CRICKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 60

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM'S TOUR. The programme of matches arranged for the tour of the Australian cricket team through New Zealand is as follows: March 11, 12, 14.—Australia v. New Zealand—First test match at Christchurch. March 17.—Manawatu. March 18 and 19.—Wanganui. March 22, 23.--Taranaki. March 26, 28. 29.—Australia <r. New Zealand—Second test match at Wellington. April 1,2, 4.—Hawke's Bay.

NOTES BY LONG SLIP.

The going in of R. Torrance last wicket against the Australians was past all understanding, and it was >urely an error of judgment which placed the Dunedin representative in that unenviable position. Torrance may possibly be a better bowler than a batsman, nevertheless he is always equal to making runs when it comes to the test, as he demonstrated in a refreshing manner in Otago's first innings, putting together 23 of the bsst when they were sorely needed. In the second innings, again, to the surprise of everyone, Torrance had to accept the inevitable and take his place last man, in. What happened on this occasion was that Torrance was just getting into his stride when he saw Cummings clean bowled by Emery, and the end was all too scon, the left-hander having 3 and a not out to his credit. It is too late now to remedy matters, but one must recognise that a mistakes was made in putting Torrance in last wicket. Altogether Torrance lias not had all the confidence he deserves from the authorities. He should certainly have been in the original selection, instead of twelfth man; %-nd when selected on the dropping out of .Callaway, the opportunity of getting the best of his .services was denied the Dunedin representative. At the same time, Torrance comes out of the ordeal with something approaching flying colours. He scored 23 off the bat at a critical stage; assisted Condliffe in a useful last-wicket .partnership which put on 30 runs; made the only six hit on the Otago side (the only other was Armstrong's for Australia); played a not out for 3 in his second innings, last wicket; and while sending down 54 balls had only 15 uns scored off him. What more? One of the curiosities of the cricjket field. Just prior to Torrance making his big hit for 6 over the trees at Carisbrook a shrill, penetrating voice broke the silence: " Now, Dick! one over the fence!" Torrance acoepted the kindly suggestion amd promptly despatched the ball out of the ground. Nc- more fitting testimony could be accorded Mr W 7 atson, of Carisbrook, for the excellent wicket he had prepared for the Australia-Otago match than the unsolicited appreciation by the Australian team in general, and Mr Warwick Armstrong (the captain) and Mr Mackenzie (the manager) in particular. Mr Mackenzie was enthusiastic concerning the trueness of its playing qualities, and voiced it the best wicket the team had played on in New Zealand. Apropos, I rather fancy that a mistake was made putting the heavy roller over it just prior to ,©tago's second innings. The weisbt of the roller brought the moisture of the previous dav's rain to the surface, and for quite a time gave the Australian bowders a great deal of assistance, Hopkins and Emery in particular getting a lot of turn on. As. the srame wore on the wicket improved, but the heavy roller was a mistake. The visiting Australian cricketers had a delightful outing on the 6th inst. Under the guidance of members of the local association they were driven to Outram, entertained at luncheon, and then escorted to the Wairongoa mineral springs at North Taieri, where they were further entertained in the refreshing style of Mr George Thomson, the popular manager and proprietor. Save for a slight wetting on the return journey, the day's rufr was vastly eniovable. This paragraph from a Dunedm paper seems to let the cat ouf of the bag, says a Wellington writer:—" The public want to know what Macartney has done for the £IOO which it is said he is to receive from the Otago Cricket Association. He has not done a great deal, and appears to have the best of the bargain. It is to be hoped that the association will not again mak<> h blunder of this sort, or they won't find the public so ready to part with th«Mr shillings." How does this coincide with + % » reiterated statement that Macartnev's visit to Dunedin was nurolv and simply with the object of establishing a business connection? Spe.tking to Alex. Downes on his wav home to Dunedin lifter th« Auckland match, he told me (" Touchline") that he had played in his last big _came, and cup cricket "would satisfy him in the future. Downes has been a power in Dunedm cricket for such a long while that the publication of the full list of his bowling performances at this stage would M interesting. Are you heeding me, " Longslip"?—[Yes; hope to publish shortly.— Longslip.l

Board, the Hawke's Bay Cricket Association's professional coach, is booked to leaveNapier on. his return to England on March 9. Undoubtedly his work during the past season has (remarks the Hawke's Bay Herald) made for the improvement of Hawke's Bay cricket, and it is understood that a further engagement is likely to be arranged to secure his /services again for next season.

in "Old English Cricketers" the following amusing anecdote is told of an earlier Yorkshi reman:—" Peate, of course, played repeatedly against the Australians. Mention of the fact recalled tc him reminiscences of seme of their famous players. George Giffen tells a story about an Australian batsman and his dislike of Peate's bowling. The Yorkshireman beat him with a clipping leg-break in one innings. The batsman, determined that it should not happen again, got hold of a bat in his room at the hotel, and began to make strokes at imaginary balls. At one he would play back and mutter, '' That's the way to play you, Peate!' Then he would play forward, remarking, 'Not this time, Peate, my boy.' At last he ventured on a big hit at a leg-ball, and swinging round with a ' How do you like that, Peate?' sent tha toilet set, which he had forgotten all about, in fragments to the floor. Later in the day, confident that ho would make a score, he faced the real Peate, and was clean bowled the first ball." i The refueal of the Otago Cricket Association to accede to the terms which S.

Callaway sought to impose if he shoufi, appear to represent Otago in the match against the Australians has led to the circulation of certain rumours respecting payments that were alleged to have been made to, or on behalf of, membevs of the team, which represented Otago in the match against Auckland for the Plunket Shield. It seems that tho selectors were given a free hand by the local association to get together the best available team to represent the provincial district. Almost at the outset the selectors were confronted ivith difficulties. Players who were judged irrdispensable to the team's prospects of success were approached concerning the northern tour. Three of these, explained their circumstances, pointing out that, if they were to proceed to Auckland, they would require an equipment such as would not be necesary if the match wea-e played in Dunedin. In the circumstances, the responsibility of providing for the special requirements of these players for the trip> was shouldered in all good faith by amajority of the Selection Committee. The. Otago Cricket Association, we understand, while not refusing to pass the expenditure that has been incurred, has expressed its disapproval of the principle involved. A sub-committee of the CanterburyCricket Association has keen set up to purchase a suitable present for D. Reese, in recogntition of his splendid play in the match Australia v. Canterbury. That more than the usual amount of public interest is this year being shown in cricketing events was made evident on Saturday, when the attractions promised by the match between Australia and Otago, combined with the seductive influences of a perfect autumn afternoon, brought together some 5000 persons on Carisbrook Ground,, and gave into the possession of the treasurer the very satisfactory " gate " of £214. The visit of this ' team of Australians containing'. as it does, some world-famous cricketers—has been looked forward .to for months past, and, while it was net seriously expected that Otago would make groat stand, the public was not disappointed in its prophecy that some high class cricket would be witnessed. The visiting team includes W. W. Armstrong—justly regarded, us one of the finest 'allround players of the present day; VV. Bardsley—whose batting performances were anions the most noteworthy of the achievements of members of the Australian team that visited England last year; W. J. Whitty—who has been said to be the coming bowler of the world; another international player in the person of A. J. Hopkins, and some of the most promising younger players of Australia. The team was the same as that which played Canterbury last week, except that Faoey, who is suffering from a strained sinew in the leg, was onlooker, and was replaced by Warne.

