OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26206, 17 July 1946, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR FRANK WILLIAMS The death occurred in Dunedin yesterday of Mr Frank Williams. He was prominently associated with cricket over a long period and was for 11 years Otago’s regular wicketkeeper. He was not a recognised batsman, but occasionally hit up a good score, and he batted in such a vigorous manner in club cricket that he was given the nickname of “ Bash ” Williams. He followed W. Haydon and A. G. Rains as Otago’s wicketkeeper. His first match for the province was against Canterbury in December, 1898, and it was not until December, 1909, that he was succeeded as wicketkeeper by J. W. Condliffe. Mr Williams kept wickets for the Albion Club for over 20 years. He was a member of' the committee of the Otago Cricket Asso-

ciation for a period. He was for many years a member of the Selection Committee, and in other seasons he was sole selector. He was also one of the men who helped to choose the first two New Zealand teams to tour England. Mr Williams used to tell of a remarkable piece of concentration on the part of a cricketer. The player was P. F. Warner, a member of Lord Hawke’s 1902-03 team, who made 211 at Carisbrook against an Otago side. During the whole course of his innings Warner did not allow his concentration on the game to lapse even to the extent of speaking one word to the Otago wicketkeeper. After giving up active participation in cricket, Mr Williams officiated as an umpire. In addition to being a first-class cricketer, Mr Williams was a sportsman who was always popular with his fellow-players and the public. In his later life, he took up the game of bowls, and he was a member of the St. Hilda Bowling Club. Foi many years he carried on " business as a tailor in the north end of the city. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs C. G. Dunning, and two sons, one of whom is serving overseas.