FINE BATTING BY

NEW ZEALANDERS.

VISITORS WIN BY EIGHT

WICKETS

The match concluded yesterday between New Zealand and New South Wales demonstrated, though no such demonstration w:; s necessary, that the visitors are' far 100 strong for aav team that New Zealand can put into the field. The latter were hopelessly outplayed, and a dispassionate review of the two elevens must leave one convinced that our players could not hope for a better result than an eight-wic-kets defeat. Nevertheless, there were features of the play that, from a New Zealand standpoint, one could take comfort from. There were patches in the batting that showed that our batsmen were capable of making runs agai.ist the visitors, and make them in a manner excelled by only four or five of the opposition batsmen. Then our bowling, which was supposed to be New Zealand's weak spot, came through th.-> ordeal with flying colours. Not at any time (luring lie match did the line batting of the visitors show it up or make it look weak. On the contrary for the greater part of the time the visitors were batting the bowling commanded respect, great batsmen as the visitors undoubtedly are.

The weather was again beautifully, fine yesterday, a, warm sun being pleasantly tempered by a. light easterly. The wicket had worn well, and played true to the end. There was a very sparse attendance in the morning, but when it became known in town that Blunt and Dac-re had added 74 for the morning session, 1 lie luncheon adjournment brought a good influx of spectators, and later an, when 300 went up with only 4 wickets down, the surprising news brought hundreds more down on to the ground. The result was that £l7O was taken at the gates. That the latter batsmen slumped badly was a keen disappointment to everyone. However, it was a good recovery, as it was, and left tlio visitors 113 to get, which took them well on towards G o'clock., Dacre's Fine Batting. Dacre's batting was on a par with the high-class display he had given on the previous day, and looking at his batting right through, one would liavo no hesitation in classing it with the best of many fine innings played in big matches at Park. Not the least praiseworthy feature of it was his restraint. He is admittedly a fine batsman, but apt to "break loose" at a tempting ball. His innings of 127, however, included vory few such lapses, and consequently his batting could rightly be said to be masterly in defence. At the same time he lost no opportunities of having a go at tho punishable ball, and though on a few occasions he failed to connect, he invariably exacted full toll of anything loose. . His batting was of a high order right through his innings, and as his fielding was easily the best on the sideit can readily be understood that he was the outstanding figure among the New Zealanders. Auckland to the Fore. Next in point of merit was Smith's 52, and it was a display of really sound and confident batting. There was an entire absence of that "scratchiness" seen in most of the other batsmen's efforts. He played the bowling with a quietness, but at the same time a confidence and correctness, that promised runs. One could not but admire the calm and unhesitating way he left alone balls that one felt should be left alone. There were no half measures — no drawing back after partly making a stroke. He judged his scoring strokes with such promptness and precision that he looked a likely run-getter all the time. His scoring strokes, too, though they had what one might call an unobtrusive appearance, were well executed and well timed. It was a neat and <veTy meritorious innnigs.

Blunt's Innings, There was much sound defence and many beautifully-executed scoring strokes in Blunt's innings. There is still a great gulf fixed between his club batting and that which he shows in big cricket, and this may be attributed to temperament. Some may call it nervousness. On his club form he should bo one of the first batsmen picked for a New Zealand team, but there is no doubt that he has not reproduced that form in big cricket. However, apart from a lot of unnecessarily defensive play at the start of his innings, he batted very well. He plnyc.l a lot of good bowling very correctly and more or less confidently, and his scoring shots all round the wicket were stylish, well timed, and well executed. Alloo made only 12, but he batted so soundly and confidently while he was there that he looked like making a score. However, he was indiscreet enough to touch a breaking ball, and though it would not ordinarily be a slip catch, Hendry had closed in, and snapped him up within two or three yards of the wicket.

Disappointing Batsmen. The batting of some of the others was disappointing. Collins followed his "duck" of the first innings with one in the second. He was not in long, but he did not look like staying, and the stroke that got him out was an ungainly one that would hardly be expected from a batsman of Collins's reputation. Added to this his fielding was a lot below New Zealand form, and he missed the easiest of the many catches dropped hi the match. McGirr was sent in too late, and the last man was with him almost before he had a strike. This seemed to have a depressing effect on his batting, and instead of him being not out he was snapped up in the slips by the lynxeyed Hendry.