Wilson, the Otago captain, having won the toss, appeared to have his mind ready made up, and no one found f ault with his decision in. taking first strike. Cricket, it is said, is full of unexpected happenings, But, though there had been an excellent stand for the fourth wicket, nobody manifested very intense surprise wnen the Otago wickets began to- fall raoidly after the> soore had reached three, figures, or when, the Otago representatives were all out for 166. The surprises commenced with the Australian innings, and \vhen stumps were drawn and the visitors had lost five wickets for 53, and it was remembered that Otago had made 115 for five wickets, it was evident that the most interesting, part of the game was still to come. Had M'Farban© or Hiddleston played up to his reputation, or had Otago had less evil fortune at the beginning of its innings, it w'ould have been in a much stronger position. The loss of Bamsden early in>the match was an unhappy occurrence. It was due to smart fielding, and a miscalculation on Wilson's part—for Bamsden left his crea?e at Wilson's call. Macartney and Wilson made a strong partnership, and neither seemed to be in difficulties with the bowling. Emery generally puts a lot of sting into his work when first put on, but he did not greatly incommode the batsmen on Saturday. 'Whitty. bowling left hand round the wicket, and sending down miscellaneous stuff, was treated more cautiously, yet was attacked by both Macartney 'and Wilson. The latter fell a victim, however, before he had reached double figures, and the international plaver did not long survive the departure of his captain. The stand by Siedeberg and Eclfhold came es a relief to Otago supporters, but Siedeberg was aided bv luck <n the compilation of his useful half-cent.ury:_ Moreover, though he played good, clean cricket, with much dash, ho was not by any means comfortable before either Whitty or Armstrong. Eckhold nlayed coolly. carefullY. and patiently, and took no rash chances. It was onlv after Whitty. Emery. _ Armstrong, and Kellewny had been tried on the partnership, and Hopkins and Warn© were making experimental attacks, that Armstrong caught Eckhold, From the combination much was expected, but Siedoberg left at the same total 8s "Eckhold, and then came a rollapse. for M'Farlane. Hiddioston. Ruther ford, and Cummings contributed but nine between them. The tenth wicket nartnership was ful! of life and vierour. Torrance attacked Rimpson and Warne in grea,, style, and for 15 minutes kept the .4us+"~lians busy until Warne got him in the end. Torrance's effectual tail-wagcring moved the spectators to enthusiasm, and he was warmly cheered a,s the figures mounted

up. When Bardsley was accomnanied to the wickets by Mayne (who made 102 a ?aw clays aero in ChristchurcM to open the Australians' inninsrs a profitable partnership was anticipated. Not only, how-nver. was Mayne promptly dismissed, bnt ho. was followed in quick succession by Kelleway, Smith, Hopkins, and Witty. Macartney was responsible for a maiden over which was in some respects remarkable. Off his second ball Smith was stumped; his fourth clean bowled Hopkins; and his fifth was turned by Whitty into the slips, where he should have been caught, but a regrettable collision between the fieldsmen srave the batsman a " life." Hopkins has been unfortunate lately. He was out Ibw to Bennett in both innings of the Canterbury match, and his total contributions from the bat for his last three innings have been 3 runs. " Incomparably the finest wicket we have played on in New Zealand, and we would wish nothing better for the first test match," was the unsolicited testimony of the Australians when the first innings of the visitors closed on Monday. Yet. white the wicket was well-nigh perfeot for batting on Saturday, the rain over-night caused

(some speculation as to how it would play on the resumption of the game at neon on Monday. Certainly there was a, change jin the conditions. The opening over from Cummin gs at the southern end exemplified that. The- ball started to do a bit, and Armstrong commenced by mis-hitting the Albion bowler to square-leg before he had scored, but .Wilson was not quic,k enough to effect the catch—indeed, he would have been a smart fieldsman who would have got to the dropping ball. Just prior to that incident there was the spectacle. of Bardsley lying on his back half-way down ihe wicket, and •Wilson in fielding the ball in a similar position at square-leg, the Otago captain having slipped in returning the ball, missing the chance o 1 having Bardsley, who was then 24, run out. This, then, was the ■rather unique introduction to Monday's play, which thereafter progressed on somewhat orthodox lines, yet never without interest.

•; The feature of the Australians' innings was the solid and powerful batting of Armstrong,- whose leg-glancing and offdriving were a treat to see. Early in his innings the Australian captain took no risks, refraining particularly for a time in touching anything pitched outside the off-stick. After lunch Armstrong gave an exhibition of off-driving which was reminiscent of his best, jiis timing being excellent, and his placing t 1: ball between cover and mid-off showing the master hand. Armstrong was at the crease 105 minutes for his score, which included one hit for 6 clean over the rails, and eleven 4's. A chance of stumping at 82 was no blemish on Armstrong's innings—the only weak stroke being the mis-hit to square-leg before the Australian captain had really started. The Warne-Armstrong partnership was extremely useful, and was unbroken until the former was forced to retire owing to an injury to his finger received in Saturday's game troubling him to such extent that he Was unable to continue his innings. The incident was regrettable, for Warne was showing a line capacity for late cutting, particularly off Torrance, but could not get them through the field. Gorry got going very quickly after starting, but his strokes were distinctly unorthodox, and amused the spectators vastly. _ Later, however, he improved, and with Emery, whoso hand had improved sufficiently to play, showed better cricket.

