OLD-TIME PLAYERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22696, 7 April 1937, Page 18

OLD-TIME PLAYERS

J. ARNEIL AND R. E. BARTON SPLENDID RECORDS IN SPORT Two of the most {prominent athletes in Auckland 50 years ago, Messrs. J. Arneil and R. E. Barton, were spectators at Eden Park last week during the course of the match between the M.C.C. and combined Auckland-Well-ington teams. As two players who have done a great deal toward the advancement, not only of cricket, but also of sport generally, in Auckland, it was pleasing to see them taking a lively iujterest in the doings of a younger generation of cricketers. Messrs. Arneil and Barton were Auckland's two leading batsmen for a number of years. The latter, if anything, was a slightly superior batsman, but Arneil ranked equally high as a cricketer owing to his fine allround ability. Both were Auckland representatives. They had many excellent performances to their credit dulling the period from 1882 to 1888. Mr. Barton was educated at the Cranleigh School, in Surrey, and, after leaving school, lie was offered positions in both the Surrey and Hampshire county elevens. He came to New Zealand in 1877. In 1880, lie was one of the 22 players representing Wanganui who defeated tho visiting Australian eleven, and he top-scored for his side with 44. He had two splendid performances while playing for the Auckland .Cricket Club several years later, scoring 195 and 190. There were no boundaries in these games and everything had to be run out. Mr. Barton was also the tennis champion of Auckland in the 1882-83 season, and he was tho provincial champion, at high jumping for many years. , In addition to his outstanding ability at cricket, Mr. Arneil, who Avas born in India and educated at the Auckland Grammar School, was one of the best Rugby forwards in Auckland. He was noted for his flair for dribbling. He was an excellent bowler and in' 1 one game for tho Auckland Cricket Club against ,thc Gordon Club in 1887 he took 10 wickets for 37. Mr. Arneil was also of great assistance to Rugby football on the executive side, at one time holding the presidency of the Auckland Union.