DISTRICT CRICKET SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13285, 18 September 1906, Page 6

DISTRICT CRICKET SCHEME.

SOME-CHRISTCHURCH OPINIONS.,

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Chbistchcrch; Monday. About a year ago the Canterbury Cricket Association, partly influenced by reports as to the benefit obtaining in Auckland from the system, decided to introduce the district cricket scheme in connection with cricket in Christ church. Opinions of local cricketers seemed very much divided as to the advisability of such a step. It was thought in many quarters that it would be detrimental to the spoil. With a view to ascertaining whether the change had been beneficial, .a representative ot the Press had a (•hat. with several prominent, club officials, who, with one exception, thought that the innovation was a, good one. hut- the want of local grounds seemed to lie the worst feature, ot (-he scheme.

Mr. I!. Vincent said there could be no doubt that, speaking generally, there had been a marked increase in the amount of enthusiasm displayed, not only by the majority of players, but also by' the residents of the various districts. The number of players had also increased, and the players as a body were well .satisfied with the departure. The standard of plav had not yet had an opportunity to be materially affected, but there was no falling off in the cricket displayed by the majority of the senior players last season, while the play of the juniors had improved considerably, as was evidenced by the increased scoring recorded during the season. On the whole, he thought if must be admitted that the result of last season's cricket justified the change, but to ensure the absolute success of the scheme- each club must have a ground of its own.

Mr. C. Boxshall said he did not think that the district scheme had improved cricket; or that Canterbury cricket was any better than formerly. There were probably about 80 more individuals playing in the competitions last year than formerly. This, lie thought, was the best feature of the scheme. On'the whole, the new movement must bp credited with bringing more youths into the game than formerly, and this- must result in future advantage if the increase was maintained.

Mr. Boxsliall dwelt on the limited number of grounds available for cricket. At present there did not seem to bo the remotest chance of each district, as - now constituted, having a ground within its boundaries, and for that reason the scheme, as a means of arousing local interest, was a comparative failure. Mr. Thomson, secretary of the Canterbury Cricket Association, said that the inception of district cricket had produced the greatest change that had yet taken place in connection with t.he pastime in Christchurch.

"My experience," said Mr. S. Orchard, " is that we have had a more successful season than we have ever had."