The Otago attack was splendid, and the bowling kept the Australians playing all the way. There was no opening for criticism of loose cricket on the part of the Australians, who were batting all the3' knew. Cummings got Mayne and Kelleway ovo>night very cheaply, and trundled really well to-day, but Macartney was the hero of the bowling crease, as he was as a batsman and in the field, his work at mid-off being especially fine, picking up and returning with remarkable quickness and accuracy. Macartney has made a name for himself on wider fields than Carisbrook, and we 6aw delightful examples of it in the OtagoAustralian match of 1910. As a bowlerMacartney • was in a class by himself. He bowled up to the form which gained for him a reputation in the Australian Eleven in England. We had not the pleasure of seeing Macartney bowl to within degrees of the standard he has shown in the latest match. Combined with a length of splendid accuracy, he made rare.pace off the wicket. The ball with which Macartney beat Hopkins would- have puzzled a superior batsmanrnan to tho Australian Eleven representative, vho was completely dumbfounded at its pace off the wicket. Too much praise cannot be given Macartney for his performance with the ball, and not only at the bowling crease, but also with the bat and in the field. Otago would have been in a sorry plight but for the excellent' services of the Australian Torrancer too, bowled well, and though he failed to get a wicket, he had few runs knocked off him. The Otago fielding all round was upside** with that of the Australians, and in some respects was. superior to that of the visitors," while the wicket-keeping of Cbhdliffe is desejaring of ai} praise, his taking of the ball on the leg side meriting special recognition.

• The state of the. wicket after the heavy roller had been put over 't Just prior to Otago's second innings was not conducive to run-getting by the earlier Otago batsmen. The. moisture from the rain of the previous day was brought to the surface, and for some time after opening the wicket played queerly, the bowlers being able to get a lot of work on it. Wilson found it most difficult, necessitating a careful watching of every ball. Hopkins in particular appeared to have the Otago captain in : difficulties, the ball pitching so queerly that he "was receiving quite a number on his body. From this it must be understood that it was much more difficult to get runs in the second innings than, it had been on. the. first day when Otago was batting. The local side made almost the same disastrous'start as in the first strike, lositaig Ramtsden leg before to Whitty bowling round the wicket. From the press box it appeared a straight ball, but the batsman declares it broke and kept low. Ramsden was right back on his wicket when he stepped.in front. Wilson did not have the beat of the -wicket, and was playing carefully, watching the ball all the way. The Otago captain ran into double figures, but he never really got going. His best stroke was a fine drive past cover. The next ball he drove back to Hopkins proving his undoing. Siedeberg was woefully disappointing, sacrificing everything to his pull stroke, entirely losing his fine drive past cover and his square cut, which would have yielded that recognised batsmen an infinite number of rims. The pity of it is that Siedeberg is making a fetish of the stroke while sacrificing his many fine strokes on the off. The mainstay of Otago was Macartney, whose display of batting was of the highest quality. In his score of 45 the ex-Australian, scarcely made a bad stroke, whale there were many good ones, particularly in his driving and cutting, which were marked by accurate timing, superb power, and wrist play. Macartney hit five 4-'s, but all his strokes were well worth watching—the one weak stroke of his innings being the- one which he failed to get well on to and was caught at' mid-on. 'M'Far lane', the New - Zealand 1 representative, like Siedeberg, was disappointing. The Albion colt never shaped like making a stand, and was unrecognisable as the same batsman who had given such a fine disply ■ at Auckland in the Plunket Shield match. M'Farlane fell a victim; to Armstrong, the only wicket the Australian captain secured in the match.

Eckhold played a characteristic innings of' patience marked by stolid defence. No- : thing, could tempt ~him, and while there were many balls he might have driven he was content to play. on the defensive and secure the runs that were coining to him behind the wicket. Hiddleston and Rutherford collapsed ingloi-iously, the former falling into a trap placed for him at short mid-on, Simpson taking a good catch low down one hand. Condliffe did not stay long enough at the crease to show better form. Emery, who had got the last two , wickets without any addition to the score, breaking through the Dunedin representative's defence. Cummings, to the turorise ' of mest, get qui kly on to the bowling, and was not long in running into double figures, while Torrance, going in last • wicket, never had a chance. The innings ! closed within a few minutes of 6 o'clock for 120, leaving the Australians 98 to get to win. | The bowling of the Australians proved more difficult to the Otago batsmen than on the first day, and Emery, getting a lot of assistance from the wicket, had tae tailenders in trouble; The fielding of the ! visitors was good without being otherwise remarkable. Armstrong, -who had been the | trap in the slips in Otago's first innings, dropped an easy catch after it had come off the wicket-keeper's glove from Siedeberg, who, however: failed to take advantage of the "life.' i A London cablegram informs us that cricketers at Pretoria and Johannesburg sub- . scribed £7O for Hobbs.

PAVILION GOSSIP.

