A VERSATILE VICTORIAN. MR.BENT ON CRICKET.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1908, Page 4

A VERSATILE VICTORIAN. MR. BENT ON CRICKET.

At the interstate cricket match on Saturday (says tho Sydney Morning Herald) the Victorian Premier, Mr. Bent, was found in front of tho ladies' pavilion witli a galaxy of youth and beauty on either sido. The game, however, claimed his undivided attention. He viewed e.iiJi fatrokc with the air of a. connoisseur. Tho interested mem of our visitor, was like unto that, of Mr. Pickwick on tho occasion of the great contest , Uingley Dell v. All Muggleton. Had Mr. Bent arrived earlier in the day he would have witnessed tho distressing spectacle of half a dozen gallant Victorians walking right in, turning round, and walking right out again, while- scarce half a hundred run 3 were added to the over-night total. But he was spared that, and when asked what he thought of the game the M?lbournians were ill a very satisfactory position. "This is good cricket — very good indeed." Some smart fielding by Warns sent Hopkins to tho pavilion, and Mr. Bent was asked who would win. Ho declined to indulge his prophetic propensity. He was strictly an impartial observer. His allegiance waa divided bolwcen New South Wales, which ho proudly claimed as his birthplace, "aud Victoria, whoso destinies no has helped to shape. Tho, last matches afforded Mr. Bent much pleasure, though he would not hazard a guess as to tho destination of tho "ashes." "You see," he explained, "I've nn unconscious bias; I'm Australian. But^" ho added, "you can't lick an Englishman. Look afc tho way the played in Adelaide, in all that heafc. Why, they could play in — well, purgatory — after that. 1 believe they drank 20 gallons of milk und soda there." ''Where — purgatory ?' ' "No; Adelaide," replied the Premier. "I have studied cricket for 50 years," Mr. Bent went on, "and it. is as good now as ever it was." "Have you ever played yourself, Mr. Bent?" "Rather!" Tim pride in his youthful achievement was mingled with contempt for the person who was ignorant of them. "Why, when I laid the foundation fitorie of tho Melbourne Ground it was put on record that I was one of the oest cricketers of my day. I used to play round near Mt. Mary's, in the Domain, aild all over the shop. I remember Nanny Goat Swamp and Billy Goat Rwamp, and > the Cross Roads, and all tho old* places." "Do you remember any of your biggest, scores?" Tho old cricketer paused awhile. In his mind's eye- ho saw visions of his early triumphs, of cheering crowds, end centuries galore. But recognising that "on their own merits modest men are dumb," he forbore to give details. "You bowled, of course, Mr. Bent?" "Rather! Why, I was the crack lefthand trundle? of the day. How used { I rock them? Why, I used to bowl j bo blooming fast I, used to cut the seams off their trousers. Bowl!"