UNIVERSITY CRICKET CLUB.

Evening Star, Issue 20310, 19 October 1929, Page 20

UNIVERSITY CRICKET CLUB.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In connection with the application of the University Cricket Club for senior grading this season, the committee feels it is necessary, in justice both to the club and to students in general, to correct some grossly misleading statements that were made by members of the Otago Cricket Association at its last meeting. There can be no doubt that these statements, erroneous in themselves, influenced members in adjudicating on tho club’s application for senior status. In the first place, no one who is privileged to be a membber of a student community—at least in Otago—could point - to any alleged “social and athletic ostracism.” We challenge Mr R. Blunt to show in what way whatever is implied by this attractive-looking phrase has existed in Otago University in the past, and to convince ns and the cricketing public generally how it will happen in the future. In fact, the gist of Mr Blunt’s attitude is a slur on the fair name of University sport, and certainly implies that there were other motives uppermost in his mind. Further, when he states that "at least seven or eight seniors were concerned ” he is entirely wrong. There can he no argument abhout this. With reference to Mr Torrance’s statement regarding circular forms, we leave it to the better judgment of unbiased readers to form their own opinion, as the forms mentioned were to the effect " That a University Cricket Club had been formed, and that membership was open to students, graduates, and ex-students, and that it hoped that yon will see your way to join up, and, further, to endeavour to interest prospective members with a view to their joining.” The accompanying form, which was to be filled in and returned in the event of the person desiring to be a member, was just the usual form asking for name of the player, his previous record, etc. It is a pity, too, that the letter accompanying our list of players was not reported, so as to place further facts before the public. Inter alia we stated; “ We have reason to believe that certain statements have been made by members of your committee regarding so-called forcing of students who are now playing for other clubs to play for the University, and the fact that our team will be composed largely of such men. We would esteem it a favour if your committee will accept our strongest repudiation of these ill-founded statements. A perusal of the enclosed list of fifteen players who are of senior standard clearly confirms previous evidence submitted to you regarding our assertions of building up a senior team worthy to represent the club. In connection with tho University cricket ground at Logan Park, I might mention that approximately £6,500 is being spent on improvements, and trust that thisTvill be taken into consideration.’^ In concluding, we wish to take this opportunity of congratulating the Christian Brothers Club on its promotion to ' senior cricket. —I am, etc., G. M. O’Kane, Hon. Sec. O.U.C.C. Octob&r 19,