j The New South Wales Cricket Association ■ has a credit of £516 Is 6d. I The gate receipts for the first two days of the Otago-Australian match were £214 and £B9 respectively. j The Victorian Association has voted 2gs I towards a match between teams of New South Wales and Victorian ladies, to be i played at Melbourne at Easter. j The Turner benefit match profits amount to £334 9s 6d, the gross proceeds having been £534 18s Bd. The expenses therefore amounted to £2OO. In addition there are subscriptions. i South Africa will send a representative team to Australia next season. A year later j England will send a -representative team to ! Australia; and in 1912 the triangular contest will take place in England. ; Lord Hawke, the celebrated Yorkshire cricketer, has offered a shield or cup to New Zealand for competition among the minor provinces and sub ; district associa- : tions. The offer will come before the New Zealand Council at its next meeting. j A. J. Hopkins may play little with the ! Australians in New Zealand owing primarily to an injury to his shoulder sustained before leaving Australia, and to a subsequent injury to his foot, which has necessitated an operation.—Sydney Referee. gate receipts at the A'ustraliansWellington match amounted to £3Bl—viz.. £l2l, £205, and £55. The New Zealand Cricket Council was guaranteed £l5O for the match, so that the Wellington Association stands to make'a substantial profit—something like £l5O. M. A. Noble and Syd. Gregory are the only batsmen who have; scored 2000 runs in inter-i State matches between New South ■ Wales and Victoria. Noble's tally is 2750 ; for 46 innings, Gregory 2099 for 57 turns *at the crease. Armstronjr—l49s runs in 35 j innings—is the leading Victorian. j The New South Wales Cricket Association lias censured every man in the Randwick i Second Eleven, except the' captain (Patrick), for worrying the umpire with insult- , ing remarks. The official had given a ■ decision which did not -' please the players. ; The association intimated that a repetition : would lead to suspension. i The Earl of Londesborough intended preI siding on February 4 at a dinner at Scar- { borough in honour of David Hunter, the • Yorkshire wicketkeeper, who has retired after 21.. years of first-class cricket. Lord Londesborough will present Hunter .with an illuminated address and a cheque for j £l5O publicly subscribed amongst cricket i devotees. 1 The practice of the parade by the public of the playing ground is perpetuated in , Wellington as at Melbourne and Adelaide. ' At the City of the Churches the crowd at ; luncheon and 5 o'clock adjournment walk straicht across the ground to the exit gate, some stopping on their way to examine the wicket. At Melbourne a section of ■ the crowd is on the ground before beginning in the morning and after 6 o'clock. In Sydney the police walk round the track. On this season's form (says the Referee) South Australia's best would be something like the following:—C. Hill, D. R. A. Gehrs, J. N. Crawford, E. R. Mayne, S. Hill, N. Claxton. W. A. Hewer, R. B. Rees, W. J. Whitty. J. A. O'Connor, G. Campbell. And if C.' E. Dolling were in practice he would, of course, be well worth a place. Victoria's best team would be something like this: —W..-W. Armstrong, V. Ransford. P. M'Alister, F. Delves, A. Kenny. W. J. Scott. G, Hazlitt. D. Smith, T. S. Warn.? or F. Laver, J. V. Saunders, and W. Ca.rkeek. G.. Healy must also be a very gocd batsman, but we have not yet seen him in Sydney'. New South Wales's best on form would be something like this:—S. E. Gregory, V. Trumper, W. Bardsley, E. L. Waddy,"C. Kelleway, E. F. Wadrly, W. J. Stack, A. Cotter,- S. H. Emery, J. Scott, and C. R. Gorry. j CANTERBURY v. OTAGO. ■i CHRISTCHURCH, March 3. The Canterbury Cricket Association ha% decided to accept the Otasro Association's proposal for a match at Dunedin during Easter, provided the expenses of the Canterbury team be defrayed by Otago, the last-mentioned to retain all the profits. I FIRST TEST MATCH. Mr D. Hay, of Auckland, the sole selccI tor of the New Zealand team for the first ! test match to be played at Christcburch, commencing on the 11th insc., has selected the following to represent the Dominion : Oliff (Auckland), Howdcn (Auckland), Hadden (Auckland), Reese (Canterbury), Lusk (Canterbury), Sims (Canterbury), Boxshall (Canterbury), Bennett (Canterbury), Siedeberg ''•"■ {Otago), M'Farlane (Otago), Midlarie (Wellington).' The duties' of l captain will probably, devolve upon D.-'Reese! of Canterbury. The team as selected is the best available, but ■ there is cause for disappointment in its apparent weakness of attack. The batting strength would- have, been improved by th« inclusion of Sale or Hemus, of Auckland, but it is understood that these players were not available. The two Qtago men have

justified their selection on latest form, while the Canterbury representatives were not to be passed over after the sensational match against the Australians last week. The first test should furnish some idea of the real strength of New Zealand cricket and the improvement in the standard of play during recent years. RELFS DEPARTURE. AUCKLAND, March 7. A. E. Relf, the well-known cricket coach, left by the Main Trunk express this evening for Wellington, where he joins the Ruapehu for London. Seen before his departure, Relf stated that unless extraordinary pressure was brought to bear he would not be seen in cricket in Auckland again. He had promised to go to India, but was in hopes that his services would not be required until after next winter. AUSTRALIA v. OTAGO. WIN FOR THE AUSTRALIANS BY TEN WICKETS. The match between the Australian team now touring New Zealand and Otago was commenced in beautiful weather and before an attendance of 5000 spectators on Saturday afternoon The wicket was perfect, but the outfield was not particularly fast. Wilson, the Otago captain, won the toss and elected to bat. The first innings yielded 165. Australia replied with 189. In the second innings Otago collapsed .badly, the whole side being dismissed for 120. This left Australia 98 to get to win, which they did on the third day without the loss of a wicket. The following composed the teams: — Australia. Otago. W. Armstrong (cap.) T. D. Condliffe D. Smith E. Cummings W. Bardsley A. Eckhold S. H. Emery C. G. Macartney A. J. Hopkins C. G. Wilson (can.) C. Kelleway T. M'Farlane E. R. Mayne 7. Ramsden W. J. Whitty R.M.Rutherford C. E. Simrjson H. G. Siedeberg C. Gorry ~ S. Hiddleston T. Warne R. Torrance Fiest Day—Saturday. At 2.10 Wilson and Ramsden went to the wickets, facing Whitty and Emery respectively. Wilson negotiated a maiden from Whitty, but Ramsden placed Emery's first ball to leg for a single. Wilson turned Emery's last ball to leg fo? o, and scored a single in Whitty's next over. Then Ramsden played a ball to cover. It w r as very smartly fielded by Simpson as Ramsden started to run. and Wilson cried to him to go back, but the , bails were off long before he reached the crease. 5 : —I—l.1 —1. Macartney joined his captain, and got Whitty's first ball to leg for 3. In the next over he placed Emery to square-leg for 2 and cut him for a single. Then he drove Whitty for 4, and: Wilson drove a full-toss from Emery to long-on for 4, and scored 3 from his • next i ball, thus recording 25 20 minutes after the commencement of play. Then, after an unsuccessful appeal for lbw, disaster overtook-Wilson, for, playing over a yorker from: Whitty, he was clean bowled. Siedeberg opsned his account with. a brace off Whitty. In Emery's, next over Macartney pulled one for 4, and drove another for 3, but facing Whitty he turned a ball into the hands of Armstrong in the slips. 39 —3 —lß. Eckhold joining Siedeberg, got a single from Whitty's- fifth, and facing Emery got one nicely aw 7 ay for 4. The half-century appeared on the board as the result of 35 minutes' play. Siedeberg. after putting one up toward mid-on, placed Whitty to leg for 4, but -it was very slowly that the score crept on to 60, when Kelleway took Emery's place, and Siedeberg got a single off his first over. Eckhold late cut Whitty for 4, and loose fielding gave Siedeberg another 4, bringing 70 up. With the score at 75, Armstrong replaced Whitty, and sent down a maiden to Eckhold. Siedeberg fluked one from Kelleway, and alter a couple had been credited to Eckhold for a pretty stroke past cover, Siedebere, whose score at the. time was 29, jumped in to a ball from Armstrong, and drove it hard to long-off. where Smith, running in. might have caught, him. The fieldsman, however, misjudged the catch, and Siedeberg escaped. The next stroke of consequence was a hook off Armstrong for 4. The play was, however, generally uneventful. As the result of 85 minutes' batting the century appeared on the board, and Kelleway was supplanted by Hopkins, off whom Eckhold took a brace. Eckhold next got one from Armstrong past point for a couple, and, upon Warne taking the ball from Armstrong, cut the new bowler's first balL to the boundary. In attempting, to stop a hit Emery injured his finger rather badly, and had to retire, Macartney coming out to field for him. At 10 minute o to 4 Siedeberg, who had been hatting for 85 minutes, reached his half century, the score being then' 113. At this stage the wicketkeeper made a very confident but unsuccessful appeal against Siedebertr for lbw. and immediately afterwards the same batsmar. had a narrow escape from being run out. Then, after a succession of three maidens, Eckhold played a ball from Warne tamely into the hands of Armstrong at short slip. 114—4—27. M Far lane joined Siedeberg, and the inauguration of the partnership between two of New Zealand's selected representatives excited some interest. After M'Farlane had plaved three balls from Warne, however, Siedeberg mishit a ball from Hopkins, which he essayed to drive, and sent it into the hands of Kelleway at midoff. 114—5—50. Hiddleston joined M'Farlane, but after the incomer had driven Warne for a single M'Farlane repeated Eckhold's mistake, and turned a ball into Armstrong's ready hands. 115—6 —C. Rutherford was not long associated with Hiddleston before the latter dragged forward to a ball from Honkins, and paid the penalty. 121 —7—2. The partnership of Condliffe and Rutherford was more profitable, both batsmen being inclined to play brisk cricket. With 130 posted, Simpson relieved Hopkins, but it was from the other end that the wicket was captured, Rutherford "ending one b>>ck jn.fo the hands of Warne. 1358 —7. With the score unaltered, Cummings succumbed to an appel on Warne's part for lbw. 135-^—9—o. Torrance promntlv- beff.an.to treat the bowling less?.-respectfully than ■ recognised batsmen in .the team had done. Having opened with a 3-off Simpson, and seen Condliffe give Warne a hot chance in the slips, he faced Warne. and. with a beautiful stroke, lifted him far over the boundary for 6, following this up by a 2 and a single. Then he cut Simpson, for 4, and 150- appeared on the board. Torrance's vigorous

