M.C.C. SECRETARY

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 155, 28 December 1935, Page 19

M.C.C. SECRETARY

,Mr. W. Findlay, the secretary to the M.C.C., _has decided to retire after having held office for nine years, it is one of the most responsible executive ■ positions in sport, and it will not be easy to fill. Legal knowledge is essential, and the authorities have already indicated that Mr. Findlay's successor will require to have this qualification as well as to be conversant with all matters connected with the game. Mr. Findlay was a fine cricketer in • his youth, although I am afraid he is not remembered as such today (writes the London correspondent of the Auckland "Star"). As a matter of fact, he has not been a.popular figure, but, as; the man behind the scenes, he has done' work of the utmost importance. It is no secret that he framed the famous cables to Australia during the : .bodyline;controversy, which"were,a "model of tact and dignified diplomacy, ■ and in other delicate matters he has shown the same judgment and discretion. ..'-••': I believe, too, that Mr. Findlay has - played am important part in the introduction of the new leg-before-wicket rule to which, according to Lord • Hawke, 90 per cent, of cricketers have been converted. This statement has Keen challenged, but there is no doubt <. that the changed conditions haye.t Y een_

accepted and approved by the majority. Acting in a private capacity, Lord Hawke has made another attempt to persuade Australia to adopt the new rule during their tour in South Africa, but I am afraid he will not succeed. The Australians have had no experience of it, and I do not think they will be willing to take any risks in meeting the side who won the Test match rubber'in England during the past summer. * But some progress has been made towards converting Australia, inasmuch as the matches "now being played against the M.C.C. side are being! played under the new rule. So far. as can be judged, the way in which it has worked has not- created any ?opposition, and the hope that Australia will adopt, it in time for the visit of the M.C.C. next winter may be ful-' filled. : ;; . ,■-■ . - .