CRICKET.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8105, 7 October 1904, Page 2

CRICKET.

By ALL ROUND.

News from various exchanges shows tliat active preparations are being made for the opening of the season, but little indication is given of the prospects of the game in the various centres.

In. Taranaki the outlook is not too hopeful. The action of the Northern district in withdrawing from the Union can but be. in a scattered province such as this, to the detriment of cricket. If the South wend sufficiently strong to stand by themselves against outside Associations, they would not worry at all, for the North has never pulled with the South in any sport. When it is considered how difficult it has always been in the past to get representative teams away the folly of the division appears more marked. I hear from various sources that there is a good deal of opposition up north to the separation, but it is very improbable that the North will acknowledge its err t or the South ask them to reconsider t* ->r determination.

The Hon. Secretary to Ahe Association in his annual report regrets very much that the northern clubs should hay? &e<n fit to lake such a step, <md adds thdt tiwjr action in withdrawing from i u e .Association has materially weaken ?d <m prospects of successfully competing in lnterprovincial games, and in fact makes it extremely difficult to get an elevm together." The New Zealand Cricket Coiiuril l«ns refunded to the Taranaki Associatnn na!i the amount of tha loss on the match with Lord Hawke's team, so that ;pc Asso ciation is in good funds. The Eltham delegate to the A»«o'iati'»n informed me that cricketing niaV>»is nic not very bright at present, ths combination of tennis and bowling having adversely affected the prospects of the game. It is to be hoped, however, that Eltham will remember that tfiey hive the championship for last year, and it behoves them to do their best to retain it. Kaponga Club are working very hard, and appearances point to n successful season, though they will be without the services of some good men, who are practically debarred by their employers from playing. The club have put down an asphalt wicket, and expect to get good crickek. , The adjourned meeting of the combined Hawera clubs will be held to-night in the Fire Brigade Kail to consider the report of sub-committees appointed to canvass and see what support is forthcoming. It need hardly be said that a good i»eeting is hoped for. The future t>f cricket here practically depends o» the result oi the canvass, and all interested should show their sympathy by turning up at the meeting. The sub-committee will report to the meeJinß that they have been successful in enrolling new members and hon. members sufficient to assure tne financa of the club.

The Secretary is now in communication wilh Wellington with reference to securing a irround man, and hope* to get a man who will bo able. 4» coach younjr members as well as prepare wickets and look after (ho ground.