BOUND FOR ENGLAND

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 88, 14 April 1934, Page 14

BOUND FOR ENGLAND

A NOTED CEICKETER FAREWELL' FUNCTION Evidence of tho regard in which K. C. James, the well-known Wellington and New Zealand cricket representative, is held in tho realm of sport was shown last evening when a large and representative gathering of cricketers and other sportsmen met at the Grand Hotel, not only to show their keen appreciation of his service to cricket here but also to wish him well in his new undertaking. James left by the Eaugitane today to take up a business appointment in England. Among those present at the function were Messrs. P. B. Broad (chairman), A. Varney, A. M. Hollings, W. J. E. Christophersen, A. W. Duncan, E. C. Wiren, J. H. Phillipps, L. J. Brabin, and E. F. Steelo, of the Wellington Cricket Association's Management Committee; C. G. Wilson, A. F. Wiren, and M. F. Luckie (W.C.A. officers .of long standing); K. H. Tucker (AVellington cricket selector); W. Toomath and D. McKenzie (Umpires' Association); M. 0. Barnett (Wellington College Old Boys' Association); Neil McLean, F. Martin, E. Darroeh, King, A.- P. Dwan, M. J. Casey, J. Quinn, W. A. Cate, H. J. Tattersall (one of the New Zealand 'keepers whom James succeeded), and many other sportsmen, witli C. F. W. Allcott, E. D. Blundell, E. A. Whyte, E. Crook, A. Eonaldson, G. Eptherham, H. E. Nicholls, E. T. Morgan, and others representing the players. Apologies for absence were tendered on behalf of the Hon. Dr. W. E. Collins, and Messrs. D. C. Collins, H. Desborough, and W. S. Brice. GLOWING RECORD. ) ■ In expressing indebtedness to James for his performances as a cricketer, Mr. Broad gave the gathering some details from "tho illustrious chapter in the book of James" to show just how splendidly James had performed not only as a wicket-keeper but also as a batsman. It was somewhat remarkable that of tho two world figures produced in Wellington cricket in more recent times James had shown somewhat better figures as a batsman for Wellington than had Dempster in what were to bo regarded as first-class matches. James's batting record for these matches showed that in the ten years since he first became a Wellington representative he had made 1748 runs at an average of 30.C. That performance was tho more remarkable sinco James had come into a Wellington team as a wicket-keeper. He had made five centuries, and in this respect ho,.had been consistent, his scores being 108 (three times), 109, and 107 not out. There was no doubt that James had given great service to the game. Mr. Broad expressed appreciation of what James had done for cricket, wished him godspeed and good luck in his new undertaking, and assured him of a cordial wclcomo when ho returned to New Zealand. On behalf of well-wishers, Mr. Broad presented James with a wallet containing a substantial cheque as a token of the regard in which he was held. "DOING THE RIGHT THING." Mr. C. G. Wilson said that his' first experience of the young man now leaving for England was when James was at Wellington College, when he (the speaker) was playing in one of the matches which he arranged there every year. Ever since then James had never looked behind and he had proved himself to be one of the finest wicket-keepers in the world. Mr. Wilson was in a position to say that, while James's departure meant a big loss to Wellington cricket, James was doing the right thing. Ho wished him health, happiness, and prosperity. Mr. A. F. Wiren gave some further interesting particulars of James's record on the playing fields. . James was a 'keeper who never tried to bluff a man out; ho was always reliable behind the stumps, and he was dependable at the pitch. He had taken part in some of tho brightest cricket in New Zealand's history, and was liked by . the public, especially as he was always ready to do what was in tho best interests of his side. Mr. Wiren expressed the hope that it would not bo long before James returned, though it was realised that aobody should stand in his light when ho had to study his bread and butter. Cheers for James and tho singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Follow" concluded the round of compliments to James, who, in reply, expressed deep appreciation of the tributes paid to himS Ho had always loved tho game and had always tried to do his best for his side, whether club, provincial, or Dominion. It was with deep regret that he was leaving, but circumstances were such that, being unable to secure permanent employment in New Zealand, he had to accept, in looking to his future, the position that was offering in England.