AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5308, 20 November 1878, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Considerable anxiety was manifested during the whole of yesterday respecting the arrival of the P.M.s.s. City of New York, from San Francisco, and the signals at.Mount Victoria were eagerly watched, in otder that the reception which had been inaugurated the previous day, to welcome the Australian Cricket Team, might be carried out with due eclat. As mid day passed, and no signs wi re made of her appearance, many were of opinion that she would not arrive before nightfall, and thus rob the public and. our guests of what promised to be an imposing spectacle. This, however, was not to he, for shortly after 3 p.m. the signal of a steamer in sight was hoisted, and as nn coasting vessels were due, it was set down to be the City of New York. This proved to be tho case, for iu an hour afterwords the mail flag was hoisted. This was made known through tho city by tho ship May Queen discharging n v. hich was a signal for tho whole of the ships in harbour to dress with bunting. It must !><■ admitted that the harbour never presented a more brilliant appearance than it did lust eveuing, each vessel trying to outvie the other by the quantity of bunting displayed. The Reception Committee very speedily assembled at the Wharf, and the. Devonport. one of the Ferry Company's steamers, beins in readiness, at 5 p.m. it moved off with the committee, and nearly tho whole of our leading citizens, among whom we observed Messrs. Swansou and Tole, M.H.H.n, J. C Firth, Whitaker, Nathan, J. L. Wilson, G. B. Owen, Howard, Burton, Watts. Philips, Brigham, Macdonald, Waymouth, Shera, Ivey, Stewart, Motion, Rosenvalt ( American Consul), Binney, Conpland, Harper, Nolan, Marks, llobinson, Wiseman, Earl, Aitken, White,- Hill, Captain Thomas, Mr. Superintendent Thomson, and others. Pro ceeding around the North Head, the mail steamer wan seen jnst inside the reef, and the Devonport, in the channel, awaited her coming. As the huge steamer slowly forged past, loud cheers greeted t'r.e incoming guests, which were heartily responded to hv tho cricketers and all on board. By thin time the City of New York had stopped, and Captain Cobb cried out for the Devonport to come alongside, and full speed was then put on the little craft, and every one on board was anxious to be the first who should offer a houiily aud joyous greeting to the victorious team. Three or four lengths from the mail-boat, and, behold, she moves ahead, and sore disappointment was visible on the countenances of those on board the Devonport. It was evident, then, that the committeo and friends would not be able to board tho steamer, and many were of opinion that they had been "sold." From inquiries we have made on this point, we are that Captain Cobb was in no way to blame. Far from acting discourteously, ho was anxious to assist our citizens iu welcoming those on bor-.rd his vessel. The steamer had, however, lost her way, and as a strong ebb tide was running the vessel was beginning to cant, aud Captain Burgess and himself deemed it prudent to steam on, as there was dang"r in the vessel getting across the tide, which in that locality would have proved a very awkward predicmient. Nothing remained but to steam back for the wharf, and off the roilway pier the committee were able To proceed ou board the City of New York, where they welcomed the cricketers to Auckland. It was then decided that the formal welcome should be given in tho Auckland Club, and the interim was employed in Captain Gregory and his confrere-" recounting their victorious tour since they left this port. As the steamer slowly approac'ncd her berth, amid the booming of the May Queen's aims and the huzzis of the vast crowd that covered the wharf, the scene wa3 very exciting ; cheer after cheer from the shore rent the air, o'.dy to be re-echoed by the cricketers, while Impey's Ba'id struck up " Seethe Conquering Hero Comes," and other appropriate airs. Xow the steamer touches the wharf, and desuite the efforts of a strong body of police their liae i 3 broken, and with a rush the deck of the magnificent steamer is stormed by a vast crowd, and