display had brightened matters up somewhat. Condliffe, being affected by his example, also played freely, but at 165 Warne tempted Torrance out of his crease, and he was smartly stumped by Gorry. 165 —10 —25. Australia's innings commenced without much loss of time, and Mayne and Bardsley went to the wickets at 5.15, the former opening to the bowling of Cummings. He played the Albion bowler's first, obtained a couple off his second, and tipped the third into the hands of Ramsden at. fine slip. 2 —l—2. Kelleway joined Bardsley, and the latter faced Macartney's bowling. He stepped out to the latter's first ball, and survived a confident appeal from Condliffe for stumping. Bardsley took a brace off Macartney's next ball, and 3 off his third, while Kelleway scored a single off his fifth. Upon Kelleway facing Cummings, however, he touched a- ball, and the wicketkeeper effected a smart catch. 8 —2—1. Smith joined Bardsley, who drove Macartney to the on for 2. The ball was' returned smartly, and Smith might have been run out if Macartney had not dropped the ball. Smith twice found the boundary in Cummings's next over, bringing 20 up for 15 minutes' play. A brace and a couple of singles from Bardsley, and 4 for byes, brought the score to 29, at which total Smith lifted his foot in playing forward to Macartney, and Condliffe smartly stumped him. The batsman was apparently dissatisfied with the decision. - 29—3—3. Hopkins joined Bardsley, .player) Macartney's next ball, and was clean ' bowled by his next—the fourth of the over. 29—4—0. Whitty, who was next man in, played the first ball he received into the slips, where Hiddleston and Ramsden both went for what looked an easy catch, and between them drooped it. Bardsley got a 4 and a single and Whitty a brace "from Cummings. Macartney's next over was uneventful. Five minutes before the drawing of stumps, and with the score at 47, Torrance relieved j Cummings. Bardsley drove his second ball for-1, and Whitty took a single from his sixth. Whitty lifted a ball into deep field, giving Eckhold a chance, but he fell when making the attempt, and the stroke-counted 4. Macartney's next bail, however, clean bowled Whitty. and the play ended for the ' day. 53-s—lo. . . '" ' Second Day—Monday. The wicket was easy from the rain overnight when play was resumed at noon. Bardsley (24) and Armstrong, tho \ Australian captain, went out to the crease i to the cheers of the crowd round the ring ! side. Armstrong took strike to Macartney ! bowling "from the pavilion end. The' Aus- j tralian captain opened his account by turning Macartney to leg- for a single. Cummings bowled from the southern end. The I first ball Armstrong turned to Wilson, who slipped in fielding it, and a chance of running out Bardsley, who had run halfway down the wicket and slipped on his back in the middle of the pitch, was lost. The next ball Armstrong mishit dangerously close to Wilson, who failed to get to it." Armstrong then opened out by cutting Cummings under the rails —a good stroke all the way—and brought up' 60 by turning \ Macartney to leg for a single. With' the ' association of the two famous international players much was expected, and great interest was taken in the batting. Both Macartney and Cummings were keeping ', ' a good . length,' and the batsmen were "playing for keeps," | and selecting the right ball to hit. Bards- : ley, who had been quiet, drove Cummings all the way to the boundary with a beautifully crisp stroke.. A nrstrbng was turning the bowling nicely to leg for singles, but Bardsley was using the drive—a stroke in which, with his fine physique, ! he . is all powerful. With the total at 76, Bardsley mishit Macartney high , in the air, where Siedeberg, run- ; ning back from cover-point, effected a dropping catch. Bardsley was batting 70 minutes for his score of 34. which included two boundaries. He did not show the form for which he is' famous, and gave a distinct chance of being run out 'with his score at ; 24. Simpson joined Armstrong, who scored a single- At this 'stage Ramsden took the ball from . Cummings • at the southern end, Armstrong lifting the hew bowler's first ball high over the rails to the on boundary for a, 6 —the first 6-stroke of the' Australians' innings. Eight runs were scored off Ramsden's first over. The fourth ball of over Simpson failed to get on to, playing it straight into the hands of Siedeberg at cover. Seven Australian wickets were down for 85 ..when Warne joined Armstrong, to see the Australian captain drive Ramsden's second ball high and bard to the rails. Warne survived a maiden from Macartney, who was keeping a . splendid length. Armstrongbrought 90 up by turning Ramsden to leg j for a couple,, but Warne did not j appear to be comfortable to the ex-Australian left-hander. The spectacle j was cow in evidence of two left-handers j bowling for Otago, Torrance going on vice Ramsden at the southern end. Armstrong I got a single and ran another for the over- ! throw and misfieldin.g off the fourth ball of the over. The fifth ball Armstrong j played hard to Siedeberg, who fielded it beautifully, and with a fine throw-in had i Warne dangerously near being run out, ! Condliffe whipping off the bails just a < second too late. Armstrong brought up the century by turning Macartney to leg tor 2, the fieldsman making heavy weather of the picking up. Armstrong was getting all his runs on -the" on side. At 102 Macartney, who had been bowling well, was relieved for a spell by Cummings at the pavilion end. The third ball from the Albion cole Armstrong got round to squareleg for 3 —the only score off the over. Torrance was swinging them down with his easy action at the southern end, Armstrong bringing his score to 40 with a single through the slips. Realising that a stand was necessary, the batsmen were taking no risks. Warne had been at the wickets 35 minutes before making a scoring stroke —the first being a square cut for 3, which Siedeberg chased to within a yard of the boundary. Macartney reserved a cheer for a smart piece of fielding at mid-off, clevea'ly stopping a hot drive from Wai;ne, which otherwise would have gone all the way. The. cricket was pot thrilling, but the Warne-Arni strong .'partnership was making it dreadfully, solid, Armstrong opened out, ~,...driving Macartney ' (who had replaced: Cummings at 112) through Siedeberg's legs at cover to the boundary, and . straight-driving the next ball under the rails, bringing up 120. This brought Armstrong's score to 50, and saw M'Farhno take the ball from Torrance at the southern end. Warne played a maiden

