WINNERS OF "THE ASHES"'

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 64, 17 March 1933, Page 9

WINNERS OF "THE ASHES"'

TO PLAY IN WELLINGTON

.Few sporting events in Wellington have stirred public interest to the extent that lias been done by the visit of the M.C.C. team under D. R. Jardine, fresh frohi its victories in four of the five Tests against Australia. Interest in the match to be played at the Basin Reserve next Tuesday and Wednesday is not confined to Wellington, as bookiug inquiries have been received from*. Kew Plymouth, Hawera, A'apier, MagWrton, Nelson, and Blenheim and surrounding districts. Special trains will be run by the Railway Department from Palmerston North and Masterton and intermediate stations, and a variation in the Tamahine's sailing will provide for the "Marlborough district. The roads which are expected to lead mainly to the Basin Reserve on the (lays of the match will alsg be responsible for their quota, and altogether there is .certain to be a largo influx of visitors to Wellington.

The Englishmen are now on the Tasman Sea, and are expected to arrive at Wellington by the Maunganui on Monday morning. After the official welcomes by thevGqvernment and the city at 10.45 a.m. vaii(l 12.15 p.m. respectively they will be free for the afternoon, but it is not yet known definitely whether they will practise at the Basin Reserve.

The Wellington team has been practising hard during the week, and X.. C. James and his team can be expected fully to be prepared to meet their formidable opponents. The names of tho tourists are household words wherever interest is taken in cricket, but the experience the Wellington players have had against i overseas teams in the past should stand them in good stead, and they are not lilcely to be overawed by the tourists' great reputation.

The wicket to bo used for the match has been under careful preparation for some weeks, and the ground should be in first-class order.

Complete arrangements have been made for the seating and comfort o£ a. large number of spectators. Special stands have been erected, and the nictnllcd surface near the pavilion is being tar-sealed to prevent inconvenience from dust. Particulars of the booking arrangements will be found in the advertising columns of this issue. The plans for the pavilion and the open stands are at the Bristol, and the charge for these seats will be 3s lid (including tax).