KENTISH ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 102, 24 January 1930, Page 2

KENTISH ASSOCIATION

«. — WELCOME TO VISITING CRICKETERS. ’ Though long seas rolled between them and their own county of Kent, there was a fitting welcome last night for Messrs. G. B. Legge and F. E. Woolley, members of the M.C.C. team visiting New Zealand, who were accorded a complimentary social by the New Zealand branch of the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men. Mrs. Woolley was also present. Dr. C. J. Reakes, president of the association, in welcoming the visitors,said Kent was a county which had always been closely associated with cricket., and right from the time the game started in England it existed in Kent. In July, 1719, a match was played between teams from London and Kent, the Londoners Winning. ’ln August of the same year, however, another match with the Londoners resulted in a win for Kent.’Doggedness and determination were characteristics of Kentish people; some called it “hog-headedness.” In 1739 Kent, after beating an English eleven, was described as “the unconquerable county.” Lord Harris was one of the greatest men the county had had to build up its cricket, and the high position county cricket reached many years ago was largely due to the personal keenness and ability of Lord Harris, who was still playing cricket. Mr. Legge was captain of the Kent county eleven, while Mr. Woolley was the' finest cricketer the county had produced—he was one of the leading cricketers of the world. Sir William Hall-Jones, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., also spoke in welcome Jo -the visitors and went on to deal with New Zealand and the part it now played among the countries of the world. The guests of honour briefly replied. Musical items were given.