from the new bowler, and at the luncheon! adjournment the Australians had lest seven wickets for 120 (Armstrong 50 and Warn© 6). Resumption ot play saw Armstrong square-cut Macartney's third ball within a foot of the rails, the batsmen running 3 for the stroke. At 127 Cummings went on in place of M'Farlane at the southern end, Armstrong driving- the Albion man's first ball for a couple, and hooking his fifth ball beautifully under the rails, bringing 130 up. Warne. who had been showing some capacity for late-cutting, but failing to get them through the alert field, was content to steal a sharp single-, to the distress of Armstrong, whose weight is a serious handicap in a quick run over the grass. The Australian captain was picking them' off his tees and driving hard to the on.— one such off Macartney, a fine stroke alt the way, saw Armstrong raise his score to 70, and, with a powerful pull to the on, brought up 150. Armstrong was now opening up driving hard to the boundary on both sides of the. wicket. At 154 Warne, who was troubled with an injured finger, received on Saturday, retired, Emery fill. ing the vacancy. With his score at 82. Armstrong went to drive Cummings, missed' the ball, and gave a chance of stumping to C'ondliffe. The Australian captain showed his appreciation of the " life" by driving Cummings over that bowler's head to the boundary, a few balls later repeating the stroke off Macartney along the oaroet past mid-off, a. powerful drive all the way. Emery, who had been at the crease some tiirts without scoring, faced Maoantney, bowling from the pavilion end. the bate* man drawing first blood by cutting Macartney for a. single to Rutherford, who fielded the .ball beautifully. Macartney now had his revenge on Armstrong, cleanbowling the Australian captain, who went) to drive and played all ovji' it. Armstrong had been at the wickets one hour and for his score of 91, in the getting of which he showed fine cricket, "driving and superb leg glancing. The score was 166. exactly that of Otago's first innings total, when Gorry came in to face Macartney, off whom he opened' his account by driving the left-hander foi? a-3. .\Vith unorthodox strokes Gorry andl Emery scored 3 each off Cummings and 4 off Macartriev'g next over,.. bringing up the total to 183. This brought: Torrance on in place of Cummines at the southern end, Emery_ scoring 2 off the over. Emery, was""animation personified at the wicket®, jumping- out to back up at the slightest pretext, but Gorry showed no inclination for such gymnastics. With the total at? 189 Emery was smartly stumped by Cond-* liffe. and as Warne had permanently re< tired hurt, the innings closed at 3 o'clock, having occupied three hours. The wicket rolled out easy, and at 3.15, being 23 behind on the. first innings, Wilson took Ramsden out with him to the crease for - Otago's second strike. The Otago captain faced Whitty, bowling from the • pavilion., end. and got the fast bowler's second ball for a couple—the only runs-scored- off-the over. - Ram*den took' strike to Hopkins, bowling from the southern end, and opened hie account by turning- the -fourth- ball for a.'.couple and driving Hopkins past.rnid-onSfor a single. There was lack of -harmony- between Wilson and Ramsden at the wickets, the hesitation costing runs' to the distress of the Otago supporters. Eight overs hadbeen sent down for 9 runs,, when Ramsden: stepped in t front' of -his wicket, missed! the ball, - and was out leg before to Whitty. Play had been in progress 25 minutes when Siedeberg came out to joiri his "captain, who had bsen playing) cautiously. Both Whitty and Hopkins were getting work' on, and required watch-, ing. Before Siedeberg had scored he gave a "life" off Whitty to Gorry behind the wickets, and then to Armstrong! at short slip. The ball snicked from the ; bat, - to Gorry, off whom it rebounded to Armstrong, 'who' dropped an easy catch.The- cricket was slow. At the end of 30 minutes'" play Wilson ran Into double figures - by - driving Hopkins for 3 and* Whitty for a single. Wilson, now opened* his' shoulders by driving Hopkins hardl past cover under the rails, but it was the prelude- to the- Otago captain's downfall, for. next ball he drove straight back to the bowler. Two wickets had fallen for 25 when Macartney, amid cheering, joined? Siedeberg, the Australian drawing blood) by getting Hopkins through the slips fon a couple. Serious disaster was to follow, for Siedeberg, going for a drive off Whitty,; lifted ..one into the hands of Bardsley, who, running , back from mid-on, effected ant easy catch. M'Farlane joined Macartney, who was to prove Otago's mainstay, andf who raised 30 for an hour's play by; square cutting Whitty crisply under the rails. M'Farlane opened his account with: a lucky snick to fine log off Hopkins, the only 6core off the over. This brought the Albion representative to face Whitty, who bowled down a maiden. The light, which had not been good during the day, was fading, and was a trial on the batsmen. Macartney got Hopkins nicely round to fine leg for a oouple, and M'Farlane, who was playing "anyhow," scored a! lucky single off the same bowler. Macartney was now placing the ball prettily to leg, glancing in quite his best style and l raising plaudits from the spectators, who were quick to recognise the merits of the stroke. At 42 Kelleway took the ball from Hopkins at the southern end, Macartney! back-cutting the fourth ball dangerously, close to Hogue (fielding substitute for Warne) through the slips. Recognising the value of quick changes in his attack Armstrong went on in place of Whitty, the Australian captain getting M'Farlane: caught off his second ball by Smith at mid-off. M'Farlane had been a failure, and never looked like getting runs. The hope of Otago now lay in Macartney and Eckhold, who joined the ex-Australian, and opened his score with a single off Kelleway, raising Otago's total to 50, slowly, put together for the loss of four wickets, in 80 minutes. With the score at 61, Simpson relieved Kelleway at the Cargill road end: Both wicket and light were improving, and 1 the batsmen were making use of the conditions. Eckhold, playing his patient, defensive game, meeting the ball with the full face of the bat', was selecting the balls to hit. Majartney was batting beautifully, his crisp, square cutting and off-driving being good to see. With his score at 45 Macartney failed to get well on to a full toss from Emery, driving it softly into, the hands of Smith at mid-off, who effected an easy catch. The Eckhold-Macartney partnership had been extremely useful, taking the score from four for 48 to five for 98—a matter of 50 runs. This brought Hiddleston out, to join Eckhold, The Albion colt fell into the trap at short mid on, and >v/>^

