LOHMANN’S DEATH

New Zealand Mail, 29 January 1902, Page 16

LOHMANN’S DEATH

nuT,™ T' S ° f C i oorgo Lehmann's death although scarcely unexpected, came c* a great shock to his many friends in the neighbourhood of Kennington, lid of G tho°sad°o D °r mb f 2nd was talking ot the sad event and speaking in the highest terms of the great cricketer 2"? of Lohmann’s oldest friends was Robeit Abel, who was associated with him in all his great triumphs, and knew more of his fine work in the field dian any other cricketer. A represent'iHVo of the “Daily Mail” who called at 310 Ivenmngton road where Abel has set up in business on his own account, as an athletic outfitter, found the little man very much upset at the news. I n his opinion Lohmann was the finest fielder in the slips he ever saw, and worth any two present-day players. Some of the catches ho made, Abel said, were simply marvellous, as he seemed to divine instinctively where the batsman ifas going

to hit the ball. As a bowler ho «•, afraid to be hit, and no man successful in tempting a cautious h a °/ # man to let out. Ho also could a lw. bo relied upon to do his absolute bX for his side, and never lost heart uni- i the game was over. There was on memorable match against Yorkshire i* which he took part when Surrey e,..M their victory almost entirely to his U ertioiis. Yorkshire looked like winniu* easily, especially as Lolnnaim, who Ji been very weak and ill all day, did feel strong enough to bowl. ’At last when all seemed lost, he offered to e’ oil for ail over or two, and nerving hiuu self for a special effort dismissed three or four opponents in quick succession and won the match for his side. Abel expressed the belief that Lohmann’s will and pluck were beyond his strength, ar.-l that for a long period before finally’ gw. ing way he must have been suffering great pain, and that this probably accounted for a little brusqueness of manner which v\as sometimes noticeable. He had always found him a thorough sportsman and a true friend, and m. proof of his affection for him had named one of his sons after him. The following story furnishes an illustration of Lohmann’s keenness. In one match when he had been bowling without success for several overs his captain diffidently suggested that a change should be made. “Yes,’’ said Lohmann, “certainly ; put me on at tho other end.” The advice was taken and a wicket fell in the next over.