CRICKET ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12447, 17 December 1903, Page 5

CRICKET ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

AN ARCHDEACON'S PROTEST. [«Y TELEGRAPH.—OWN COimESrONDKNT.] C! ouSTcmmcHj Wednesday. At the meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Cricket Association, last night a letter was read from Archdeacon Averill, in which he asked the association if they cannot reconsider the decision to play the Otago match on Christmas Day, as such a proceeding would undoubtedly give pain to a great many people in this community, and many supporters and well-wishers of cricket. He continued : " I would like to add that I have always regarded cricket in Canterbury as clean and gentlemanly, and high-toned, and I should regret to think that the Canterbury Association had fallen from the high estate in which it is held by the people of Christchurch. Although there may be nothing intrinsically wrong in playing such a match on a day which was set apart originally as a holy day, yet such action on the part of the association will undoubtedly be regarded by many as a slight upon the honoured name of Christ. I hope that the good sense and gentlemanly regard for the feelings of many in this community, will lead the association to reconsider their decision in the matter." The chairman said that two or three meetings age the match was fixed for December 26, 28, and 29, but owing to an error on the part of Mr. v Williams, the Otago Association was informed that the match was fixed for 25th, 26th, and 28th, and the Otago Association made their arrangements accordingly. One of the members remarked that they had played cricket matches on Christmas Day before, notably, the Car-isbrooke Club, on Lancaster Park, when a large number ot people attended and no objection was taken. It was pointed out that the Church had been considered by the match not beginning till two p.m., when services would ibe over. Another speaker said there was not unanimity among the Church of England people as to playing on Christmas Day. In the end it was resolved, " That while appreciating the motives of Archdeacon Averill in the matter the committee cannot see their way clear to alter the date."