THE MATAMATA RECORD (Published Monday and Thursday) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1936. HEALTHY SPORT

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1788, 3 December 1936, Page 4

THE MATAMATA RECORD (Published Monday and Thursday) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1936. HEALTHY SPORT

NO' finer example of the fact that the younger generation prefer to play healthy sport to lolling about could be found than the attendance of cricketers at Bedford Park, Matamata, each week. This great gift of the Bowler Bros, is thoroughly appreciated by cricketers, and it is' a fine sight to see the eighty-eight players who regularly take part in games each Saturday out on the magnificent enclosure. Unfortunately the ground is all too small for those desiring to take part, and the players are somewhat cramped in that the four cricket grounds have to overlap very considerably. However, this does hot dapipeh the ardour of the players, but the fact remains that if more grounds were available more players could be catered for by those controlling one of the great British games, which not only sets a standard of physical fitness, but also a standard of conduct which has become world-famous. To describe an action as “ not cricket',” is to condemn it and to be immediately understood;

The most serious result of the shortage of cricket grounds in Matamata is that no provision can be made for junior players, hence boys leaving school have to go right into senior cricket if they desire to play. This is not a desirable state of affairs, but until more playing areas can be secured there seems to be little hope of improving the position to any marked degree. Few people realise just. how much the trustees of Bedford Park are handicapped in their endeavours to upkeep this fine playing area and keep, it worthy of the district, and but for the public spiritedness of Mr. J. E. Cummings, chairman of the Bedford Park trustees, Mr. J. Pohlen, chairman of the Piako Cricket Association, Father Silk and a few others,, the ground available would not be in the splendid condition it is to-day. The point at issue is worthy of attention at an early date, .for fewer public works are of more merit than the provision of means so that the rising generation can' take part in healthy physical recreation, and so assist in removing the stigma which attaches to all who are not classed as of A grade in physical fitness.