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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 8 October 1936, Page 4

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THE CITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING HELD REVIEW OF PAST YEAR At the annual meeting of the Nelson City Cricket Association, last evening, Mr E. R. Neale, president, was in the chair, and there were present the following club delegates: 'Messrs Coleman and A. W. Mcllwraith (Wakatu), W. Smith and O. Green (Old Boys), H. M. McGirr and J. Thompson (Athletic), A. J. Gray and R. li. Methven (College), A. Howat (Moana), D. Taylor (Wesley), V. Blincoe, K. McKenzie (Y.M.C.A.), A. S. Thomas (Hospital). W. Bell (United), J. Sparks (Victory). The meeting stood a moment in silence as a mark of respect to the late Mr F. H. Richmond, for many years patron of the Association.

A motion of sympathy with Mr C. rlaggitt, who suffered injuries in an accident recently, was also passed. The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £23 13s sd. The annual report stated: “Being again fortunate as regards weather conditions, the past season was a most satisfactory one. Unfortunately, owing to the usual late starting of the competitions and to the fact that College were again unable to play during their Christmas vacation, it was not possible to complete the full series of matches in the third round of the senior championship, but Athletic having most points at the end of the season must be adjudged winners of the senior championship College, who played fewer games, were runners-up. C. Kinzett, of Wakatu, headed the batting averages with 90, and H. M. McGirr of Athletic the bowling averages with 1G wickets at an average of 9.6. “Regarding the senior competition, consideration might well be given to the merits of deciding the winners of the championship by the average system, as the present system almost definitely precludes College from winning. “The junior A competition was very evenly contested, the championship finally going to Old Boys, with Ta-

huna runners-up. Hospital, who finished at the bottom of the ladder, are due for relegation to the junior B grade, but in view of their previous performance in the B grade, and that, with a greater number of teams in the A grade, the use of the Hospital ground is essential, the Association should consider allowing them to remain in the A grade. “The junior B grade provided an interesting competition, Y.M.C.A. eventually winning the championship with Moana as runners up. By their success Y.M.C.A. are entitled to promotion to the A grade. To the winners of the respective championships we extend congratulations on their success. “Representative Matches: Commencing the season as holders of the Newman Shield, we had the unusual experience of losing the trophy without playing a match. Having held the Shield since 1933, it was felt that more interest in the competition might be aroused by the playing of matches on the challengers’ grounds, and with that end in view, arrangements were made with Motueka, the first challengers, for their match to be played in Motueka. Unfortunately, owing to various reasons, chief of which were that no College players were available, the majority of the Hawke Cup team which had just returned from Palmerston North, were unable to obtain further leave, and numerous others approached were unavailable, it was found that it was impossible to obtain a team, the match having to be cancelled, and the trophy handed to Motueka. We regret that we were unable to fulfil our obligations to Motueka on this occasion, but on Anniversary Day a friendly match was played with them at Motueka, Motueka winning on the first innings. On the same date another team met Waimea at Wakefield, Waimea winning on the first innings. To the Motueka and Waimea Associations, we are indebted for the hospitality extended to our teams. “On 2nd January a match was played against the Wellington Country team, Nelson winning on the first innings. “K” Cup: Our junior representatives met Tapawera, holders of the ‘K’ Cup, at Tapawera, but were unsuccessful in their efforts to lift the trophy. Matches were also played with Marlborough juniors at Blenheim and at Nelson, our team being successful in each match.

“Finance: The financial statement reveals a very satisfactory increase in the credit balance, due chiefly to the absence of expense usually incurred in the playing of many representative matches, and to the generosity of our honorary members and officers to whom we extend our gratitude for their support. “Obituary: It is with deep regret that we record the passing of our patron, the late Mr F. H. Richmond. Having held the office of patron for ten years, and always one of our keenest supporters. Mr Richmond will be greatly missed in the future. Cricketers at the Park will also miss the familiar figure of the late,Mr P. J. Dickson, a keen supporter of the game, who also passed away since

last season. “la conclusion we offer thanks to our selectors, fixture committees, the “Evening Mail’’ for their ready publication of teams, results, etc., Mr J. Ross (groundsman), and to all who have assisted us throughout the season.” ELECTION OF OFFICERS The election of officers resulted as follows: — Patron, the Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, M.L.C. President, Mr E. R. Neale. : Vice-presidents, Messrs H. Atmore, M.P., C. Haggitt, H. Neale, J. Wigzell, W. B. Griffin, H. V. Searle, A. Robinson, P. Kitchingman, H. Sanders, A. F. Baxter, F. Mitchell, G. L. Page, Dr. j. Williams. Hon. secretary, Mr J. Thompson. Senior fixture committee, Messrs J. Thompson, A. W. Mcllwraith, D. Taylor.

Senior selector, Mr E. R. Neale. i The appointment of junior selector was held over till the next executive meeting. Delegates to District Association: Messrs R. H. Methven, E. R. Neale, A. J. Gray, A. W. Mcllwraith, H. M. MeGirr, J. Newman. Emergency committee, Messrs J. Thompson, W. Bell, E. R. Neale. Hon. auditor, Mr W. B. Griffin. OPENING OF COMPETITION It was resolved that it be a recommendation to the executive to consider ways and means of encouraging B grade players. . It is expected that a senior wicket will be available at the College on Saturday week, and that grounds will be readv at Tahuna, Vanguard street and Hospital; and the question of the commencement of the competitions on that date was left to the fixture committee. _ • Classification lists must be m m time for a special general meeting on Tuesday next.