IMPERIAL CRICKET.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 214, 3 June 1908, Page 7

IMPERIAL CRICKET.

THE PUN THAT FAILED.

PROFITS BEFORE SENTIMENT. AUSTRALIA'S ATTITUDE. r.r TELEOnAPII—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COrrP.IGHI. (Rec. Juno 2, 7.5 p.m.) London, June 2. With roferenco to the decision of Australia not to participate in the projected schomo of. intcr-lmperial triangular cricket matches, between Britain, Australia, and South Africa, tho "Sporting Life"' says:—"No doubt tho financial aspect influenced tho Australians' decision. They want all tho cake, which would ho divided between two, if the South Africans were playing in England during tho same season." Mr. C. B. Fry, writing in the "Daily Chronicle," declares"lt is clear that Australia wants to continue tho arrangement by which her:team conies to England on Australia's terms, to the very considerable profit of Australia's players; anil by which English teams go to Australia on terms infinitely moro profitable to Australian than to English interests. But our authorities ire- determined that our cricket in future rhall not be milked in favour of profits to Australia.' 1 OUTLINE OF THE SCHEME.

Tho scliemo which Australia has rejected l was drawn' up by the M.C.C., whioh sent copies to Australia, South Africa, and tho first-class English Counties for expression 'of opinion. Hero is tho outline:— 1. England, Australia, and Sonth Africa shall play each six Test Matches in England in 1009, each playing the other three matches. It is suggested that a method should be arranged uy which tho result of the contest oould bo ascertained. . (It is understood that Australia would: like a permanent programme' of international cricket to precede an agreement to play'tho Imperial Cricket Contost in 1909. It is suggested that this will be'a difficult, thing to do,, but the meeting of cricketers of all'three countries in 1909 will afford an opportunity of discussing the proposal, and an Imperial Cricket Board might then he formed to consider tho matter with this ,view.) . 2. Each country shall take one-third of tho gross gato taken at tho Test Matches. _ 3. Each visiting team shall, in addition to the Test Matches, play, if possible, at least one match with oaoli first-class county and j. with tho M.C.C. . . . '

4. The Board of Control stall fix the dates I of the Test Matches beforo July 31, 1908, to enable the county secretaries to- make their programmes, without undue inconvenience. . 5. (a) For the purpose of-providing for complimentary and other.stand tickets each contesting party shall receive 100 free stand tickets, and shall have the option of ■ purchasing 200 additional stand tickets for each Test Match at the current rates, and no other pro-, vision shall be made in this respect. Such option to ;bo exercised at; least, li days before the match for which the tickets are required. (b) For the. convenience of accurately ascertaining tlio amount 'of gato money to be divided, the sale of staijd tickcts shall 1 in no case include" the entrance fee to the ground. ! 6. the principle, of every match being concluded, drawn, or, abandoned at'the completion of three days :be adhered: to. ' '• ■ 7. (a) The price of admission >to all- Test Hatches shall bu ono shilling. (b) The price of admission to all matches, other than Test Matches, shall be arrived at by arrangement ' between Australia, South Africa, and the local" authorities on whose grounds such matches are playdd. 8. Such matters ■ as (1) hours of' play ; (2) selection of .umpires'; (3) : control of the crowd during matches, to be subsequently arranged by agreement between the parties interested.