New South Wales Bowling and Fielding. Of the New South Wales bowlers, Everett met with little success, his one wicket costing 93. Macartney was ,acain the steadiest bowler on the side, whilst Punch, as in the Canterbury match, had the batsmen considerably puzzled by his high delivery and big leg break. Mailey bowled well right through. He had 96 hit off him before lie got a wicket, and finished up with four for 10 L Such are the vagaries of | erieket.

The visitors gave another high-class display i Q the field, though they made more mistakes than in the first innings. Several times the ball went straight to a fieldsman, and was only partly stopped. Great fieldsmen though they undoubtedly are, they are only human. The unevenness of the ground was doubtless responsible for their mistakes in the ground work. Visitors' Second Strike. The New South Welshmen were set a comparatively easy task in having to make only 113. They had a lot of luck in getting them for the loss of

only two wickets, runch and u larkev wore both dropped almost a the start, though it must be admittea that the catches were difheult c-nis-But Bardslcv. who afterwards saw aic , . ,~ " ' ~-,<■,>! i before runs hit off, gave an eas.i i.m." he had scored a run. However. »m this he played very sound cricket aau made a lot of henutiful strokes. _ - ' u ~ artnev made ", in his own . » 1(, parable stvle. Ho was at his i>e. . The Wlin* was so c-d tl.nt .•>;>.> balls taxed even his defence. l>"t it all his defensive strokes were > ' sound that prnbal.lv no one expi"- '" to see him jro out before the runs hit off: and his strokes were the of an absolutelv masterly batsman, i • Xew South Wales skipper has jJM of his best in Ohristchureh. and t..<>who know much about battiUs' ' readilv award him the palm aim a preseiit-dav batsmen the world ''^[: McOirr and Meßeth both 1».w.e.l champi-.ns. and it was a m ,l '; 1 , their accuracy that it took "• us , like Bardsley. Macartney Mullarkev an hour and a halt torna \ 113. As' in the first innin-s. had the worst possible luck, _• etches—one an easy one—being drop ped off him.

THE PLAY. Plav was resumed at five minutes past 11. Dacre (48) and Blunt (M were the not outs. Mailey opened the bowlino- from the south end. Dacre at once sent 150 up with a lovely dine past cover and Blunt steered one elderly past third man for 3. In fcmett's next Blunt got a 2 and a 4 »itn beautiful strokes on the leg side, anu Dacre got 4 for an equally good on stroke to the boundary olf Made}, xuo play was anu lyaere reaciieu oo uuu J. cut on tne siow bowler, in U* *0 next mere got a uneiy ,, ulnch went to K. iiarusiey UUI- - the fence, iie partly d »> and it trickled to uie lonce loi *• ine Auciuaauer readied .0 wl t L ' smg.e tor a line late cut. earning applause Iw leaving > bumpy ones alone, but _Wi tf touened one which Uldiieid just iuiKJ tc get to. Dacre gamed applause wit another boautitul cut wlncu went to the boundary in quick time, the iuus were . coming in breezy . style. Uaci e lifted the last bowler over miu-ou s head for a pair and gamed salvi«oi applause by lifting a no ball to tne long-on pickets tfitk the total at 198 Hendry bowled in place or Mauey and Dacre cut a hot one to Mailey s. ri.'ht hand at second slip, but tire chance was dropped. Then Macartney replaced Everett, and an appeal lor lhw against Dacre was in favour or the batsman. A sharply run single to Dacre sent 200 up for one hour o2 minutes' play. A sharply run single took Dacre to 90. Play quieten**,down, but eventually Blunt reached 40 with a pretty 4 to leg. He got another d from an off-drive which cannoned oil; Punch's legs. Blunt Out. .

In the last over before lunch, just when the onlookers were seeking the stroke that would see New Zealand's deficit wiped off, Blunt went out to Macartney, and missing, was smartly stumped: 216 —4 —46. A Fine Partnership. On resuming, Smith joined and Macartney from the north end and Hendry still had charge pt the bowling. Smith got several neat strokes off Hendry and had 7 to his credit before Dacre started. Hay was quiet for a time, during widicn Macartney gained applause by cleanly picking up a hot squiaxe cut from Dacre. It was a lovely stroke that brought nothing. Then Smith reached! doubles by on-driving Macartney for 4. A couple of beautiful late cute to Dacre only brought singles, which gave the Aucklander 98. Then 240 came up as the result of a neat 4 to leg by Smith. The same batsman cut Macartney beautifully for 4.

