ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 20, 26 January 1903, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

Last evening a large number of citizens waited anxiously to welcome to the city Lord Hawke's English Team of cricketers. As the Blenheim coach passed along the outskirts of the city people peered through windows, and some even ventured to come out of doors, despite the incessant rain, just for the purpose of getting a glimpse of the players. When the coach, reached the Masonic Hotel a large crowd had assembled under the veranda opposite the hotel. The team hurried'y left the coach covered in coats, etc. ,— anything that would keep tine rain out—and were perfectly drenched. The trip from Blenheim to Nelson was a miserable one, Messrs Warner (Captain) and Whatman will during their, stay here, be the guests of Mr Percy Adams. The rest of the team, including Mr Raphael, Secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council, amd Mr Vincent, one of the members are residing at the Masonic Hotel. Messrs Bosanque't and Dowson, two prominent players of the visiting team, left at Blenheim for the pur- ! pose of going on a fishing excursion, and will arrive at Christchurch in time for the match there. Owing to the expressed desire of Lord Hawke and the team no offlciajl reception was held, but a formal welcome was extended by the Mayor on behalf of the citizens and cricketers. This morning at 10.45 o'clock three brakes containing thje visiting j team and a small number of leading] citizens, left for a drive to Wake- ! field. J Bpyes, of Motueka, will be unable ' to play, and his place has been » filled by Bird of th? Athletic Club, i > who is a fair all-round player. 1 Mr A. E. Mansford, of this city, I j will act as scorer for the English--1 men. •*.'.. j * The Nelson team are requested to j . he on the ground punctually *at i ■: 10.3.0 a.m. tto-morrow. , When a visit was made to the i. "Trafalgar Park this morning th-e r cricket pitch was found to be in a sodden condition, anil the northern s part was in a swamp. The ' rest of the ground, however, was splendid. To-day the sun's rays shone out brilliantly, and together ■ with the breeze that sprang up i should quickly dry up the turi, and i allowing the weather remains fine I the match should be commenced I under favourable conditions at It - o'clock to-morrow morning. There is a 1 good sprinkling) of visi- ] tors in the city to-day, and a rej cord attendance is expected to-mor-row.