“A DOUBTFUL WELCOME”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12660, 21 January 1927, Page 7

“A DOUBTFUL WELCOME”

LORD HAWKE ON PONSFORD “LOYALTY IS TO HIS OWN COUNTRY” DOUBTS WHETHER HE SHOULD PLAY By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N Z. Cable Association. I.ONDON, January 19. Lord Hawke, speaking of the annual meeting of the Yorkshire Cricket Clu]|, outspokenly criticised the proposed engagement of Ponsford as “a topic now hurting tho feelings of the Australian authorities.'’ He declared that it was a great pity that money should be offered to draw a player from his country’s international cricket. “My sympathies are entirely with the Australians who are trying tc raise a large sum to keep Ponsford a+ home,” said Lord Hawke. “A playei in such circumstances could only expect a very doubtful welcome in English cricket. I question whether he should be permitted to participate, despite precedents, when his obvious duty was loyalty to his own country and those who had done so much for him.” He recalled that Lancashire had played Poidevin, Macdonald, and Kermode; Gloucestershire Midwinter and Ferris; and Middlesex Tarrant, Trott, Phillips, and Roche. (Received January 20, 9.40 p.m.) Lord Hawke said that Yorkshire confined its teams to men born in the county. He hoped that no other countj' would be strengthened by overseas importations savouring of a long purse and tending to keep out home bon men.