Dacre gets his Century. A single off Macartney gave Dacre his century, and thero was loud applause ail round the ground, lie then or.-drove Hendry for 4 and got another boundary with an stroke just out of slip's reach. At 257 Everett replaced Macartney, and Dacre cut one to Kippax at third man which was just a possible chance. Dacre got a fast one on the leg which made him limp round for a time and someone in the crowd called out "take him off." With the total at 266 Mailey replaced Hendry, and play was quiet until Smith got a 4 through the slips and made himself 32. Dacre hit Mailev finely to the leg boundary, which sent 280 on the board Pour for hyes help the total along. As the result of a no ball—Everett's seventh—29o went up. Smith reached 40 with a • lovelv off-drive all along the ground to the pickets. He got a similarly fine on-drive off Mailey, 2 coming ott the stroke. At 298 Everett was replaced by Punch, and Dacre hitting him to the leg boundary, 300 went up amid applause. It had taken 3 hours 12 minutes.

Dacre Bowled round his Legs. At 307 Dacre left a leg Sail from Punch alone, and it brolie in and bowled him: 307—5—127. Collins filled the gap and Smith reached 50 with a single off ano ball. Then Collins after getting a single, made a miss-hit off a no ball, which was an easy catch to Hendry, who did not try for the catch. The next ball he tried to crib and chopped it on: 3lC —6—l. Further Disaster. McGirr went in only to see Smith put one soltly into Henury's nanus at sap: 312 —7 —02. AUoo was next and opened with a pair to leg. He got two more pairs by fast running uetween wickets, and then he off-drove l J uncii grandly for 4. The Dunedin man had got a dozen in as many minutes. AUoo Out. The first ball of Mailey's next over was fatal to Alloo, who was snapped up by Hendry in the slips: 324—»—12. Boon joined McGirr and got a single off Punch, but Mailey in his next over bowled him with a ball that went skraiejht through: 3289 —1. Mailey had had none for 96, and now had 3 for 101. MeBeth was last man, but McGirr, after getting a single, made a miss-hit and gave Hendry the easiest of catches, a'he innings had lasted 3 hours 35 minutes. 113 to Make.

New South Wales required 113 to win and Mullarkey and Punch were the'opening batsmen. McGirr started the bowling iron> the north end. A single to each, and then Mullarkey chopped one just past his wicket, a lucky pair coming. Mcßeth was tho other bowler, and his second bal] Punch hit hard to' Hiddleston at point. It was a tairly hard catch which the fieldsman almost held at the second attempt. In McGirr's second over Mullarkey gave Blunt a hard chance jn the slips which produced a single. Singles and pairs sent 10 up for a quarter of an hour's play. The First Wicket Fails. Neither batsman was happy to McGirr, and the latter in his third over beat Mullarkey all the way: Macartney's appearance was hailed with applause. Punch reached doubles with an oft-drive. After slow play Macartney beautifully off-drove Mcßeth to the pickets " and 20 went up. He reached doubles bv hittine one iust

over Collins's head. Punch got a lucky pair which he just snicked off his wicket, 30 going up. A Good Catch. Punch was forcing the pace, and he lifted one past slip's head for 3, au?. then drove one hard to Due re at cover, who held a fine catch': 36—2—18. 11. Bardsley was next and the same over he hit an easy catch to Collins_at point, who dropped it amid the derisive cheers of the crowd. Fiay was slow, the bovriors both keeping the batsmen quiet, hut eventually Bardsley off drove. Meßeth to the boundary, the ball bumping right out of "Worker's reach and peine; to the fence. Then Bardsley got two lovely fours past (■over paint, 60 going up. He lifted the next one high to the on boundary. A three to Macartney and two singles to Bardsley made 17 off this over from Meßcth. At 69 Smith" replaced Me-Ov-r nnd Alloo bowled at the other eniT. In Smith's second over Macartney drove him beautifully past point for 4. and Pft went up. A single gave Bnrdslev 30, and sent 9(") up. Play was again ouiet, until Macartney beautifully ofT-flrove Alloo, reaching 40 and sending 100 up for an hour and 23 minutes' play. At 1.02 Blunt was civen a turn with the ball in place of Smith. Macartney placed him past slip for a pair, and off-drove him for 4.' making himself of). Another pair brought 2. and another pair being turned into a 3 in- an overthrow saw the required runs hit off.

