FROM BAD TO WORSE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11651, 16 October 1923, Page 5

FROM BAD TO WORSE

THE HARD USED BASIN CRICKKTEIiS COMPLAIN OF UNFAIR HANDICAP. A DEPUTATION APPOINTED. "From what wc can sec, the Basin Reserve is not neurlj- the ground tiiat it was two years ago,” said ilx H. J. Buck lie lore the management committee of the Wellington Cricket Antssociation last oveninrt when the report of the senior championship committee was under discussion. This report stated that the football season was kept on too lone, with the result that- the work of preparation was dedayed, and the ground did not receive the treatment necessary. ■'Wo further suggest that the rent mil revenue contributed bv our association is a most substantial part of the income ot this reserve, this matter should bo stressed and a strong endeavour made to improio matters.” • 'The Ba-in Reserve is, as everybody knows, a difficult ground to work on,” said Mr Buck, “and there is onlv a limited season during which you can teed anil work ; when the football season s extended by a fortnight, how is the nan to get the time to work?” NOT A FAIR THING. '•The main revenue for that ground tomes from cricket, and it doesn’t eeem to nte a fan thing. Then, there was a javelin tl.towing competition, and it was found that the javelin was being thrown upon the Napier wicket. Then there is putting tho shot to be done; it takes place on our wicket, because that is the most level spot. When there is some throwing of tile hammer to he done it is done from the number one wicket over to the number,two wicket.” “We try to do everything we can to get the ground in order, and then the Council comes along and does this. We should, at least, get a square deal.” “It’s a shame : none of you have any idea of the position until you go up and look at it,” said Mr H. McGirr. Mr C’. 0- Wilson then moved that a deputation should wait upon the City Council. WHY FOOTBALL? “Why allow Rugby football to be played on it?”, asked Mr D. McKenzie “I believe that the Basin Reserve was given for cricket, and its only of reoent years that they have brought football back upon it. As far as the Amateur Athletic Association is concerned, I think that we have seen the last of them—they are going to Athletic Park I know in the past that the athletic bodies have got the benefit of the work which the cricketers have put in on the basin. He thought that the matter should be put before the Council moat The senior championship committee (Messrs H. J. Buck, H. McGirr, A. Ronald son, and the chairman, Mr C. G. Wilson), were appointed to wait upon the reserves committee of the Grty Council on the matter.