NEW ZEALAND CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20069, 8 April 1927, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND CRICKET.

MR T. W. REESE’S BOOK. Tlio rapid strides that have been made in New Zealand cricket during the last few years have resulted in a growth of interest in the game, and it is natural that in these circumstances added interest should attach to its early history in the Dominion. The average cricketer delights in records and averages, and in New Zealand Cricket, 1841-1914, a book which has been compiled by Mr T. W. Reese, oi Christchurch, a wealth of this material is provided. In no more capable hands could tho work of compiling such a volume have been placed. Himself a Canterbury representative over a long period. Mr Reese is possessed of all the enthusiasm necessary for the accomplishment of such a task. A complete knowledge of the game, and of tho sources of necessary information have enabled Mr Reese to produce a book_ the value of which wi[l be cordially recognised. It is natural that when cricket began in its lowly way in New Zealand, interest was confined practically to the few who engaged in the games, so that only a small proportion of tho contests was fully recorded in the newspapers. Correspondence and interviews with veterans of tho game, however, yielded valuable data. As a book of reference the volume is invaluable, and will no doubt find a place oh the shelves of every library and in tho homo of every cricket enthusiast. For the older cricketers it will provide pleasajit memories, and to tho young it should be an inspiration, ft is interesting to nolo that most of tho facts recorded in the work, were in the hands of the author in 1914, but tho coining of tho Great War rendeeru tho publication of the volume at that time impossible. It has come, however, vyhen the hour is ripe—a time when enthusitsm is at a high pitch, and when, perhaps, facts and records in connection with tho game are relished ns never before. Profusely illustrated, admirably printed, sot out, and bound, tho work s a credit to the author and to tho publishers, Messrs Simpson and Williams (Ltd.). In compiling such a volume, Mr Kccse has done a service to tho game no less valuable than that which ho has rendered it ns player and as an administrator. This work, by tho way, is volume 1 of New Zealand’s cricket history, and if volume 2, which is to deal with events in tho cricket of the Dominion subsequent to 1914. is in keeping with its predecessor, it will be more than welcome. Tho information required will bo of easy access, and it is to bo hoped that it may ho published without delay. In tho opening chapter, “Beginnings,” it is told (hat the first game of cricket in Now Zealand was played in 1841 in the Bay of Islands, and that a game in Wellington was recorded in tho Spectator of December 28, 1842, when tho Reds scored 64 and 67 “notches” and tho Blues 60 and 59 “notches.’’ •‘The trouble with tho Maoris,” the book states, “brought one blessing in disguise to tho pioneer settlers of tho North Island, for Homo regiments wore hurried out of the dolouy, and with their arrival tho game made rapid growth, especially in Auckland and Wellington. In tho first real match in each city wo find tho soldiers taking an active part.” Then comes a progress report of the game in tho various provinces. Despite the fact that n game of cricket was played in Dunedin in 1849, the game languished, but was revived after 10 years. Such names as James Fulton, Robert Fulton, G. K. Turton, J. B. Horton. J. Kisslin, and W. G. Rees are mentioned in connection with the early history of Otago cricket. An interesting page deals with tho “Dunedin Cricket Carnival” hold in January, 1864. on tho occasion of the visit of tho English cricketers. Mr Hamilton marshalled a procession which was led by two mounted troopers, and the English eleven occupied a conch with six while horses, driven by “Cabbage Tree Nod.” Tho incident is dealt with in “A History of Now Zealand Cricket by Decades, and it is followed by a chapter dealing with the visits of foreign teams to Now Zealand, “Pavilion and Secretary’s Room” is a decidedly interesting collection of stories and incidents, among which is mentioned «- single-wicket match between Grace and Tarrant, of Parr’s English eleven of 1864, and ok*von of Otago. The Englishmen! made 8 and 16, and Tarrant disposed of the whole of tho Otago team for seven runs. Also recorded is (ho match in 1898 hot ween tho Harraway family and Pollard's Opera Company, in which the Harrnways registered an easy win. The illustrations include a photograph of the Harraway family team. In Mr Reese’s opinion, the 14 best players in tho period between 1860 ana 1914 wore: W. E. Barton. R. Neill, L. G. Hemus (Auckland), IS. F. Upham, A. _B. Williams (Wellington), D. Ashby, C. Frith, H. Doraaus, D. Rcose, and C. Boxsliall (Canterbury), F. 11. Cooke J. Baker, A. Downes, and A. H. Fisher (Otago). Averages and statistics occupy an important chapter, and the remainder of the book of nearly 600 pages gives tho score sheets of all important matches following 1859. “New Zealand Cricket, 1841-1914, is available at 13s 3d, postage paid, as a special pre-publication offer before May 30. Subsequently the fixed price, at all booksellers, will bo £1 Is. Order promptly from T. W. Reese. Box 40, Christchurch.— Aclvt.