OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 15658, 24 November 1914, Page 2

OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION

The monthly meeting of tho executive of the 0.C.A., held last night, was attended by Messrs J. J. Clark (in chair), J. Ramsden, A. Martin, D. H. Thomson, G. A. Wycherley, F. \Villiams, P. Stevens, A. Restieaux, J. Haig, A. Nelson, and T. T. Ritchie. P. Shaw wrote asking the association to give the correct definition of the new rule regarding the extension of the time for drawing of stumps in certain circumstances to 7 o’clock; also suggesting that the Grade Committee make a definite statement, in doubtful weather, ns to whether matches are to be played or not, instead of leaving it to the umpires to decide as to the fitness of wickets, as was done on one or two occasions last season. The writer feared that one team might be able to gain a 3-point win, while another would, on account of an unplayable wicket, have a draws match and thus be penalised.—The Chairman stated that the Grade Committee had already given their ruling in regard to tho extended time; and that they also intended to make a definite statement of play or no play when conditions wore doubtful.

The Otago Rugby Football Union wrote agreeing to provide a practice wicket for the season for the sum of £2O, the players to assist in putting up nets, etc. —Agreed to. The New Zealand Cricket Council wrote stating that the Management Committee had gone into the matter of whether Otago should visit Auckland this season, and had decided that in their opinion ths scheme contemplated a visit by Otago to Auckland during the year; and that this view was also held by Mr E. if. Williams, who presided at a conference held in 1912. The council regretted that any misunderstanding should have arisen, but trusted that the Otago Association would see their way to accept the committee’s ruling ana send a team, as this course appeared to be absolutely essential to the smooth working of the* scheme which had been so carefully formulated.—The Chairman said that there was nothing to bo gained by further discussing the rights and wrongs of the matter; but ho failed to see how it would be possible to raise the extra money required for the extension of the tour to Auckland; it would ho a big effort to raise sufficient funds to so far as Wellington.—lt was' resolved that the New Zealand Cricket Council bo informed that the association regret that owing to the state of their finances it will be absolutely impossible for them to incur the expense of sending a team to Auckland; and that tho council be asked to furnish a copy- of tho scheme mentioned in their letter as having been carefully formulated. The Town Clerk wrote in reply to a letter iv provision nude for a cricket ground on the Southern Oval, and stating that a considerable area was already being used for cricket purposes; in addition'"to which it is proposed to form a good cricket ground with a grass wicket near the middle of the reserve.—Mr Martin pointed out that an area had been allotted to the association when tho improvement of the Oval had been begun somo three years ago, ami it would be as well if the executive assured themselves that this arrangement was to be carried out.—A sub-committee consisting of Messrs Martin. Wycherley, and Thomson were appointed to investigate the matter.

The Southland Cricket Association wrote suggesting February 2J, 24, and 25 for their match with Otago at Invercargill.—Secretary to reply that so 'far as could be judged at present tho dates would be suitable.

T. D. Adams, captain of the Carisbrook A'team, wroto asking the ruling of the association on a mutter of a boundary hit made by a Carisbrook batsman on Saturday, but disputed by the Albion captain. The Albion Club did not wish to lodge an appeal, but both sides desired the association's ruling.—A good deal of discussion took place on the question, and also in regard to boundaries generally on the North Ground. Finally the point raised by Mr Adams was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs Wycherley, Resticaux, and Haig; and the matter of defining boundaries on the North Ground to the Umpires’ Apnointment Board. An application to enter another third grade team was received from the Albion Club: ami the newly-Conned West Harbor Club asked for particulars rc affiliation.—Entry accepted, and particulars to bo supplied to new club. Grade Committee to make n fresh draw.

The Opobo Club applied the registration of new colors—crimson, with gold monogram.—Granted. It was resolved to request tho Selection Committee to choose a number of players for practice in view of the forthcoming representative matches; and to pick a team to play the Otago Colts on election day. Resolved that clubs, be asked to arrange that tho collections in aid of the patriotic fund, already agreed upon, be‘taken un before the end of December. The Chairman announced that the association’s overdraught now stood at £B9 Os 1:1.

Mr J. Haig, on behalf of the members of committee, congratulated the president, Mr J. J. Clark, on his election to tho presidency of the New Zealand Cricket Council.—Mr Clark, in thanking the members, said that ho took his election as a compliment to the Otago Association, and remarked that ho was proud of the good feeling that existed between Otago and most of the other associations.