our guests are almost shaken to pieces by the hearty grasps of the hands of some hundreds of persons. RECEPTION AT THE AUCKLAND CLUB. On landing, the cricketers were driven in two drags, with a number of those who had gone out in the Enterprise, and who had waited on the wharf, to the Auckland Club. In passing along the wharf the cricketers, were loudly cheered. In Queen-street the crowd was dense, aud the utmost enthusiasm was shewn. Flags were flying from ' every establishment. In a few i minute 3 the large room of the Club was tilled, those present comprieing our most I prominent citizens and the most enthusiastic cricketers in the community. Mr. Whitaker presided. On the one side were Messrs. C. Bannerman, Blackham, Horan, Murdoch, Garrett, Gregory, Boyle, and on the other, Messrs. Conway (agent), Bailey, Allan, Gibbes (agent), A. Baunerman. .Mr. Spofforth was not present. Mr. Whitaker said that the people of Auckland should have felt wanting in courtesy—he might say, in their duty—if they had not done something to welcome the Australian cricketers on their retain, and to congratulate them npon their success in England. (Cheers.) It was true that there was not a member of the team who wa3 a New Zealander, but, at all events, wherever they had gone they had had the sympathies of the people here. In regard, indeed, to one member of the team, if he was not a New Zealander, at least his mother was (laughter),—he alluded to Mr. Spofforth, for he (Mr. Whitaker) recollected seeing his mother and father courting at Hokianga in 1542. However, the people of Auckland cordially welcomed them, and thanked tliein for the reputation they had gained for the Australasian Colonies. (Cheers.) For hiin self, he always remembered that they were in that part of the world one family, that the success of one of these colonies was, indeed, the Euccess of all; and that, in holding out the hand of welcome to those who were returning from England, they were performing a duty which Australians would have performed in the same way in similar circumstances. (Cheera.) When the colonies iu that part of the world could combine for any one particular purpose, it indicated the possibility of combining for other purposes, and if the time should come when they would have to combine for mutual defence and mutual support, then they would find that the necessary feeling and spirit existed. It had never bceu questioned that the colonies of Australasia, and he included New Zealand amongst them, possessed everything in the shape of soil and climate that contributed to greatness. They possessed an enormous seaboard, that extended over many different degrees of latitude, enabling them to produce everything that could be desired, either from temperate or tropical climateß, and therefore they found themselves not as competitors, but in a position to assist each other in the race of life. lie only regretted that those gentlemen whom they were met to entertain to-night had only a very short time to stay here, and that the people of Auckland would not have an opportunity of giving them a more complete aud substantial welcome—one that would shew them thit the people here appreciated what they had done, aa much as those who would welcome them on their return to their native land. (Cheera.) No doubt these gentlemen had had for some time past been treated to a great number of speeches—although they bad had a spell for some short time back—aud he was satisfied that they preferred a good long inning 3 to a loug speech. They would, however, permit him again on behalf of the people of Auckland—and he was satisfied indeed that he could speak ou behalf of the people of the whole colony—to welcome them on their return, and ' to congratulate them on the success which had attended them. He proposed the toast of "Mr. Gregory and the Australian Team of Cricketers. (Cheers.) The band played a few bar 3 of cee the Conquering Hero Comes," and We wont go Home till Morning." . Mr. Gregory, on rising, was received with loud cheoring. He said that, on behalf ot the Australian team, ho thanked them for the kind welcome they had given thena on their return home. He had to say that, wherever they had gone—all through