RARE MERIT

Northern Advocate, 17 September 1927, Page 9

RARE MERIT

“MIEN AND CRICKETERS” NEW ZEALANDERS ACCLAIMED. HOME CIRCLES IMPRESSED. (United Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, September ,16. Air P. F. ("Plum”) Warner is among the appreeiators of the New Zealanders’ cricket, Speaking at a crowded farewell organised "by Mr Cecil Wray at Now Zealand House, Air Warner mentioned that he had received a letter from a German professor in Berlin saying that he realised the part cricket had played in building up the British Empire; indeed, cricket should be a department of the League of Nations. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr Warner added that the New Zealanders had left a sterling name, both as men and cricketers, and a rich example for coming generations, Mr S. G. Raymond, who presided, road a glowing tribute from Lord Jellicoe, who wrote; "The New Zealanders’ sportsmanship, free batting and other merits have won the hearts of England. If there are any more Alerritts in Now Zealand schools they - will soon capture the ashes.”

Lord Harris wrote: "It is a firstclass team, which needs a bowler or two, but it would not be presumption in future to ask for two or three test matches.”

Lord Hawke wrote: "I hope that when the New Zealanders return they will play a test. They have shown that they are worthy of it.” Air Raymond said he had been told that for six men to score 1000 runs apiece had never been done by any previous first touring team. Some batsmen always came off when others failed. Merritt was definitely among the Empire’s googly merchants. They could not say how much of the team’s success was due to Lowry’s captaincy and Mr Hay’s tireless honorary management.

Sir James Parr, -who came specially from Geneva, presented each player, on behalf of Anglo-Zealanders, with a massive engraved silver cigarette box. He said that perhaps the team's greatest exploit was that it had come through an English summer which had been the worst for 20 years. If the game flourished under such conditions in England, should they not be ashamed that more'-was not done for the game in Hew Zealand? All were grateful to the guarantors, who perhaps would have to put their hands in their pockets, but why not for such a cause?

Mr Warner, paying tribute to Lowry's and Dacre's centuries at Lord's on May 12, expressed the opinion that Dacre combined the charms of Trumper and Hobbs. He was confident that New Zealand would soon throw down the gauntlet to England, Mr Lowry, replying, said he was not far wrong when he prophesied that the team would prove equal to the seventh or eighth position in the county championship list. He hoped the Dominion would soon achieve the international status it was entitled to and participate in tests.

The team were the guests at a private dinner at the British Empire Club in the evening.—A. and N.Z.