CRICKET AFFAIRS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 75, 26 September 1944, Page 7

CRICKET AFFAIRS

WELLINGTON CONTROL

TWO-DAY SENIOR MATCHES A decision in favour of reverting to two-day matches in senior cricket for the coming season was made by delefates to the annual meeting of the Wellington Cricket Association last night. Proposals for a change with the object of improving the standard of play gave rise to much discussion at the largely-attended meeting, which was held in the Basin Reserve pavilion and presided over by Mr. M. F. Luckie (president). The coming season was viewed optimistically and a recommendation was made that special efforts be directed towards having the season opened earlier than had been the practice.

While cricket interest had been very well maintained throughout last season and some very fine and close matches had been played, there had become apparent, said the president, a teelmg that an endeavour should be made to revert to two-day matches either for all grades or for the two top grades. From the spectator's point of view there had been much to arouse interest and excitement, but with the players a tendency to get runs or get out did. not make for good cricket, mat might have been one of th^ reasons for Wellington not having the success against other provinces that it was entitled to expect. Under conditions affected by the war the finances pi the association had been^ improved to a greater extent than for a good many years. In looking at that satisfactory position, it should be borne in mind, he said, that there had been some concessions from the City Council. It was a matter for congratulation that many of the older players had stayed in the game with the object of encouraging the younger players. Coaching had been successful and should be developed* There did seem to be something in the air about reverting to two-day cricket, said the chairman of the management committee (Mr. J. D. Howitt). There had been some very good cricket and there could be some much better cricket. Clubs, he thought, could do much towards improving the standard of cricket in Wellington whatever the views about reverting to twoday cricket. On the financial side there had been an improvement, but it was now felt by the committee that the charge of admission to the Basin Reserve should be increased to Is. So far as the rules were concerned it was hoped that they would be retouched in the near future so that they could take care of all matters that cropped up, and it was also considered that the holding of, a half-yearly meeting of delegates would be of benefit. CAPABLY HANDLED. Congratulatory references to the manner in which the affairs' of the association had been i';andled during .the past year were made by several speakers during discussion upon the motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. "It is when things are on the wrong side of the ledger that criticism comes," remarked Mr. H. Hatch in reply to a suggestion from the president that this was the time for criticism. A plea tot serious consideration of the Government's: 'recentlydeclared policy in regard to the Army before taking action in the matter.of regrading Service teams'was made by Lieutenant C. Edwards. The adoption of the billeting idea for visiting players was regarded by Lieut.-Colonel J. H. Phillipps as a matter which should be reviewed before becoming the express policy, of the association.. There was the important point that those making up teams going abroad liked to be together. On the question of a suggested increase in the price of admission to cricket at the Basin Reserve, Mr. G. Day thought that the comfort and convenience of spectators should be a first consideration. He urged the improvement of the scoring facilities and the provision of extra seating accommodation, particularly for spectators at matches on No, 2 wicket. "You can rest assured," said the president, "that that will be considered by the incoming committee." Hearty agreement with the inauguration, last season of-the coaching scheme for young players was expressed by Mr. H. Osborn on behalf of his club. ■ The report and balance-sheet were adopted. » OFFICERS ELECTED. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr. M. F. Luckie; vice-presi-dents, Sir Alexander Roberts, Sir Charles Norwood, the Mayor (Mr. Appleton),'Lieut-Colonels J. S. Hanna and J. H. Phillipps, Messrs. R. A. Wright, H. A. Ryder, E. W. Hunt, L. T. Watkins, D. A. Ewen, T. J. Thur'man, F. M. Martin, E. N. Hogben, C. G. Wilson, R. R. Hornblow, W. J. R. Christophersen, A. W. Duncan, W. Hammond, E. C. Wiren, H. Hatch, W. P. Walker, J. H. Hutchings, J. Reid, J. J. Gallagher, R. L. Macalister, and A. Rohaldson, Fathers Cleary and Lysaght, and the Rev. E. O. Blamires; hon. secretary, Mr. H. L. Cooper; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. E. Banks;, management committee, Messrs. J. D. Howitt, L. J. Brabin, J. Reid, W. A: Baker, B. Pegler, J. Standidge, G. L. Whyte, and R. W. Peacock; auditors, Messrs. C. E. Stevens and E. W. A. Kellow. Messrs. R. W. Coupland and A. Ronaldson did not seek re-election,' and tribute was paid to their service and that of other members of the retiring committee. Special reference was made to the duties performed by Mr. J. A. Carrad as secretary of the association during the past five years. Through pressure of other work Mr. Carrad did not seek re-election.