OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

Evening Star, Issue 8333, 9 October 1890, Page 4

OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Otago Cricket Association was held last evening ; Mr Stone presiding. The report was as follows :

In their last annual report your Committee spoke hopefully of the prospects of the approaching season. From the appearance of things then they had every reason to anticipate that considerable interest would be taken in the game by players and the public during the season, seeing that matches were to be played with representative teams from New South Wales, Auckland, and Canterbury. Though excellent weather pr evailed, the attendance of the public was most disappointing. Of the quality cf the play much need not be said. Though beaten by Auckland and New South Wales, our players secured an easy victory over Oanti rbury in the interprovincial match. In order to improve cricket in our midst, your Committee considered the question of securing a professional coach from England. Proposals towards this end were made, and submitted to the various clubs. The conclusion arrived at justified us to commission Mr Harper to secure a good man whan in England. Mr Harper, who first mooted the question of obtaining a professional, kindly agreed to pay his passage to the colony. The following c’ubs resolved to contribute towards bis salary for a period of three years, namely : Carisbrook, Grange, Albion, and High School. The Otago Eugby Union also promised the handsome donation of L4O a year for tho same period. Cricketers have every reason to feel thankful to their brethren of the field for such substantial assistance. Though Mr Harper has been in England for some time, the Committee have not been apprised of the success attending his efforts towards securing a professional. Probably a letter may reach here by the incoming mail. Your Committee regret the disbandment of the Phecnix Club, which for a number of years held a very prominent position among us. Their disbandment, unfortunately, means the closing of one of our best grounds ; a matter to be deplored, seeing that such are scarce In Dunedin. We are pleased to learn that many of its players have resolved to join existing clubs. Country cricketers are bestirring themselves, wo notice. Quite a strong c’ub has been established at Lawrence ; and our Waltati friends should be beard of during the present season. Probably these clubs will apply to our Association for affiliation, In order that they might arrange matches with other associated clubs. Tho Grange Club wore again victors in the Senior Cup contest. Daring the year many expressed an opinion favorable to beginning the cup matches earlier. Probably proposals may be made in this direction at your annual meeting. The balance-sheet shows a balance of assets over liabllit'es of LSO 15s 9d. _ In conclusion, your Committee would enjoin all young players to take advantage of the tuition of the professional, and liberally support his efforts towards improving the condition of the game. Raise the standard of your pUy, and, depend upon it, the support of tho public will be ensured.

The report was adopted mm. con, Mr J. P. Spring was unanimously elected president for the year, and Messrs James Wilson and Kemplin vice-presidents. Mr Moore was re-elected secretary and treasurer by acclamation; and the following were chosen as the committee—Messrs Knox, Ringer, Stone, Smyth, Downes, and Boydell.