NEW ZEALAND CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 19290, 1 July 1926, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND CRICKET

THE TOUR OF ENGLAND

[Special to the ‘Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, June 30. When in England with the All Blacks Mr S. F. Wilson sounded many of the lenders of cricket on the proposal to extend an invitation to a New Zealand team. Ho found them most enthusiastic. “ Everyone I spoke to was keen on such a visit,” said Mr Wilson. Mr Swan was particularly anxious lor the trip to be made, and was confident that it would bo a success. It was suggested that matches should bo staged against the minor counties, with a sprinkling of the first-class counties, and also against the M.C.C. The enthusiasm over the proposed tour was stimulated by the visit of the All Blacks, and jt. will bo helped further by the visit of the New Zealand Maori Rugby team.”

Discussing the probabilities of success by a New Zealand team, Mr AVilsou instanced the success of the AVcst Indian side. It might be that the tour would cost between £6,000 and £7,0(30, but it was difficult to say. Ho did not think that there would be great difficulties raised in securing leave oi absence for the players, for be was sure that employers would take a broad view of the idea, and be willing to let their men gy away. “ The tour is a great idea provided that the right men are sent,” said Mr R. B. Ward, vice-president of the Canterbury Cricket Association. “ AAV want to send men who will play cricket when they return. However, undoubtedly it will stimulate interest in the game, and it should be the forerunner of other tours.” Personally, Mr AVard was sure that employers would enter into the spirit of the idea, and realise that in granting leave to their men they were not only benefiting the game, but also helping to advertise the dominion. The patriotic element entered into the question.- The conditions were altogether different from those when_ a team was assembled for Australia. There ’ would be difficulties if the associations were called upon for finance, for such associations as Otago and Auckland had no reserves; but he did not think that this would be necessary.

As for the players, a reporter conferred with some of them. lie found enthusiasm over the project. Already they were discussing the probable captain. “ Probably Billy Patrick will have to turn nut again,” said one representative player., [ A message from Christchurch this wreck stated that the. New Zealand Council had decided to accept the invitation from the Marylehono Club to visit England in 11)27. ]