CRICKET,

Otago Witness, Issue 1855, 10 June 1887, Page 24

CRICKET,

I forgot to mention in my last that the wellknown Victorian cricketer George E. Palmer sustained an injury on the 19th ult., which it is thought will preclude him from ever taking say active part in cricket again. While out shooting at Baddagaime (where his parents reside) he slipped whilst stepping over a small ditch; and falling caused a transverse fracture of his kneecap.

The Victorian Cricketers' Association have become so impressed with the imperative necessity that exists for public interest to be revived in the game that they propose as follows:— That the patronage of the association shall not be granted to any English teams visiting the colonies for three years after the season 1887-88, nor to any Australian eleven visiting England for four years from that date. That only one intercolonial match be played with New South Wales and one with South Australia in each season in alternate colonies. That the association send a team to play in the provinces, and arrange matches to be played in Melbourne against provincial players, but if possible such matches not to interfere with club contests; also that they play at least one match yearly against the public schools. That two challenge cups be played for by the metropolitan associated clubs — the first to be called the Metropolitan Challenge Cup, to be competed for by the Melbourne, East Melbourne, South Melbourne, Richmond, University and Carlton Clubs; the second to be called the Suburban Challenge Cup, to be competed for by the Warehousemen, Essendon, Port Melbourne, Fitzroy, Hawthorn, Hotham, St. Kilda, and Williamstown Clubs; both cups to be played for under rules to Vie framed by the association; no player to be allowed to play with more than one associated club during the season. That with the exception of professionals no player shall receive any pecuniary consideration from the Victorian Cricketers' Association. That 10 per cent, of the profits of all matches played under the auspices of the association shall be set aside for distribution amongst the clubs providing players, in proportion to the number of players provided by eaoh club. With the exception of a bat or a ball no prize shall be given, or be allowed to be given, by any club to a player. That the wickets shall be widened an inch— from Bin to 9in— in all matches played under the auspices of the association, with the exception of intercolonial and international matches. That the rules of the association shall be altered to provide for a council of management, consisting of nine members. That all club and cup matches shall be commenced not later than 2 o'clock on Saturdays, or at such time on other days as may be agreed upon, and shall be continued during the months of October and March till 6 p.m., and during November, December, January, and February till half -past 6 p.m. That, if for any reason play shall not have commenced within 15 minutes of the time appointed, the match shall be held to have been lost by the club unable or refusing to proceed with it. The suggestions are really excellent ones, and should alter the existing state of things— not before it was wanted. The relations between senior and junior cricket have been very much strained for some seasons, and to remedy this the V.C.A. propose to seek an interview with the representatives of junior cricket, so as to place matters on a different bask.