THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 32

THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Sydney, December 10. The Australian Cricketers returned by the Warrimoo. There was no official welcome accorded them. They stale that the foundation for the statements published by C. Turner with reference to quarrelling among the men was a good deal exaggerated. Several members of the team assert it was badly managed, and that they were treated more like boys than men. A. Coningham sticks up for the manager, who, he says, was badly treated, and declares that the failure of the team wa3 due to the prejudice of the captain. George Giffen states that Turner acted the part of a dog in the manger in making public certain statements reflecting on certain members of the team on his return to the colonies some weeks ago. Members are loth to say much, in view of the whole matter being investigated by the Cricket Council. With the exception of Coningham, the team have arrived in good health. December 11. Mr Victor Cohen, manager of the Australian Eleven, has given his version of sllairrf. He stated that some members of. the tsam were drunk time after time, and on occasions attempted violence sgainst him. Ssvoral of the nien were absolutely unmanageable, and he says most of tbe trouble came from the Adelaide contingent. Tiolt alleges that only LSO or LoO dividend was declared as the litiancial result of the toar, but Coheu denies the coiraotnoss of this statement. Lyons sajs the manager was generally disliked. Coninghara alleges that Blackham would

not allow him to indulge in fast bowling owing to the difficulty in wicket-keepirjg for bis fast deliveries, and complains that he had only three overs in several months. Melbourne, December 11. The Victorian members of the Australian cricket team were extended a cordial welcome on their return here to-day.