CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2118, 18 February 1908, Page 1

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence on public matters is wolcomed at all times, hut it must bo distinctly understood that tins journal is in no way associated with tho opinions of its correspondents.]

CRICKET IN POVERTY BAY

(To tlio Editor.) Sir, —"Writing on behalf of a uuinbor of local cricketers, 1 should bo pleased if you would afford us a little space in the Times for a protest against the methods employed by the Poverty Bay. Cricket Association in appointing selection committees, nnd also against the manner in which these so-called selection committees perform their duties. In the first place, when the Association last week, appointed three of its members to select two teams to play on successive days against the ‘‘Blue theatrical company’s team, great surprise was expressed by a number of local players and supporters oi the game at tiio appointments, and it was at onto seen that such a subcommittee could not possibly fulfil the duties that would necessarily devolve upon them, as the qualities which are essential to constitute a successful selector are conspicuous only by their absence, in each of tho three who were appointed. However, it was felt that as the fixture was not of an important nature, that perhaps the selectors would manage, perhaps the selectors would manage, but, when the teams appeared in this morning s issue of your paper the worst predictions were amply fulfilled, and there are many who can safely repeat the time-worn phrase, “I told you so.” There are, no doubt players included in tho teams who aro worthy to represent the district at any time, or under any circumstances, but there aro five men in each eleven who are certainly not qualified for representative honors, except, possibly, in second eleven matches. Another fact worthy of notice is that all three selectors aro included in one of the elevens, and this would assuredly not have occurred except under the existing circumstances. Ono of them is an old “has been,” now sadly out of form, but it would no doubt bo nothing short of sacrilege to leave him out of any team in Poverty Bay. Another of tho “selectors” is a “cricketer” who will willingly take his turn with the bat, but who will not always join his comrades in the less attractive department of the game—fielding, and whose actions in this direction have been tho subject of much adverse comment. Last but by no means least, comes .the fact that the third “selector” is practically a new chum as regards either playing cricket or his. knowledge of the game. It is not my intention in writing this letter to tlirow cold water on any endeavors which might be mado to improve the standard of cricket in Poverty Bay, but it is surely a fitting time to draw attention to the cliquism and utter iucompctcncy which exist amongst the present officials oF the Cricket Association, and which arc doing so much to retard the progress of tho gamo in this district.—l am, etc., CLEAN SPOUT. Gisborne, February 17 tlx.