PRESENTATION TO A CRICKETER

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 33, 8 August 1919, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO A CRICKETER

Mr. J. S. .Hiddlestone, whose services in connection with the activities of the Wellington North Cricket Club have been the subject of most favourable comment for some years past, was farewelled by the Wellington Cricket Association yesterday evening. Mr. C. G. Wilson presided. Mr. A. D. Wiren, one of the vice-presidents, expressed the regret of cricketers at the approaching departure for England of Mr. Hiddlestone, who:is leaving on business connected with the firm of Messrs. Sargood, Son, and Ewen, with which linn he has been associated for some years. It was about six years ago, he said, that Mr. Hiddlestone came to Wellington from Invercargill, and from the very first match in which he played they recognised that they had a real good all-round man. He had known Wellington cricketers since 1882 —perhaps before then—but he could1 safely say there were very few of them who had achieved such a high all-round standard as Mr. Hiddlestone. (Applause.) In bowling, batting, and in the field, he was always fully reliable, and throughout he had, by his steadfast, solid, and all-round play set a standard which was well worthy" of emulation'by all young cricketers. It was to be hoped that Mr. R'iddiestone would play with them once again. On beha,lf of the Management' Committee he ■ presented Mr: Hiddlestone with the trophy donated for the best all-round cricketer, adding that, the Management Committee had been unanimous in its selection' of the recipient: Mr. C. 6. Wilson, chairman of the Management Comniittee, also spoke in terms of high praise of Mr. Hiddlestone, both as a man and a cricketer. He had proved himself a good cricketer „ and a good business man, and he was pleased to see that the value of his services was being recognised by Messrs. Sargood, Son, and Ewen. (Applause.) He was a splendid force in club cricket, and an even "bigger force in representative cricket. , Several other speakers testified to Mr. HiddiestoneV worth as a cricketer, and as one whose departure will be greatly regretted, and his health was drunk, with enthusiasm. Briefly replying, Mr. Hiddlestone said that if he did come back to !S Tew Zealand he would take up his residence in Wellington, and resume his very pleasant cricket relationships. ; (Applause.) .'':.