DEATH OF AN OLD CRICKETER

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 25, 30 January 1923, Page 8

DEATH OF AN OLD CRICKETER

MR. A. R. HOLDSHIP.

The deatH of Mr. Arthur Richardson; Holdship, announced by cable from Sydney yesterday, has removed .from the world of cricket an old player and enthusiast of higfr standing Mn New Zealand, but the deeply-regretted event will not deprive the records of New Zealand cricket of outstanding performances by a man who was honoured in the game— an ideal cricketer, at heart and in play, and a notable personality, mainly by reason of the mannerisms which marked him as a chip of the old block of cricket. His prowess on the field, as well ( as his ability as a leader of players, gained for him places in the Wellington and New Zealand representative teams, not only as a player but also as a captain. It was in the latter capacity that he was associated with the old Wellington Club's senior team for a number of years. In play he had the reputation of being a stylish and aggressive bat, a magnificent field, and a good change bowler. It was about thirty years ago that he first played in Wellington, and he remained here for eight years (from 1892-93 until 1900-01). Daring that time he represented Wellington and New Zealand, L. A. Cuff being captain of the latter side during his time. He had the distinction of playing in -the first four games played by New Zealand representatives. His principal scores in representative cricket were as follow :—Against Canterbury, 53, 63, 79, 65; against Auckland, 70, 52; against Wairarapa-Manawatu, 57; against Queensland, 7 and 69 (in 1896); against Harry Trott's Australian eleven in 1896 he was not successful with the bat, but captured five wickets for 28 runs. As captain of the Wellington Club team he led his side in winning the ■ championship for several seasons. Among his players were F. Ashbolt, Hales, and Martin Luckie (bowlers), R. and C. Gore, B. N. Wilson, "Barney" Weybourne, , Levers, Stan Hickson, Niven, and Richardson.

The late Mr. Holdship, who was an Aucklander by birth, was educated at Caius ■ College, Cambridge, and while ia England he passed as a barrister and solicitor. On coming to New Zealand he practised in Wellington and Christchurch. It was'on account of the fact that he had played in good cricket in . England that ho was eagei'ly sought after here as a player. He soon became a valuable asset to the game in this coun-^ try. In Wellington he was a member of the staff of Messrs. Brown and Dean, barristers and solicitors. Subsequently Tie went to Wanganui, and left New Zealand about ten- years ago for Sydney. He was a son of Mr.-George Holdship, the original founder of the Kauri Timber Company, Auckland. His wife was Miss Clayton, of Wellington. :.