caught by Simpson off Emery without scoring. With the advent of Rutherford the rate of scoring slumped, and six maidens were sent down out of seven runs. Rutherford was never happy;' and with the score still at 98, thr Carisbrook man played Emery on to his wicket. Condliffe came in to see Eckhold score a single off Whitty, breaking the sequence of that bowler’s run of five maidens. Cheers greeted Condliffe as he brought up the 100 by driving Whitty to the on for a couple. got three past the wicket-keeper off a fast ball from Emery, bringing his score to 26, and the Otago total to 104. At this stage Emery broke through Condliffe’s defence —the batsman playing all over the ball. Cummings came to the crease only to see Eckhold, after a splendid innings of patient cricket, clean bowled by Whitty. Eckhold, who had been batting 80 minutes, received an ovation on returning to the pavilion. Cummings greeted Torrance’s advent by square-cutting a loose one from Emery for a couple, and scoring six off the over. A single to Cummings off Emery brought Torrance up against that bowler, and he scored a couple by driving the last ball cff the over. Cummings ran into double figures, driving Whitty high over mid-off’s lead into the country for 3. The Albion man was opening out, getting Whitty over cover-point for a couple, bringing up 119. Torrance scored a single off Emery, to see Cummings cleanbowled the next ball, the innings closing at 10 minutes to 6 for 120, having_ occupied 2\ hours. Following are the details; — Australia. —First Innings. Mayne, c Ramsden, b Cummings .m 2 Bardsley, c Siedeberg, b Macartney ... 24 Kelleway, c Condliffe, b Cummings ... 1 Smith, st Condliffe, b Macartney ..< 8 Hopkins, b Macartney ■« 0 Whitty, b Macartney 1° Simpson, c Siedeberg, b Macartney ... 0 Armstrong, b Macartney ... 91 Warne, retired hurt .. 9 Emery, st Condliffe, b Macartney ... 13 Gorry, not out 11 Extras 10 Total ... 189 Bowling Analysis.— Macartney: 24.5 overs, 3 maidens, 81 runs, 7 wickets; Cummings: 18 overs, 5 maidens, 59 runs, 2 wickets; Ramsden: 3 overs, 14 runs; Torrance: 9 overs, 1 maiden, 15 runs; M'Farlane: 1 over, 1 maiden. Otago.—First [nnings. C. G. Wi150n,3143, b Whitty * ■... 11 J. Ramsden, 1, run out . . 1 O. G. Macartney, 3214143, c Armstrong b Whitty 18 H. G. Siedeberg, 221114213112141114121 144121, c Kelleway, b Hopkins 50 'A. Eckhold, 14111142112241, c Armstrong, b Warne ... 27 T. M'Farlane, c Armstrong, b Warne... 0 S. Hiddleston, 11, st Gorry, b Hopkins 2 R. M. Rutherford, 11311, c and b Warne ? E. Cummings, Ibw, b Warne 0 T. D. Condliffc, 11414321, not out ... 17 R. Torrance, 36214421, st Gorry, b* Warne " 23 Extras - 10 Total ... , 166

■ ... ou xj 'H' y Second Innings. Wilson, 21111314, c and b Hopkins ... 14 Ramsden, 21, Ibw, b Whitty 3 Siedeberg, 2, c Bardsley, b Whitty ... 2 Macartney, 243234214114313421, c Smith, b Emery 45 M'Farlane, 11, c .Smith, b Armstrong 2 Eckhold, 1112242233115, b Whitty ... 26 Hiddleston, c Simpson, b Emery ... ... 0 Rutherford, b Emery 0 Condliffe, 2, b Emery" 2 Cummings, 222132, b Emery 12 Torrance, 21, not out 3 Extras Total ... ... 120 Grand Total 286 Bowling Analysis.—Whitty: 21 overs, 12 maidens, 24 runs, 3 wickets; Hopkins: 10 overs, 3 maidens, 19 runs, 1 wicket; Kelleway: 3 overs, 17 runs; Armstrong: 7 overs, 3 maidens, 17 rune, 1 wicket; • Simpson: 5 overs, 2 maidens. 12 runs; Emery, 10.4 overs, 3 maidens, 20 runs, 5 wickets. The match will be resumed at 2 p.m. to-day. Third Day—Tuesday. Tnei match was resumed on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of a couple of hundred spectators. Bardsley and Mayne took the crease on behalf of Australia' to knock off the required 98 runs to win. Mayne took strike to Cummings, bowling from the southern end, and survived, a maiden. Bardsley, who played solid cricket without trimmings in the first innings, faced Macartney. The third ball of the left-hander’s over went for byes, and Bardsley drove the fourth past niid-on folia. single. Mayne opened his account by cutting Cummings for a single. Bardsley off-driving the fourth ball of the Albion man’s over for 3. The wicket was playing true, and appeared fast. Bardsley brought 10 up by driving Macartney past mid-on for a couple, repeating the stroke a half later or a similar score. Bardsley was in aggressive mood, and seemed to knock off the required runs in quick time. He picked Cummings off his toes and got the bowler to the on for 2. This brought Mayne up against Macartney, the batsman forcing the third ball to the on _ for a single. Both bowlers were maintaining a good length, but the batsmen were confident. Mayne cut Cummings hard to Torrance at ooint, the Dunedin man fielding beautifully and saving the run. Two balls later Mayne late-cut Cummings all the way to the boundary. Runs were now coming rapidly. Bardsley with a powerful on-drive reached the rails, and scored a couple for a similar stroke next ball. After 20 minutes nlav 27 was on the sheet. Bardslev claiming 17 of the lota). This brought about the first change, M'Farlane going on m place of Cummings at the southern end. Seven runs were scored off the now bowler’s over, bringing--30 un. With a beautiful tack-cut off M'Farlane fast to the boundary Mayne brought his score to 17 and the total to 38. .At this stage Torrance took the ball v T rom Macartney at the pavilion end, bowling to Bardslev. who swung the leftlender’s second ball under the rails, turning the fifth to the on for a couple, scoring 6 off the over. With the score _ at 14 another change rude v-lh « •” au '

