LORD COBHAM’S WORK

Press, Volume C, Issue 29656, 28 October 1961, Page 5

LORD COBHAM’S WORK

Tribute By Mr BiundeU

A tribute to the work of the Governor-General (Lord Cobham) for New Zealand cricket was paid yesterday by Mr E D. BiundeU. president of the New Zealand Cricket Council, at the council’s annual meeting. Ever since he had been in the Dominion Lord Cobham had done much for the development of the game, said Mr BiundeU. The Saturday of the match last season between the M.C£. team and the Governor-General’s team in Auckland was probably the happiest day in the history of New Zealand cricket In his review of the season Mr BiundeU referred to attendances at last season’s matches. Attendances, which had faUen away over for several seasons, had improved in 1960-61, he said. Figures were steady for most matches, and at others some increases were seen.

He had also noted a change in attitude from defence to attack and boldness among both players and administrators. said Mr Blundell.

Mr ■ Blundell said that though he applauded the efforts made to interest young persons in the game, he appealed to administrators not to overlook the older players who might be on the verge of retirement. The establishment of presidents’ grades in some major centres was a lead which could well be followed by others. It was too easy to lose entirely those who could be most valuable to the game as administrators.

Mr BiundeU. referring to the gesture of the Rothman’s organisation in providing for >the holding of an annual tournament for players under the age of 23, said that this would fIU in the very evident gap between Brabin Shield and Plunket Shield play. This year's tournament wiU probably be held, over one week, at the end of January or the beginning of February.