LOOKING AHEAD

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 29, 3 August 1927, Page 7

LOOKING AHEAD

NEW ZEALAND CRICKET

MR. REESE IN" AUSTRALIA

It is possible that as a result of Mr. D. Reese's present visit to Australia denmte arrangements will be made for the New Zealand cricket team to have some games in Australia on its return from England and also for future tours to and from New Zealand.

Whenever anyone remarks that the climate of New Zealand is against that country'ever becoming a really true cricketing centre, we always cite, in reply, England, as the creator and the home of cricket, states the cricket writer of the Sydney "Referee." New Zealand has a better climate than England. Ana it has a love for the game not surpassed by the people of any country, unless' it be England, where cricket is a sort of religion, as Bugby is in New Zealand, as Australian football is in Melbourne.

Before leaving Australia, homeward-bound,-Mr. Beese hopes to have definitely arranged with Victoria and New South Wales to play matches with their team on the way homo. Wo hope these will bo on terms of a generous character, because the New Zealand organisers are footing material expenses in carrying through- the English campaign. The Australian associations were saved the cost of pioneering ventures to and from England, and even to and from New Zealand. This work was done for them by more enterprising people over fifty years ago. It is to be hoped, however, they will extend a cordial hand to the New Zealanders, arid in their own days of affluence assist to build up the game across the Tasnian until it attains a standard that will create public interest in it comparable with that of the All Blacks versus the Blues of Rugby. While Mr. Reese is in Australia, may we suggest, the writer continues, that an effort be made to arrange with the Board of Control a programme of visits to and from the two countries over a number of seasons, as is' done between Australia and England. Australia has so many cricketers that two or three visits to each one by New Zealand might be arranged. The New Zealanders should not make it conditional that th« Australian teams shall consist of international, or even a specified proportion of such players. And, on the other hand, the Australians should not insist on allowances to the players being so high that the payment of it cripples the New Zealand authorities. In all matters of sport the two countries shoujd be. as ardent friends and keen-edged rivals as they are in Rugby football. The time is coming when New Zealand cricketers will be fit to tackle the best anywhere, and any part of Australia might play in that end will redound immensely to its credit in years to come.