CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 50

CRICKET

THE RECENT TESTS.

SELECTORS’ EXPERIENCES. LONDON, October 2,

Mr H. D. G. Leveson-Gower, chairman of the test selectors, reveals that he received over 400 letters criticising and condemning the actions of the committee in connection with the recent tests. He added that he was not once called on to give his casting vote for the selection of any player. He and Chapman were still the best of friends. When Wyatt was selected there were scores of letters urging him not to play, and in some instances the writers cursed him.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM.

MANAGER’S REPORT ON TOUR LONDON, October 1.

Mr Kelly, manager of the Australian team, declines to give an indication of the nature of the recommendations he is making to the Board of Control on his return, but it will not bq surprising if he opposes the playing of future tests at Leeds, which, despite the great advantage the Australians gained there, cannot be considered as a ground up to test standard. The players themselves would undoubtedly prefer more matches in the more pleasant south and west of England at the expense of the gloomy north. This year saw an experiment in accommodating the team at the Midland Hotel, away from the fashionable centres, partly for economy and partly because there were fewer distractions and less unwelcome curiosity regarding the players than if they had stayed at the West End. It is believed that Mr Kelly will recommend the continuance of this policy, provided the hotel agrees to a certain condition.

THE GAME IN AUSTRALIA

SEASON IN SYDNEY OPENED. SYDNEY, October 5

In grade cricket, batting for Padding--oii against University, Josselyn scored 166 not out; for Waverley against North Sydney, Wendell 101 not out; for Northern District against Manly, Chilvers 71 not jut. Bowling for Mosman against Glebe, Hooker took 5 wickets for 40 runs.

MATCHES IN MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, October 5. The cricket season has begun. Batting or Collingwood against St. Kilda, Ryder nade 161. Bowling for Carlton against Fssendon. Alexander took eight Wickets or 32 runs.

TEACHERS’ TOUR CANCELLED. WELLINGTON. October 4.

The secretary of the New Zealand federation of Teachers (Mr Ashbridge) lias received word that the proposed •ricket tour of Australian teachers through New Zealand during the summer vacation has been cancelled on account of the depression, but they will be pleased to receive a New Zealar-’ team.

OTAGO. ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Otago Cricket Association was held on Wednesday evening. The president (Mr G. A. Wycherley) occupied the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. SMALLER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

Mr J. Fraser moved—“ That the rules of the association be amended to provide that the General Committee appointed at the annua! meeting shall appoint from its members a committee of management which will be responsible for carrying out the work of the association, its actions to be subject to the right of appeal to the General Committee by any club.” Mr Fraser said that in the past the association had had a committee of up to 21 members. Anyone who knew anything about the conduct of meetings knew that such a large committee was unwieldy. He would suggest a committee of about eight, the president acting as chairman and bringing the number up to nine. Mr J. J. Clark, who seconded the notion, said that it did not reflect on the work of past committees. An imorovement could be made, however, if 'he size of the committee could be reduced. It was very difficult to obtain 20 members who could give the necessary time to the work.

The president also supported the motion, stating that if the chairmen of sub-committees could appoint their own members interest in the game could be extended outside the association. The motion was unanimously carried. On the motion of Mr Clark, it was decided that the committee consist of eight, the president being an ex officio member. ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —President, Mr G. A. Wycherley; vice-presidents—Messrs G. A. Martin, P. W. Rundle, J. M. Fraser, and A. H. Allen; secretary and treasurer, Mr E. S. Wilson; auditors, Messrs G. Pickard and A. Rayner; honorary members’ representative. Mr D. A. Solomon; representative of Boys’ Association, Mr E. Ferguson; committee —Dr A. Reid, Messrs W. R. Brinsley, sen., W. Brookes, J. Robson, W. A. Rowland, R. Torrance, J. Dunning, G. G. Austin, F. Binney, and W. Strang. GENERAL. The Taieri Club was granted affiliation. —Mr A, Murray returned thanks on behalf of the club, stating that it had 40 members. It was decided to open the season on October 25, the hours of play being fixed at 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

On the motion of Mr A. Knight it was decided to play a match on Labour Day between a team of colts led by Mr Badcock and a side picked from the rest of Otago. Mr Badcock, who addressed the meeting at the request of the chairman, said that he was not concerned with clubs. One club might have six colts, while another had only one, but he could only follow his own judgment. The number of colts to be coached during the season would be limited. If he were given a free hand he would give results. Mr Fraser paid a tribute to the work of Mr Badcock, and urged players to take a greater interest in the coaching