“N.Z. Cricket Needs Wins Overseas”

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31500, 14 October 1967, Page 15

“N.Z. Cricket Needs Wins Overseas”

“Public interest will snowball when New Zealand starts winning tests overseas on a regular basis,” Mr J. A. Newman told the annual meeting of the New Zealand Cricket Council in Christchurch yesterday. ,

Mr Newman, the retiring preaident, was making hU final address. “Public interest in cricket is already being awakened as a result of our auccesses against international sides in New Zealand,” said Mr Newman, *tout there are many things yet to be done. “A great deal can be said in favour of cricket aa an absorbing team game, and as a very pleasant way of relaxing in the aim. But if drawn matches are to be the lot of the casual spectator, a great deal more can be said in favour of boating, fishing, and sunbathing at the beach.

“The out and out devotees of cricket are not the ones to worry about It is the casual spectator who is the important customer today, the one who demands and deserves better value for his attendance.” Mr Newman was sure the present New Zealand cricketer was “as well equipped technically and better conditioned mentally” to play international cricket than teams of the past If there was any fault to be found with cricket it lay with the conditions and rules, not the player, said Mr Newman.

Fund Raising: Disappointment that his fund-raising scheme, proposed three years ago and which had “not left the starting barrier,” was expressed by Mr Newman. “In the economic circumstances prevailing today, and with the knowledge that some associations were lukewarm about the successful outcome of the scheme, I must admit that it is extremely doubtful whether a sum of $300,000 could now be raised,” said Mr Newman. “However, an essential part of the original idea—a national coaching scheme—is in existence and working most satisfactorily. Its valne to our cricket will be increasingly apparent as time passes.” Rugby Intrusion: A warning on intrusion into the cricket season by Rugby was sounded by Mr K. L. Sandford (Waikato). “A young man who plays both sports can make his own choice in March,” said Mr Sandford. “But there may

be pressures put on him to practice Rugby rather then play cricket, end he may opt for the sport which possesses more glamour in New Zealand.” Mr Sandford did not know what could be done other than asking Rugby dubs or officials to show a little more tolerance. Offlear, UlMtiU.—Patron, Sir Arthur Porrltt; president, Mr A. J. Postlei; treasurer, Mr J. L. Kerr; exeenUve, Messrs J. O. Leggat, C. F. Collins and W. A. Hadlee; board of control, Messrs O. C. Burgeaa (Auckland), B. J. Paterson (Northern Districts), J. A. Ongley (Central Districts), R. A. Vance (Wellington), J. C. Saunders (Canterbury), C. W. Welham (Otago), K. L. Sandford (North Island Minor Aesociationa), A. F. Wright (South Island Minor Associations).