TOUR OF ENGLAND

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31894, 23 January 1969, Page 22

TOUR OF ENGLAND

Ratification Likely

(N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) LONDON.

The newly - constituted I M.C.C. council is likely to ; ratify the 1970 South African | cricket tour of England when it meets for the first time lat Lord’s today. Last month the test and county cricket board decided to recommend that the tour should take place, and the council is likely to accept its recommendation. The council will also discuss the wider implications of the question of playing against South Africa after the recent cancellation of the M.C.C.’s tour there. The M.C.C. called off the trip because the South African Prime Minister (Mr Vorster) said that B. D’Oliveira, the South Africanborn Coloured all-rounder, would not be acceptable as a member of the M.C.C. team. D’Oliveira was in the M.C.C. party which left London yesterday for an alternative tour of Ceylon and Pakistan.

Contiuuous Demand

Lyttelton’s graving dock is continuously in demand and is rarely empty for more than a few hours. The Pukeko and Parera left the dock on Tuesday and it was occupied again yesterday morning by the intercolonial vessel Karamu. When the Karamu leaves it next week, it will be immediately occupied by the Lyttelton Harbour Board’s dredge Peraki and floating crane Rapaki. Thereafter it will be in continuous demand by coastal, intercolonial and harbour craft.