CRICKET.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1244, 28 September 1911, Page 8

CRICKET.

o THE YEAR'S OPERATIONS, TOOK FINANCE. DISTRICT SCHEME A SUCCESS. The annual report of the Wellington Cricket Association slates that district cricket has now been in existence for two years, and the opinion is ex::rr.-scd that both players and the public (sok more interest, in the competitions during the pa>t year than in the previous on?. There is no doubt that, if it be possible in the nc-:ir future to obtain district grounds, the complete success of tho present t-yslem will be assured.

Commenting on tho work of tho groundsman (Mr. J. V. Saunders), the report states that so far as his work on the ground is concerned, his efforts have been entirely successful, and players have been unanimous in their praite of the excellent wickets prepared for matches. It is too early yet for the benefit, of his coaching to bo shown in any marked degree, but most of the clubs availed themselves oT the opportunity of obtaining tuition for their younger members. During the season 53 nominees of the various clubs attended ot tho wicket specially set apart for tho purpose, _ and were coached by Mr. Saunders, Whilst he also spent one evening, a. week at the Wellington College ground, and on two afternoons a week coached nominees from the public schools. The sy=te:n adopted gave general satisfaction, but, as it was tho first season the association had had the benefit of the services of a coach, tho experiences of last year will assist tho association (his year in remedying any defects. The representative team was defeated by Auckland in the I'lunket Shield challenge match; also by Canterbun-, but defeated ?Jarl borough. The association hail to face additional expense during Inst reason in connection with tho employment of a groundsman ar.d coaih, and geiic.-ous contribution* were received in this connection from those who have, no direct interest in cricket.

"Members of the committee have from time to time approached various person* who are 'r.ot directly connected with any club for contribution! to the association''!! funds," and, though many have generously responded, there are others who hold that players themselves are net too ready to bear their share of the burden. This reproach, unfortunately, appears to be only too well grounded, when the result of the appeal made to club members in connection with the art union is considered.

Little progress can be made with cricket unless those who derive actual benefit by taking part in the game show a little iii(crest in the financial aspect of it. The association and Iho clubs are net likely to be on a better fooling in this respect while players generally are content to let their responsibilities end with the payment of their subscriptions. If the association is to continue its work plnvers must assist more than they liavo in'the past, and it is at least dne to those Gentlemen who have been generous enough to guarantee the association's account at the bank that their liability should be extinguished as soon as possible' An appeal is. made to cricketers to give the Daylight Saving proposal every assistance. Owing to lack of support tho drawing of the art union arranged with a view of reducing the association's overdraft had to bo postponed until November 1. Five thousand tickets were issued, and to date only 717 have been disposed of. "The most important matter your committee has to bring under your notice," continues the report, "is t're unsatisfactory state of the association's finances, as disclosed by the balance-sheet. The bal-ance-sheet for the ssoscMi lfiOß-10 showed that the liabilities exceeded the assets by .Clll 3s. lid., and that r.mnmt has now increased to -£211 10s. !M. The season was commenced with on overdraft of .£'24l 12s. '3d., and outstanding liabilities of £73 Bs. Gd. The former now stands at .£227 3s. lid. while, the outstanding accounts owing by the association amount to £182 7s. .id. There. i= a total amount of ,£SO 10s. (id. owing by clubs, of which .£ls 17s. is due for rent of tho dre'sing-rooms in (he pavilion. During the season of 1030-10 the cssociation was not. debited by (ho Wellington C''ly Council for rent, and it was assumed that, in view of the largo amount expended annually by the association en the Basin Reserve the City Council intended to Tomit rent for the season. This year, ho.vover, an account has been sent in for two years' rent, amounting to £oi, and tho clubs using the dressing rooms have to find that sum betv.-wn them." Owing to no representative games being plavcd in Wellington the association had to rely almost, entirely on the fees received from the clubs jo make up its revenue. During the coming season visits are expected from teams from Tasmania, Canterbury. Auckland, and possibly ilawke's' Bay. Tnese are the only game's in view, and the only extraordinary sources the association can look to for assistance in iMcing its finances on a sound basis., but they arc purely speculative, and bad wenther may convert a possible profit into a decided loss.

"WELLINGTON SOUTTTS IDEA. The "Wellington South District Cricket Club has hit upon, what is to Wellington a fomcwlnt novel idea of enlisting support and sympathy of residents in tho district. The committee has decided to open "shilling subscription lists," and it is hoped by this means to augment the funds of the elnb and awaken in residents of the district more interest in tho club and in cricket. This scheme has been ndopte'd with a considerable amount of success by several of the leading couu-

■lies in England, and the club hopes that it ( will meet with success here. The club is holding a special meeting on \\ ednosdny next for the purpose of consider! 'I'; the advisability of reducing UK MiWription and collecting from plovers each Saturday the amount of "ground fees.