Knglaud, Scotland, aud America —they had been overcome with kindness —everywhere they had beeu well and cordially received. He remembered that when the Mayor of Auckland entertained them one day, they had some hope that they would be able to play another match in Auckland, but they found now that was not possible. Ho could assure them that they would never forget tliot reception, and that it would be a red-letter day in the whole of their existence. Ho thanked them very heartily for the kind welcome they had given them, not only on behalf of Auckland but the whole of New Zealand. (Cheers.) Mr. Whitaker said that Mr. Gregory had received two telegrams which he was sure the company would like to be informed of. One waa stating that his Excellency the Governor was to send a congratulatory tele-

gram, and which, he believed, would come to hand immediately. The other was from Sir Seorge Grey. Mr. Whitaker read the Premier'* telegram, as follows :—" The arrival of the Australian cricketers at Auckland gives luo an opportunity of assuring them of the interest with which their successes iu other parts of the world have been watched by tho inhabitants of New Zealand, and of the great pleasure with which wo welcome them to our shores.—C> . Gret." Mr. Firtii, in riaiug to propose the health of Mr Conway, who had organised the team, said he need hardly call the attention of those present to the way in which the peopla of Auckland had welcomed their Australian friend 3, who no doubt had been much pleased with it. Indeed, it was a fitting thiug that the hnroes of eo many victories should have a triumphant reception on their return. Every morning the telegrams stating the results of the matches were looked forward to with an interest which the momentary expectation of hearing of a declaration of war failed to lessen. While every morniug there was the expectation that they would hear tho sound of the tocsin of war, there came reports of those peaceful victories iu the cricket field, —all the more glorious because they were bloodless. Wo man liked to hear it said that their native land had been beaten. But, iu this case, he thought they were all pleased that their countrymen at home had been well beaten. Someone had said that Englishmen never knew when they were beaten ; but, at all events, their English friends had a good opportunity of knowing it now. And, if their pleasure could have been added to, it would be by knowing that not only had their countrymen been well beaten, but that tho cricketers Uad also been victorious over our American cousins. They had shewn the people of England that the English-speaking race, wherever they were planted, had abundance of mettle and stamina. It was sometimes said that when Englishmen came to this part of the world, where they had a tine climate and other advantages, they became enervated, but their guests had shewn that wherever .Englishmen were they retained all their good qualities, aud remained true born Britons. They must not forgot at this time the gentleman who had at considerable trouble and responsibility so well succeeded in organising this team, iu managing tho arrangements in England, aud in briuging them back victorious again. Be would propose the health of Mr. Conway. (Cheers.) Before Mr. Conway responded, Mr. Isaacs said a few words narrating his early recollections of Mr. Conway. Mr. Conway, in reply, said that some men were born great, some achieved it, and some had it thrust upon them. He really did uot know it he had achieved all the greatness which had beeu thrust upon him. Xhj proposal of his health in connection with that reception had been unexpected. Eroiji the people of Auckland they had received twhiie on their last tour great kindness, and 'when they left fc'au Francisco they expcctcd to meet a great many old friends here, and to have a hearty shake bauds from them, but they never anticipated such a public demonstration as this. When they went to Australia, they would, no doubt, be heartily received by their friends and relatives, but the reception in Auckland could not be exceeded —at all events, if it were be iteu numerically, it could not be beaten in genuine feeling. (Cheers.) Mr. Whitaker had spoken of all these colonies as being one family, and he (Mr. Conway) remembered one gentleman who had a better knowledge of geography tliau himself calliug them Polynesians. (L-iitghter.) At all d\'cuts, they all looked upon themselves as Australasians. 