LORD PLUNKET ON CRICKET.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 123, 1 June 1910, Page 8

LORD PLUNKET ON CRICKET.

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CHRISTCHURCH, May 31

In acknowledging the presentation made to him by the New Zealand Cricket Council to-day, his Excellency the Governor said: "The number of kind thoughts which seem to have sprung up in the last month or' two of my stay in New Zealand has touched me a great deal more than I can put into adequate words, and has made me realise, if it is possible so to do, more than ever the blank there will be in my life when I leave this country and the kindly friends and acquaintances I have made in every part of it. This presentation that you have just made me will-be an exceedingly interesting record *or the rest of my life, and for those who follow me, of the chance that was given to me in New Zealand to show my appreciation of the finest of British games. I say the finest of British games, and the words with which you, Mr Vice-President, .concluded your remarks show that that is so. Playing the game, playing cricket, has become a household word practically throughout the whole Empire. It means that cricket must be gone into as something that sets a very high standard in any sport in which we Englishmen take an interest. I .was particularly glad to help (through the opportunity of the PlUnket Shield, even though but a little) cricket, which I should like to see more enthusiastically taken up here than it has been. I always cherish the hope that New Zealanders will'become quite as good at cricket as they are at present at football. '"As to the kindly suggestion you have made that my boy .some of these days may play cricket..against New Zealanders, all my three boys are down for Lords. As for the youngest one, if I be alive and if he develops into a good cricketer. I don't think it would be right for him to play against New Zealand.. (Laughter.) I most highly appreci^ ate this thought of yours, and I shall, watch the progress of cricket in New Zealand with steady and deep interest."