CRICKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 3214, 20 October 1915, Page 59

CRICKET.

NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL. The twentieth annual report and balance sheet show that the year started with a credit balance of £7 7s lid. and a contingent liability of £2O for printing etc ami closed with £ credit balance of £46 Os 9d of which £4O is on fixed deposit with the Bank of New Zealand. The committee has endeavoured to keep expenditure within the lowest possible limits, with a view to building up a fund for use when the council’s activities can bo resumed. In accordance* with a resolution passed at the last annual meeting, notice of an alteration of rule 19, relating to the payment of players in matches controller! by the council" has been given, which will be discussed at the meeting. In accordance with a resolution passed at the last annual meeting, Mr H. Biggs was appointed scoretary to the council, but in July he place. * his resignation in the hands of the committee, and generously offered to accept £5 for his nine months’ services. Mr J. S. Barrett’s offer to act as hon. secretary for the duration of the war was gratefully accepted by the committee. The committee regrets to record the death of Victor Trumper, one of the world’s greatest batsmen and sportsmen, whose loss to cricket is incalculable. During the year New Zealand and Canterbury cricket suffered loss in the deaths of the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens and Surgeon-captain Thomas, of South Canterbury, the latter being killed in action at the Dardanelles. Owing to the war, cricket during the last year has naturally occupied a very minor position in the public eye, all attention having boon riveted on our brave boys who have boon fighting for King and" country, and your committee is proud to be able to report that a verylargo proportion of New Zealand cricketers has joined the expeditionary forces. For the same reason there has been no possibility of arranging matches with teams outside' New Zealand, and very few meetings of the Management Committee have been necessary. The Management Committee would be pleased if the various associations would instruct their respective delegates as to their views upon the question of playing Plunket Shield and Hawke Cup matches during the forthcoming season.

CHRISTCHURCH SEASON OPENS. CHRISTCHURCH, October 16. Grade cricket matches opened to-day. Results : Sydenham, 205 (J. Gray 67 not out) v. West Christchurch, 151 for no wickets (H. B. Lusk 101 not out). Riccarton, 209 (H. B. Whitta 97 not out) v. St. Albans, 64 for two wickets. Limvood, 137 v. East Christchurch, 72 for nine wickets.