'I'hey had met at homo with mauy old New Zealanders, and they had been as hearty in their congratulations as Australasians. He remembered at the conelusion of one 'match, a gentleman actually embracing him in exuberant joy, who said he was an ex-mayor, he believed he said of Auckland. (Shouts of laughter, aud cries of " Hurst ! ? ') He was quite in an excited state, was rather a good-looking gentleman, ami said he was proud of them. The team, indeed, looked upon themselves as representing all these colonies. He was sure he only echoed the sentiments of all of them when he said he was proud to associate with the lovers of cricket in Now Zealand. If on another occasion it fell to his lot to organise a tornn, he hoped he would have some members of it from New Zealand. The thorough waimth of that reception somewhat startled him. He had never expected to have to make a speech, but Mr. Gregory generally put him in for the second inuings. He had been complimented upon his good management, but the success of the trip had been owing chiefly to the good spirit and good feeling of all the members of the team. (Cheera.) Mr. Conway then brielly proposed the toast of "The Chairman," who bad ao well presided over the present meeting, and who liad honoured them by taking an active part in the reception. Mr. Whitaker, in replying, said he had always taken a great interest in cricket. DINNER AT THE NORTHERN CLUB. This terminated the proceedings at the Auckland Club, and the team were then escorted to the Northern Club, where the cricketers were entertained at dinner, a number of our principal citizens beiDg present. The proceedings were, of course,characterised by great friendliness aud heartiness, in the friendly chats which took place, as may be imagined, the story of many a well-fought field was told, and the heroes of the willow had an opportunity of lighting their battles o'er again. The usual loyal toasts were proposed aud responded to with true Englidh loyalty, and as the welcome had been, so the good-bye to the eleveu was most hearty aud sincere. During the dinner Mr. Impey's Band discoursed most appropriate music. GOSSIP OF THE TRIP. The Australians say they never could have got through their work in England had they not maintaiued the strictest temperance. Some of them never drank spirits at ail. The error they committed was in doing too much. The fatigue of the frequent aud long journeys was very great, and they say that only on one occasion could the get sleeping accommodation in the railway carriages. Every other time they had to doze sittiug, or lay themselves down on the floor of the carriage. They were thus at many of the matches not in a condition to play ; and one of them told us ye-tprday that he has fallen asleep with the bat in his hand waiting to take his turn at the wickets. They say that they would got into good fettle, and keep their condition up for a day or two, and then they would all fall away, as it is impossible to maintain the syatom long at a high strain. In rcspact to the Cambridge match, one of the team told us they would conlidently tackle the same eleven again if they had a spell and were in condition. When all this is remembered the surprise must be the greater at the great success of the Australians. All the team speak enthusiastically of the cordiality of their reception in England. THE RESULTS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MATCHES. Tne following table of the matches played by the Australians iu England and America has been carefully compiled, and should prove interesting ; — Innings. Ist. 2nd. Tl. Nottingham, May 20, 21, 22— Australia ... ... ... G3 76- 139 Nottinghamshire ... ... 153 — 153 Notts won iu one innings and 14 runs. Lords, May 27 — M.C.U 33 10 52 Australia ... ... ... 41 12 53 Australia won by 9 wickets. Huddcrsfield, May 30, 31— Yorkshire ... ... ... 72 73 145 Australia ... 118 28 14G Australia won by G wickets. Same place, Juno 1— Australia ... ... ... 