CRICKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 3265, 11 October 1916, Page 42

CRICKET.

OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION. Tha annual meeting of the Otago Cricket Association was held on Saturday evening. ' Tho president (Mr J. J. Clark); who occupied tho chair, said tho magnificent

response that cricketers had made to the 'call of Empire had seriously affected cricket, but when tho' storv of tho brilliant exploits of tho New Zealandors in tho war came to be written he had no doubt that it would be found that the representatives of cricket from Otago would be found to have played their part. The important matter last season was tho appointment of Mr Crawford as coach. This had not been a success owing to the war. The financial responsibility had been very heavy, and the committee considered the best thing to do would be to clo.se the agreement with Mr Crawford by paying him a lump sum, which meant a saving of £l5O to the association. This was responsible for tho balance sheet showing tho associa- j tion to be in a serious nosition. It would not be possible to liquidate (he liability this season, but they hoped the cloud would soon lift.'and when normal conditions were restored thny would be able to wipe off the deficit. Ho appealed to those who were left behind to shoulder the burden and noir leave it to those who were fJs'hliiiy our battles to shoulder it when they returned. The association was indebted to Mr E. S. Wilson, who showed ' his loyalty to the game by continuing his work without any salary, his position for the time being one of an honorary character. The following officers were elected:—

President, Mr J. J. Clark: vice-presidents— Messrs Martin, Ritchie. Fisher, and Crosby Morris; secretary and treasurer, Mr E. S. Wilson; committee Messrs Ramsden, Wyoherley, Rowlands, Todd, Sanderson, Re'stieaux, Haig, Nelson. C. B. Smith, C. H. Wilson, and A. Melville; auditors, Messrs Cantor and Austin. It was decided to open the season on October 28.