THE SUBURBAN ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22198, 15 September 1937, Page 5

THE SUBURBAN ASSOCIATION

NEW CLUBS AFFILIATED ANNUAL MEETING OF DELEGATES The steady progress made in recent years by the Christchurch Suburban Cricket Association and its early struggles were reviewed by Mr H. W. Rogers, president of the association, at the annual meeting last evening. Mr Rogers dealt comprehensively with the results of the different competitions last year and the association’s activities. Reviewing the work; of the association during the year, Mr Rogers said that he was very pleased to sec that the association was making steady progress. Some years ago it had had a very hard struggle, but eventually it had recovered. When delegates were considering the affiliation of new clubs, it had been suggested that this be refused in some cases. The association was formed to foster the game of cricket, and he could see no x’eason why all clubs should not join the association. The tale that the association was gelling too big had been bandied about for years, he continued. With 72 clubs affiliated to the association, the work of controlling the competitions took a fair bit of handling. All delegates should take definite instructions back to their clubs asking that complete information be given to the classification committee of the association about

the players in the teams. This committee had a very big task before it, and it was desirable that the clubs give it every. assistance. "A Healthy Position" "I have been very impressed with the working of the association during the last 12 months," said Mr G. S. A. Biltcliff. "The report shows that the association is in a very healthy position." Considerable trouble had been gone to in organising representative matches, he continued, but he would like to see representative games provided for third-grade teams, as several of the clubs playing in this grade had no teams in the higher grades. He suggested that the management committee of the association should see that something was done to provide representative fixtures for third-grade players. "We're bigger than the Canterbury Association now." said Mr W. H. Down, supporting the adoption of the balancesheet. "We are. able to give them a good game. The time has come when we should have representatives in the Canterbury cricket team." The annual report and balance-sheet (a copy of which was recently published, in "The Press"> mere adopted. Affiliation was granted to clubs from Springston, Prebbleton, United Brush Company, and Gadsden and Company. Election of Officers The election of officers resulted:— Patron, Mr J. E. Fleming; president, Mr E. King; vice-presidents, Messrs F. Harris, H. W. Rogers, W. H. Down, P. Egan. L. Hood, and W. L. Hulbert; vice-chairman, Mr A. J. Smith; honorary treasurer, Mr S. C. Cawtheray; honorary auditor, Mr W. H. Down; honorary secretary, Mr W. C. Aitken; honorary assistant-secretary, Mr D. L, Mitchell; management committee, Messrs D. Mitchell, W. Bampton, E, Cox. A. J. Smith, E. K. Phillips, F. S Kiddey, W. Bestman, L. Mahoney, L Booth, D. Walker, and N. McKenzie.

After the annual meeting the committee decided to start the competitions this year on October 9, provided that grounds were available.