02 — — Yorkshire ... ... ... G1 — — Australia won by 6 wickets. Oval, June 3 and 4— Surrey ... ... 107 80 187 Australia 110 78 188 Australia won by 5 wickets. Elland, June G, 7, 8— IS of Elland 29 6G 9a Australia ... .. ••• 90 85 175 Australia won by SO runs. Batley, June 10, 11, 12— Australia ... IWJ 18 of Batley 59 — Drawn,—tho 18 had lost 10 wickets. Longsight, June 13, 14, 15Australia 07 G7 134 18 of Longsiglit 63 i 4 137 The 18 won by 2 wickets. Print's, Juu® 17, 18 75 G3 138 Sentlemen of England .... 139 - 139 Gentlemen won in one innings by 1 run. Lords, J un » 2°, 2!, 22— 165 210 405 Middlesex '.".l '• 122 185 307 Australia won by 98 runs. Birmingham, June 24,-0,2b 22 1 Australia fzj; 19 0 22 of Birmingham ... •«* t Drawn —Australia lost 6 wicket*. Elunslct, June 28 and 29 lg(J 3g - Australia ... ... ••• __ ad. nxa 18 of Hunslet ... . 228 28 /a,J Drawn —Hunslet lost 9 wickets.

Innings. Sheffield, July 1 and 2- lßt ' 2 " d ' TK Australia 8g 104 192 __ Yorkshire 107 2G 193 Yorkshire won hy 9 wickets. Stockport, Jilly 4, 5, 6 — Australia IG3 225 383 18 of Stockport 105 134 239 Australia won by 149. Twickenham, July 8 and 9 — Australia 171 172 343 Orleais Club 132 137 269 Draw*—Orleans lost 2 wickets. Swansea, July 10 and 11— Australia 219 — 21.9 18 of Swansea 94 83 182 Australia won in 1 innings and 37 runs. Oldham. July 12and 13 — 18 of Oldham 138 117 255 Australia ... 125 112 237 Drawn—Australia had 3 wickets to fall. Leicester, July 15, 16, 17 — Australia. 130 210 310 Leicestershire 193 145 338 Australia won by 3 wickets. Hull, July IS, IDHull Town (Jlub ... .. 250 CS 318 Australia 305 15 320 Australia won by 10 wickets. July 22, 23— Australia 11l 102 213 Cambridge University ... 285 — 285 Cambridge won in one innings and 72 runs. ! Crewe, July 25, 2G, 27- ! Australia 130 102 232 22 of Crew© 54 79 133 Australia won by 99 runs. Keightley, July 29, 30, 31— IS of Keightley 104 133 237 Australia 200 32 23S Australia won by 7 wickets. .Rochdale, August 1, 2, 3— Australia 159 72 231 18 of Kochdale 124 50 174 Drawn—.Rochdale lost G wickets. Buxton, August 5, G — 22 of Buxton 77 134 211 Australia ... ... ... 97 17 114 Drawn- Australia had 9 wickets to fall. Barnlej, August 7 - 18 of Buriiley ... ... 102 — — Australia ... ... ... 47 — — Drawn—Australia had 1 wicket to fall. Liverpool, August 8, 9— Australia 233 — 233 18 of the Stanley Club ... 71 91 IG2 Australia won in one innings and 71 runs. i Dudley— - 1 Australia 59 239 289 IS of Dudley 33 40 73 Drawn —Dudley had 7 wickets down. Liverpool— I Lancashire 07 102 259 Australia 140 47 IS7 Drawn—Australia had no wicket down. Yeadon — IS of Yeadon 91 71 102 Australia ... ... ... 54 84 13S Yeadon won by 21 runs. Scarborough — 18 of .Scarborough ... . — 120 129 249 Australia ... ... ... 295 — — Australia won in one innings and 4G runs. Hustings— 22 of Hastings 151 S2 233 Australia ... ... ... 2tio — -GO Australia won in one innings and 27 runs. | Brighton— | IS Gentlemen of Sussex ... 12S — — Australia ... ... ... 91 — — Drawn—Australia had 3 wickets down. , Scarborough— ! Australia ... ... ... 157 249 — Gentlemen of England ... 109 — — Drawn—Australia had 8 wickets down. Princes— Australia ... ... ... 23G — — Players IGO — — : Drawn. Glasgow— i Australia 20S — 20 S 12 of Wt-si of Scotland ... W 85 IS4 Australia won in one iunings and 84 runs. Sunderland— IS of Sunderland ... ... 59 147 200 Australia ... ... ... 77 5S 135 Sunilerlaud won by 71 runs. Brighton— Sussex ... SO 47 127 Australia ... ... ... 75 53 128 Australia won by 7 wickets. Cheltenham — Gloucester 112 S5 197 Australia IS3 17 200 Australia won by 10 wickets. Oval — Australia 77 89 IGG Players ... ... ... S2 70 15S Australia won by S runs. New York (IS players) : Australia won by 5 wickets. Philadelphia (11) : First innings, 19G ; second innings, 53. Australia : First inuings, 150, and 4 wickets down in second innings for 58. Toronto (22) : Australia won by 10 wickets. Montreal (22) : First innings, (53. Australia : First innings, 319, for 9 wickets. Detroit (22) : First innings, 34 ; second innings, S9. Australia won in one innings and GO runs to spare. At San Francisco (22 of Pacific Coast): First innings, 03; second innings, 105. Australians : First