BARRACKING AT CRICKET

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22003, 29 January 1937, Page 8

BARRACKING AT CRICKET

TO TUB F.LHTOS OP THE I'ItKSS. Sir.—l crave a few lines in your paper about barracking at cricket, an opinion on which I think is ably expressed in this morning's cable news, bv D. R. Jardine. Having been a resident in this city for 74 years, and having followed and loved the "good old game." I should like to state that going back to the days (before Lancaster Park) when all the best cricket matches took place at Hagley Park, I have no recollection of any '•barracking." In those days it would have been considered, not only unsportsmanlike, but ungentlemanly. I may be considered foolish in my action in leaving the Lancaster Park ground, on the occasion of a match with a visiting team, owing to the disgraceful personal barracking. My experience is. that those who take part in it are not cricketers, nor do they know or like the game. It is a "day out" for them, and how they enjoy it! My contention is that barracking is just as justifiable in billiards, as in cricket, though I know all would not agree with me. Just a comparison, which we have been taught is odious. As an illustration, regarding the temperament of a player such as Blunt, if his side were having an uphill fight, and he was playing cautiously, what a bad effect it would have on him if he were subject to barracking! Again, years back, it was considered wise to put Caygill and Whitta in as the two first batsmen for Canterbury, in order to "breajt down the bowling," this often being in Plunket Shield matches. Many visitors from the city of the opposing side witnessed the match, yet there was no barracking that 1 can remember. In conclusion, I should like to refer to the correspondence in your paper about baseball and cricket. Now most people know that this world is made ■up to some extent on the law of variation. That being the case, it behoves us- to be tolerant of others' tastes in sport, without stating that any sport is not worth while.

One man can enjoy a game of chess, and study the board a quarter of an hour before making a move. Others, including myself, prefer one of the good old games—cricket—and without Borne modern tactics.—Yours,- etc., W. A, JEWELL, i January 28. 1937.