MIDLAND CANTERBURY CRICKET CLUB.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXII, Issue 7412, 1 December 1884, Page 5

MIDLAND CANTERBURY CRICKET CLUB.

A Bpocial general meeting of the meinlie re of the Midland Canterbury Cricket Club «m held on Saturday evening at the Commercial IfoUd. There vrna a good attendaiue. and 51 r A. P. O'Callaghan, M.H.U., Vice*President, wan voted to th« chair <

The Chairman said that the meeting had been called on what rniixt be a melancholy occasion—to fill the place of tbrir late Captain and Hocretnry, and to take what stem# were deemed fitting to show respect for hi# memory. It had Iwen suggested that a memorial stone should tie erected by the members of the Club. Ho would take a proposition on the snbjoet a* the first business. Mr B. 8. B. 801 l moved—" Thsi the members of the Midland Cricket Chib undertake to erect a memorial stone over Hi* grave of our late comrade, Mr George Watson, dubr.’riptions to be limited to members of the Club.” He said that several members of other Clubs, and rise some persons not connected with cricket, had spoken to him on tho subject. An idea prevailed that a monetary testimonial should bo subscribed, in addition to tbo monument, and several persons were willing to assist in getting this up. Hews* sorry to say that Mr Watson’s family were left in somewhat straightened circumstances.

Hr Barnes seconded the motion. He stated that ho had spoken to Mr Watson’s brother on tho subject of tho memorial, and hod received the following letter Sn reply <— " Door Sir,—Mrs Watson and myself flosire to tender to yon, and the other kind friends associated with yon, our sincere thanks for your kindly sympathy, and to gratefully, accept your offer of erecting a suitable memorial over the grave of the late Mr George Watson. Mrs Watson would much like toe memorial stone to be in toe form of a cross. Again thanking you, and asking you to convoy our gratitude to tho many friends lor whom you are acting.— I am, Ac., Clkment Watson.” Mr Barnes also rood a letter from Mr F, Wilding, Captain of the Lancaster Park Club, from which too following is an extract;—"But one sentiment is universal among our criekotew—deep and unfeigned regret at toe very sudden death of our beet batsman. To his personal friends the loss is still greater, and I know that bis sterling worth was appreciated by many." He Had also spoken to Mr Cotfo and others, whose sympathy and assistance could be depended on. He was sorry to say that too family, as Mr Bell bad said, were not in good circumstances.

The motion was put and carried unanimously. On tho motion of Mr A. E. Bird, seconded by Mr Barge, a Committee, consisting of Meesrs A. P. O’Crilaghaa, E. Barnes, C. Strange, E. 8. B. Bell, and T. H. Davey, was appointed to collect subscriptions, and carry out the resolution. Mr Ashby proposed—” That the above Committee ho authorised to co-operate with the members of other Clubs, and with any of the late Mr Watson’s friends who may desire to assist in any other way for the benefit of bis widow and family.” Mr Convery seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr E. S. B. Bell suggested that a portrait of Mr Watson should be placed in the Club pavilion as an additional memorial. (Hear, hear.) He proposed a motion to that effect, which was seconded by Mr Barnes and carried nem eon. The meeting then proceeded to fill the offices rendered vacant by Mr Watson’s death. Mr D. Ashby was elected captain of the first eleven and of the Club. Mr £. Barnes was chosen deputy captain, to act in Mr Ashby’s absence. Hr E. 8. B. Bell was elected to fill the vacancy on the Ground Committee. Mr A. T. Washer was chosen as Secretary of the Club. In answer to a question from Mr Belt, Mr Barnes stated that permission had been obtained from the Domain Board to erect an addition to the Club’s pavilion, and the work of constructing a new room, 14ft by 12ft, on tho western side, would be commenced early this week. It would probably be finished in about a fortnight. Mr A. E. Bird returned thanks on behalf of those gentlemen who had been elected members of tho Club on account of tho services rendered by them at the performance recently given in aid of the Club funds. He remarked that they greatly appreciated the honour which had been conferred upon them, and would be happy to again assist the Club in a similar manner if they were required to do so. Tho meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.