The following nre the scores:— NEW ZEALAND. First Innings. J. S. Hiddlcston 114112211212124111121111, c Mn.i'ey, b Hendry .. ..36 R. <le R. Worker 1121111, c Oldfield, b Kverett .. .. .. .8 D. C. Collins, c Oldfield, b Everett .. 0 S. G. Smith 2111, lbw, b Everett .. 5 R. C. Blunt, c Mailev, b Everett .. 0 C. Dacre -11, b Everett .. .6 W. A. Baker 11121131222314123111, c Oldfield, b Macurt'iev .. .. 34 H. M. McGirr 4211122114112, st Oldfield h Mailev .. .. .. ..23 A. W. A Hon" 211:2122111, not out " '.'. 15 M. P,moii, b Macnvtnev .. 0 D. Meßeth 4, c and b Mailey .. 4 n >' es - u •■ .. .. "5 L"S byes 112 .. ' " 4 No-balls 111.11 .. '., "__ 5 Total .. .. .. .. 144 Bowling; Analysis—L. Everett, 12 overs, 1 maiden 48 runs, 5 wickets, 4 no-balls-a.. L. Hendry, 12 overs, 1 maiden, 31 runs 1 wickol 1 no ball C. G. Macartney, 9 overs 1 1 maidens, 13 runs, 2 wickets; A. A. Mailey', 9.- overs, 3H runs, 2 wickets. Second Innings. w S \ H £ d , leston ' *■ c o Wfield, b Everett 1 W. A. Baker 13111441121, run out 20 b. de I{. Worker 2242111142224111111111 b Macartney .... '37 C. Dacre 14142111631242114114144414111111424114112211111114U111111141141, b Punch ~ .. 127 R. C Blunt 144111211111111324111-121143 stpd Oldfield, h Mailey .. 46 S. G. Smith 21221-11144121214112412112112', c Heiißry, b Mailey .. '52 D. C. Collins 1, b Punch .. ..1 A. W. Alloo 212241, c Hendry, b Mailey 12 H. M. McGirr 211, c Hendry, b Mailey 4 M. B::on 1, b Mailey .. .. 1 D. Meßeth. not out .. .. 0 Byes 44314 .. .. ..16 Le? bves 111111 .. ..6 No balls 111111 .. .. ... 6 Total .. .. ..329 Bowling- Analysis—S. Everett, 20 overs, 1 maiden, 93 runs, 1 wicket, 7 no ballo; H. L. Hendry, 14 overs, 4 maidans, 44 runs; A. A. Mailey, 28.1 overs, 4 maidens, 101 runs, 4 wickets; C. G. Macartney, 18 overs, 5 maidens, 42 runs, 2 wickets; A. Punch, 5 overs, 21 runs, 2 wickets, 3 no balls. NEW SOUTH WALES. First Innings. A. Punch 4, b McGirr .. ..4 D. Mullarkey 111421121, b Smith .. 17 C. G. Macartney 111111111214442214111, b Meßeth 36 R, Bardsley 1141141, b McGirr .. 13 A. Kippax 11411441414, b McGirr .. 26 H. L. Hendry 12211121124421221118111211111414111111231111121221314144111114 222, c Boon, b Alloo .. .. HO T J E. Andrews 21124311412321421111, 0 Alloo, b Smith .. •• -.38 W. Bardsley 4121421111121141214111111414 1114411114144, not out .. ..78 W. A. Oldfield, b Smith .. ■• 0 A. A. Mailey 331441, run out .. .. 16 S. .Everett, 114, lbw, b Smith •• 6 Byes 11144 I \, Leg bves 11 •• •• "7 No bails 1111 • * Total 361 Bowling Analyais-H. M. McGirr, 21 overs, 1 maiden, 100 runs, 3 wickets; D. Meßeth 15 overs, 1 maiden, 87 runs, 1 wicket, 5 no balls; S. G. Smith, 14.6 overs, 86 runs, 4 wickets, A. W. Alloo, 11 overs, 64 runs, 1 wicket; R. C. Blunt, 1 over, 7 runs. Second Innings. D. Mullarkey 1212, b McGirr .. 6 A. Punch 11211411213, c Dacre, b McT) iL . . 18 C. G. Macartney 11142111111131112241211211412423, net out •• •• &> R. Bardsley 1142114441111111111, not out 32 Byes 11 •• •• " Total for 2 wickets •■ 1 13 Bowling Analysis-H. M. McGirr, 8 overs 04 runs"°l wicket; D. Meßeth., 8 overs, 43 runs, l'wicket; S. G. Smith 4 overs, 16 runs; A. W. Alloo, 4 overs, 17 runs; R. U Blunt, .6 ov«rs, 11 runs.