innings, 302, winning in one inuings and 114 runs to spare. From this list it will be seen that the Australians played no less than 40 matches, of which they won 19, lost 7. and 14 were drawn. Dividing those which may be called first-class matches, as distinguished from those in which they played against odds, wc find that they played IS tirst-class, winning 10, losing 4, and 4 being drawn ; and 22 against odd?, winning 9, losing 3, and 10 being drawn. The team that has played more matches in one year than auy previous team yet known, and apparently not satiated even yet. Wc hear they are to to play 15 of Sydney 011 November 29, 30, and December 2 ; then visit Victoria and play lo of Melbourne, encountering at the same place Mr. Hornby's eleven from England ; next, on to Adelaide, and after that rest on the laurels they have earned so well. Their trip, pleasant as it has been, has been not all "beer and skittle 3." First of all, there was tho dispute with W. G-. Grace and Gilbert, regarding the £00 demanded by these so called arna*curs for three days'expenses ; then the further dispute with \V. G. Grace regarding the services of Midwinter, on whose aid they had relied, atld so took but eleven men home ; and next the ; dispute with the players, who demanded £20 a man, which the Australians refused to give. As might have been expected, the constant knocking about and want of rest told severely against tlictn, and though Mr. Conway did all he could to help them, and Mr. Tobin, an Australian, but who learned his cricket at Rugby and Cambridge, and Mr. Tennant came forward to help them and allowed first one and then another a day's rest, yet they seem to have been doing too much, and in the last match, that v. Scarborough, Spofforth, C. Bannerman, and Bailey were unable to play. Two great feats have been done, not that there were no more than two, but twu in particular, viz., the of fours hit by U. Bannerman playing against Leicestershire, lie began with 5 fours, then a two, aud then 5 fours more, and the bowling of Barrett, who got all 10 wickets of the Australians when playing against them for the players. We believe that few, if any, have done the same feat 111 a first-class match, except tho following:—Challen, VVisden, Y. K. Walker, S. B. Butler, and K. M. Graco, the latter playing as a substitute for M.C.C. v. Kent. THE AUSTRALIAN CKICKETERS BEATEN AT PHILADELPHIA. Philadelphia, October 7. —la the cricket match, on Saturday afternoon, the Australians resumed the field at three o'clock, and the game proceeded. Ten wickets went down for forty three runs, and the Philadelphia's secoDcl innings was over. Time, 3.35. The Australians went to the wicket at 4 15, and, in order to win, had thirty-nine runs to make in 25 minutes. Although playing against time, they only scored one run, and, as the chance of success receded, their play lost in spirit. Both batamen, however, kept up good defence, until C. Bannerman, hitting at the ball from C. Newhall, was bowled off, retiring with twenty-seven runs on hiu score. Murdoch succeeded him, with only six minutes left wherein to score. Ihe next minute Bailey's wicket was captured by Charles Newhall, and Blackham was called to the bat. He had scarcely taken his position when the umpires called time, and the match was over, —the Australians being forty-three runs behiud, but having only four wickets down on their second innings. THE AUSTRALIANS AT SAN FRANCISCO. A two* days* match was played on the recreation grounds at San Francisco, between the Australian Cricketers and a Pacific Coast 22. The play was fairly contested, the palm of victory going to the Australians. Subjoined is tlio score of tho AUSTRALIANS. rillST INNINGS. Garrett, b Cross OUckham, thrown out t'urdy.. 1G C. Uaniierman, c Malone, b Wilson .. . • .. <S llor;in, c Benton .. .. .. •• •• •• 17 A Bunnortuan, b Wilson 0 pr.ffurth, c i-row», b Warren 45 IHiley c Parker, b Crofs 2.» Murdoch c Whctham, b Cress a itoylo, b Purdy 35 Allan, not out Gicgory, b Purely bye« 14, leg bye.i 6, wide balls 22 .. «. ..4^ Total ** -.303 TWENTY-TWO OF PACIFIC COAST. First Inninits jj3 Second Innings ,lUS Total 168 The Australians thus won by one innings and 134 runs to spare.