to breaking up the partnership, M'Farlane giving way to Rutherford at wie southern end. Ba.rdsiey and jviyane scored singles each off the- over. The former then swung hard on to Torrance for 3, Mayne repeating the stroke for a similar score, bringing up the half-century in 40 minutes. The total was mounting rapidly, Bardsley being the principal aggressor, scoring on both sides of the wicket with clean, powerful strokes. Rutherford was attempting to bump them down, but the batsmen were equal to the tactics. The Otago captain was still ringing on quick changes in the attack, and at 61 Ramsden relieved Torrance, who had not perturbed the batsmen or caused them to alter their methods. Rutherford chased a nice square cut to the edge of the rails from Mayne, off Ramsden, saving the boundary, 2 being registered for the stroke. Bardsley ran up to 41 with a fine stroke to square-leg, and with the total at 68 Macartney relieved Rutherford at the Cargill read end. Up to this stage the batsmen had scored off every over, with the single exception of Cummings a opening Bardsley was cutting beautifully, with a tine wristy flick, and driving powerfully to the on. With his score at 4b Bardsley drove Ramsden into Cummings s hands at square-leg—the only chance of the innings—but the Albion man missed an easy one. A late-cut by Mayne off Macartney, all the way under the rails brought 80 up. Bardsley raised his half-century for 60 minutes play by tunning Macartney to the on for a single Mayne was dangerously near being run out from a smart throw in, and with the total at_B7 Cummings took the ball from Ramsden at the pavilion end. Mayne cut the Albion, bowler's first ball for a couple and turned the second to leg for 3, bringing up 92, or six short of the n'ufber required to win. A few balls later Bardsley made the winning hit, by ondriving Macartney under the rails. .The innings closed at 3.20 for 80 minutes' batting, the visitors winning by 10. wickets; Bardsley not out 56, Mayne not out 40. AUSTRALIA. Second Innings. Bardsley, 113222422421332 412 22 112 1114, not out 56 Mayne, 111422114 131211 4 3 1 2 3 1, not out 40 Extras • —. _f Total for no wickets . ... 99 Bowling analysis.—Cummings: 5 overs, 1 maiden, 18 runs; Macartney: 8 overs, 34 runs; M'Farlane: 2 overs, 11 runs; Tor; rance: 2 overs, 15 runs; Rutherford: 6 overs, 9 runs; Ramsden: 3 overs, 9 runs. MATCHES IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND, March 6. The following is the result of the First Grade cricket matches on Saturday:—Grafton 157 (Horshove 44, Mason 49, Jones 26) v Parnell (two for 35); University 131 (Wallace 38, Sisam 33) v. North Shore (live foi 107, Howden 45, Spence 38 not out); Eden 242 for nine wickets (Cummings 68, G. Mills 90, J. Hines 25 not out) v. Ponsonby (not yet batted). Bowling for Parnell against Grafton, OUiff took five wickets for 54, and Anthony four for 24. For North Shore against University Hadden took three for 51. WELLINGTON, March 5. A new series of senior cricket matches began to-dav. Central got South all out for 100 (Dind 26', Suckling 25). Hawthorne took five wickets for 30. Central scored 147 for six wickets (Hickson not out 40, Roberts run out 35). Petone, playing against Waiwetu, made 105 (Brice 35, Powell 20). Rodgers secured five wickets for 28. Waiwetu lost six wickets for 51, Joyce took three for 16, and Brice three for 25. East B made 130 against Victoria College (M'Gill not out 59, Grimmett 21). Victoria College (one man short) were all out for 30, Miller capturing seven wickets for 10 runs,, and Grimmett two for 17. In its second innings Victoria College lost three wickets for nine runs. East A, playing against North, scored 170 (Tucker not out 44, Hutchings 26), M.C.C. v, SOUTH AFRICA, PRETORIA, February 28. South Africa in the first innings made 305 (White 72, Faulkner- 76, Vogler 65). England had lost five wickets when stumps were drawn for the day for 201 (Denton 104> - . March 1. Marylebone's first innings yielded 322 runs, "a lead of 17. Woolley was top scorer with 58. A collection in recognition of Denton's fine play resulted in £BS being subscribed. JOHANNESBURG, March 2. South Africa., in the second innings of the test match, was disposed of for 237 (Snook© 52. Faulkner 44). England requires 221 to win. LONDON, March 4. . The English team won its match against 'South Africa by three wickets. In the visitors' second innings Bird made 45 and Hobbs 93 (not out). VICTORIA v. WEST AUSTRALIA. PERTH. March 1. The Victorians have commenced a match against Western Australia at Perth. The visitors have so far scored 534 for six wickets (M'Kenzie 211, and Mortland 197) March 2. Victoria's first innings yielded! 563. Western Australia at the call of time last evening had lost four wickets for 276 runs (Parker 117, Hogue 76).

Balk. Mdns. Runs Wkts. ■WMtty ... 60 1 31 2 Emery ... 43 2 24 0 Kelleway . . ... 48 0 . 16 0 Armstrong ... 49 2 16 0 Hopkins ... 54 4 11 2 Warno ... 79 6 57 5 Simpson ... 36 3 11 0