The New Zealand Cricket Council will make a profit of about £SOO on the first Test match.

ON THE BANK.

IDEAS AND IMPRESSIONS OF THE CROWD. (SPECIALLY WBITTEM FOB "THE PRESS.") I discovered my friend, Mr Perkins, among the crowd on the embankment at Lancaster Park on Saturday. Of course, in a way, there was little cause for wonderment in this fact, for it is remarkable the number of people who have responded to the call of the cricket pitch within the past week or so. Still more remarkable the number of high-class exponents of the game to be found among the throng on the bank. How such talent has failed to come within the ken of the New Zealand selector is a mystery. Perhaps, like Mr Perkins, these experts—in theory—cannot spare sufficient time from their study of political questions to practise or play. \.t the moment that Mr Perkins sighted me Mr Mcßeth had disarranges Mr Macartney's wickets, and Mr Macartney was gazing at the wreckage as it there had been some mistake. , . "Bravo!" exclaimed Mr Perkins. "\\ anted to see him bat, but he is rather unreasonable in the number of runs he makes, don't you think?" "We can give that in, can t we mate?" chimed in a man alongside us. "Any jollv one of the 'Aussies' can. make a hundred, and I call it f 'sporting' of Macartnev not to stay there too long to-day. " This tour's only 'a i joke' to them." . j -Now," said Mr Perkins, "I don t i like that word 'joke.' " "Put 'em out any time they like, and stay in as long as they like, the 'Aussies' can," retorted the other. * "I didn't rub it into any of your fellows when the New South Wales footballers were here," 6aid Mr Perkins. "No, that's not the game. Don t rub it in." "That's just what I don't want the 'Aussies' to do," came the reply. "Facetious, I suppose?" remarked Mr Perkins. "If you get, or give, a i licking to the other team, or' man, I dcn't crow over it. There's always, another day.", "I should say so," answered the mikolder of Australia, "they've allow-

Ed two more days for this match and if Macartney passes the word round, New South Wales will still be ba - t i n |on't think you know one side ° f i b coVd" see that Mr Perkins was getting angry, so I mildly ed—"What do you think of Kamsay Macdonald?" . . ~•„ "McPonald's not playing in this team " put in the argumentative one, j ere Mr Perkins could answer. "Now that's what I call Intelligence!" chuckled Mr Perkins. "Real snorted the other "You know what I would like to do W w/dSta't get to know M just then Kippax was S bowlcd and the board Sh -^fry?n g 9 Thr'oke' a bit too far!" And Mr Perkins turned in order -to resume the battle of words, but his antagonist had .disappeared. "At anyrate," he solaced himseit, "we'll get a little peace now; and be able to watch the cricket which was misgivings, for one thing I have discovered about politicians is that they like a "debate," and especially is it so with Mr Perkins. We settled down and watched Andrews and Hendry stop the "landslide; Peace reigned for a while, although a small bo/who had a large pear in one hand and a stick of chocolate m the other, and who chose Mr Perkins's back as a leaning post, caused that genteman to frown and mutter as he wriggled about in the course of his feast. g Presently the lad asked Mr Perkins if there were any "beavers m the Australian team. T "You mean in Australia, my boy l presume," said Mr Perkins. "In the great Island Continent there are platypuses, kangaroos, kookaburras, wallabies, snakes — "I don't mean that," the boy enlightened him, "I mean 'beavers men with whiskers like you got! Mr Perkins looked like saying something, but he didn't, as he has always expressed to me a great fondness tor children. He again concentrated his attention on the match but he was i not for long undisturbed, (fhere is a refreshing informality among tne crowd at a cricket match. No introductions are needed—you just butt into a conversation with the fellow next you, give him of your opinion, or accept of his.) . "That young Boon's the makings or an excellent wicket-keeper," an elderly man now told Mr Perkins. "Wants a little more experience perhaps, but he stops-'em well. Now, when I was at school I used to keep wickets for our second eleven," and 4e old gentleman babbled on in great detail of that historic team's doings.

