A TOUR OF ENGLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3996, 14 October 1930, Page 70

A TOUR OF ENGLAND.

MR A. H. FISHER INTERVIEWED.

THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS. In the course of an interview on Thursday, Mr A. H. Fisher, who returned to Dunedin on Tuesday after paying a visit to England, recorded a few impressions regarding his experiences. Especially interesting were his comments on the Australian cricketers’ tour of England. Mr Fisher, who arrived in England in the early spring, said he was charmed with the natural beauties of the country. On reaching London he heard on all sides that business was quiet, but there was no visible sign of poverty. In fact, he was amazed to see the number of well-dressed and well-fed people. One heard of 2,000,000 being out of work, but most of these people were in receipt of the dole and not anxious for work. It was particularly noticeable in the suburbs of London and in the towns and villages that the buildings were in good repair, and everything about them neat and tidy. Furthermore, tens of thousands of a good, solid type of brick dwelling had been built all over England, and thousands more were in course of construction, and as all the new dwellings had red tiled roofs, they were popularly known as the red rash.

From April till August, sport of all kinds was provided, as well as social functions, so that one had a feast of entertainments. The Oxford and Cambridge boat race was a magnificent tussle this year. It was followed by the final “ Soccer ” tie, which was witnessed by 92,000 people. His Majesty the King was present, and Mr Fisher was told that this was his first attendance for several years. Three bands played bright music, and the community singing made one lift one’s hat to Old England. A huge German airship hovered over the ground for several minutes, saluted the King, and glided away gracefully like some monster bird.

Classic racing followed—first the Two Thousand at Newmarket, then the Derby, then Ascot, followed by Goodwood and Doncaster. The Derby was a great sight, and it was estimated that 250,000 people were on the Downs, not one-tenth of whom could even see the horses.

The lawn tennis, the polo, the air display, and many other thrilling events occupied the attention of thousands. The Australian cricket tour was one of the most important events of the season, due, he thought, largely to the wonderful performances of Bradman. “ I watched him make his 250 at Lord’s in the second test match,” said Mr Fisher, “ and from the first ball, which he stepped out to and drove through the covers for four, there never was a dull moment. His reception by the Englishmen showed how they appreciate good cricket even at their own expense. His fielding in the country was exhilarating. He saved four after four by fleetness of foot and lightning returns to the wicket. I place him on a par with Victor Trumper, but in Trumper’s day the English bowling was far ahead of what can be produced to-day. Tate and Larwood are past their best, and the best bowler in England to-day is Peebles, of Oxford. Without a fast bowler of the RichardsonKortright type, without a spin bowler of the Barnes-Lockwood type, without a left-hander of the Foster-Rhodes-Hirst type, what chance had she of beating a good all-round Australian eleven with a Bradman in it? The English selectors were under the impression that the old English team of 1928-1929 could not be beaten by a team of boys, and when it was too late found it difficult to readjust the side. I could talk to you on this subject for days. I would just like to say that I enjoyed the privileges of being a member of Lord’s for the season, due entirely to the kind offices of the president of the New Zealand Cricket Association, and the very high esteem in which New Zealand cricketers are held in England. Many of the highest officials in the cricket world, notably Lord Harris, P. F. Warner, and A. C. Maclaren, spoke to me in glowing terms of our last team, and told me they were looking forward to our visit in 1930-31 with as much interest as an Australian eleven. Let us leave no stone unturned to send a first-class representation which will uphold the high esteem we now enjoy. Two old Otago representatives I met at the test match were L. M. Harris and Fred Harper; both wished to be remembered to old Otago cricketers. “In conclusion, let me just express the views of English business men who know. Their views are that the dole is their greatest evil, costing the country £33,000,000 a year. Secondly, the taxes are wiping out the gentry, many of whose beautiful country homes are vacant, or are being turned into hotels! Thirdly, there is a growing need for Protection of thier primary products so as to prevent dumping from France, Germany, and other countries.”