WELLINGNTON CRICKET

Evening Post, Issue 66, 15 September 1936, Page 7

WELLINGNTON CRICKET

A BETTER OUTLOOK

COMPETITION PLAY

VISITS FROM OVERSEAS

Local cricket has been through try* ing times, but. while there is no easy; path ahead for those in control, tha future holds bright prospects. Thi3 view was made apparent at last night's annual meeting of the Wellington Cricket Association. Mr. M. F. Luckia (who presided) referred 'to the attractions in store for the coming season, An Indian team would bo visiting New! Zealand, and Wellington would, have) a match with the visitors. -This was an event that should create a lot at interest, and it was pleasing to know: that an old friend, "Duleep.V who had set a wonderful example in ' fielding when he was here previously,'would be a member of the party.- Then, the English team, now en route- to Aut< tralia, would be here during March, and would be playing a match,in ,WeHing« ten, though it was not known, whether] it would be with a Wellington -team 01 < with a New Zealand team. ' LUCK OF THE WEATHER. The effect of the weather upon las< < season's cricket was a matter touched upon by Mr. Luckie in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, details of which have ' been published in "Tha Post." There was not the slightest doubt that interest was affected and the weathet also had a very telling effect upon the returns. However, some very good cricket had been played. Some excel* lent performances had been put up, and it was gratifying to see the wonderful development- ,of the young players. It only required better weather than was experienced last season for cricketi to advance in the coming season.' Mr. Luckie went on to speak of the possibility of having to accom. modate an increased number of players and the question of coaching might alsd be a matter for consideration. On tha financial side the incoming committee would have much to do, and Mr. Luckie made a special appeal for further development of the honorary membership scheme, . Mr! R. A.' Whyte mentioned that thfl successes of the Wellington represent tatives last year were something W compensate for the loss on the financial side. ■ Wellington had won the Pluni ket Shield and had also defeated th^ M.C.C. team; Mention of the improved cricket outlook of players brought about by the matches with overseas, and otheii teams was made by Mr. Hanna. ' After further discussion the motion for the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet was carried. COMPETITION CONDITIONS. A proposal to have the social gratfq brought back into line with otheii grades in the matter' of the award-" ing of points was made by Mr. E. J, Aim on behalf of the Hutt Cricke< Club. The opinion of the club wai that the awarding of points would pro* bably give the teams in the competition a little more interest, the competition to go on as had been tha case. ' ■■ • The question of grading was raisecß by Mr. J. Hutchings, who also spokei of the value of the competition as ona providing for the greatest of goodl friendship and for the arranging ofl matches for visitors. The motion was lost. ■' ; The recommendation of the outgo* ing committee, put forward by MrJ. H. Phillipps, that the points for am outright win be reduced from 10 to 5 was adopted. A fair amount ot discussion took! place on the question of fixed days for matches. Mr. J. Reid moved: "Thatt this meeting is not in favour of tha system to allow fixed dates for dubi matches, and desires a reversion to tha previous system." In dealing at length* with points in favour of going back) to the two actual days for each match,, he expressed the '(opinion that ;th£^ fixation of dates was a breach Of the association's rules, one of which stated that two days were to be allowed for? a match. On this point the president! (Mr. Luckie) was inclined to agree. The matter, however, was debated, andl finally the vote was against the pro* ■posal. SPECIAL TRIBUTES. Appreciation of the association's continued interest in the Umpires' Association was expressed by Mr. C. Moore, who also made an appeal to old players to come forward as umpires. Mention! was made of Mr. D.; McKenzie's retirement after forty years! service. On behalf of the . Stop Out Club, which was linking up with the Wellington Club, Mr. McPhe«s -expressedl thanks for what had been,.done to» make the club's cricket so enjoyable. 1 Special tributes were paid tothe out-* going officers, particularly to the re* tiring chairman (Mr. P. B. Elroad), to the retiring hon. treasurer KMr. W. J. R. Christophersen) and to. the hon. secretary (Mr. A. Varney). ■ ,