"Remember on© match, it was on a bumov wicket," the veteran cricketer Sled on. "We had a fast bowler n the rock 'em down iust like 'Biffer' Pearce used to, and I was standing close up to him and up comes a rising ball and smacks me fair between the peepers " Particulars were following as to the length . o time he was "outed,' and the physical injuries sustained when Mr Perkins said—"What about it?" I answered "Yes," and we went along to the corner. Anyhow, it was near lunch-time.

"Pity it didn't knock his blooming hand off! growled Mr Perkins,, apparently in reference to the reminiscent cricketer. "Curious thing it s so difficult to get a little peace anywhere these days." . • ■ Our lunch was voted "a success" by Mr Perkins, who had discoursed at length on what he termed the "weaknesses" of New Zealand cricket. We arrived back at the Park to find Warren Bardslev and Hendry still "holding the fort " and the 300 about to be hoisted. Our' Australian barracker of the morninn- also found us. He said he was pleased to see Mr Perkins again. "Thought I'd loot yerl" he said to my friend. "I just dodged away to give Macartney the 'wheeze' while you apparently have been for a 'spot.' Should never 'vols' your cricket iike that my boy."

"Go away and let me enjoy the game,", pleaded Mr Perkins. ".Glad you're enjoying it," the irrepressible individual answered in bantering tone. "Told vou any one of 'em could make a hundred." aa Hp.ndrv'a

"century" was worthily recognised by the crowd.

A little soft music now wafted across from the band. It had relation to "Carolina in the morning," and the crowd hummed the air, and tapped unie.

"That's right, keep their peckers upl" said Mr Perkins's adversary. I "JSjothing like music, also, to soothe the savage beast." But Mr Perkins was not to be drawn —he lapsed into a stolid silence. . . . "Give 'em a cheer boys," called out. the Australian as Macartney led the ISlew South Wales team into the field. "There you see the Jinest batsman in the world to-day." Contrary to the expectation of many, the Welshmen did not bat all day, and the crowd were to see the New Ze&landers at the wickets. Also particularly they wanted to see Everett in action. The fast bowler went on. Fast he certainly was. "Have mercy on 'em!" called out the Australian as Hiddleston departed.

The gloom caused by this happening gradually dispersed as Worker got to work, and a little luck came New Zealand's Way. A few of the fast balls whizzed by the wickets. "Why doesn't, the batsman strike at them?" querulously asked Mr Perkins. "Can't understand you New Zealandere, always wanting to strike," said the Australian. "Didn't you have n strike at Lyttelton the other day? Surely, sir," to Mr Perkins "you don't want the batsmen to strike do . vou? " "Go away!" once more growled Mr Perkins. The other said he wouldn't—he had paid his money and he intended to stay to the finish. He did and so did we, but the relations between Mr Perkins and the "Aussie" became strained. However, New Zealand's comparatively good showing tended to soothe Mr Perkins, -Mid he was quite sociable when we left.' "They might make a match of it yet," he even deigned to say to the

Australian as we passed that individual. "Who m}ghtP" asked the Australian. And he grinned at Mr Perkins. SECOND TEST MATCH. I THREE ALTERATIONS IN N.Z, TEAM.

The following team was selected last night tp represent New Zealand in L the second Test match, which commences at Wellington on C. Dacre, Auckland. S. G. Smith, Auckland. > -,- J. S. Hiddleston, Wellington. H. M. McGirr, Wellington. W. A. Baker,' Wellington. M. Henderson, Wellington. B. J. Kortlang, Wellington. M. Boon, Canterbury. D. Mcßeth, Canterbury. E. de R. Worker, Otago. E. 0. Blamires, Otago. The captain of. the 1 team will b<i picked to-day.- . The New Zealand team leave for Wellington to-night, and the Australians to-morrow night.

WELLINGTON ASSOCIATION. (PRBSS ASSOCIATION TELBOBAIt.) WELLINGTON, March .8. At [to-night's meeting of the Wellington Cricket Association, *t was stated .that the arrangements for the second test would be carried out by a local committee. It was decided to ask an Auckland umpire to officiate with .Dr. McKenzie, who has been appointed by the Wellington Umpires-' Association. The profit of the Auckland-Wellington shield match was £lßß' 5s lid. Tim New Zealand Council gels £9 la, the Auckland Association £55 Is, and the Wellington ■ Association £ll9 Es sd. V.'■■'