TEST TAKINGS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 7 September 1926, Page 3

TEST TAKINGS

£.15.000 FOR AUSTRALIA The cabled news that Australia’s share of the gates for the five Test matches will be approximately £15,000 must be pleasing news to the Hoard of Cricket Control . In 1921 llio gross receipts from the live Tests amounted to £30,069 15s 3d (less amusement tax); Australia receiving £10,175 3s Id. From the whole of the English tour Australia’s share of the gates amounted to £33,341 19s 4d. This was further supplemented by the South African tour. The Australians returned home from the 1921 trip abroad with profits amounting to £35,644 8s 4d. The expenses were £17,922 5s 9d, leaving a credit balance of £l7, 722 2s 7d. Dealing with the pour state of the grounds, and the lack of accommodation for spectators, Mr Sydney Smith, jun., manager of the 1921 team and the present team, hinted that lack of finance probably hampered the county clubs, as much of their gate money was taken up in paying the travelling expenses and the salaries of professional cricketers. Mr Smith was emphatic in stating fhal he had nothing against professionals. and numbered'many as his personal friends. WHAT PLAYERS RECEIVE This raises a rather delicate question (says Ihe Sydney Daily Telegraph)— Where does amateurism end and professionalism begin? The 1921 team was guaranteed £4OO each man, with firstclass travelling and hotel expenses. In addition each player received a bonus of £3OO from the English tour and £66 odd from the South African section of the trip. \Vhen communicated (with {decently Mr W. C. Bull, secretary of the Australian Board of Control, said that he considered the agreement between the players and the Board of Control to be confidential, and would not give any information. CRICKETERS AND FOOTBALLERS A further interesting comparison may be made between the Australian cricketers as amateurs and Australian footballers as professionals. The last Australasian Rugby League football team to visit England was treated handsomely. Members of the Rugby League team received £4 5s per week during their trip abroad, with travelling expenses paid, and a bonus of £IBO upon their return. Although the receipts from the present Australian cricket tour in England will be bigger than in 1921, the expenses will also be much heavier. It is most improbable that members of this team will receive a bonus. Many of the members of the New South Wales Cricket Association are opposed to the payment of a bonus in any circumstances. After the last tour the manager of the Australian, team received £6OO and the players £4OO each—£3oo bonus from the English tour, and £IOO bonus from the South African tour.