FOR ENGLAND

Southland Times, Issue 19924, 17 July 1926, Page 10

FOR ENGLAND

N.Z. CRICKET TEAM ARRANGEMENTS SETTLED FINANCIAL PROPOSALS. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, July 15. In connection with the proposed tour oi England by the New Zealand cricket team in 1927 the following cable message was received this morning by Mr J. F. Peake, secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council, from Mr Arthur Sims who together with Mr H. D. Swan is looking after the Council’s interests in connection with the tour in England:—“Have arranged that the tour begin on May 14 and continue up to August 19 including 16 first class counties who will give half the takings plus Universities, Scotland etc. Propose August 20 to September 9 to play Wales, Marylebone, South England etc.”

All cricket associations in New Zealand have been circularised by the secretary of the Council in connection with the tour as fellows: “The idea of sending a team to England has been in the minds of the Council for a number of years and when the M.C.C. team visited the Dominion in 1921 the matter was fully discussed with Mr H. D. Swan, the Council’s representative in London, and also Mr A. C. MacLaren, both of whom stated they were sure the Marylebone Club would gladly extend an invitation for such a tour. At the last general meeting of the Council the delegates unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Management Committee to avail itself of the services of Mr Arthur Sims who was just about to visit England to confer with Mr Swan and negotiate with the M.C.C. This brought immediate results for last week Mr Sims cabled advising that the authorities at Home would gladly welcome a team in either of the seasons 1927 or 1931, these being the only suitable years for some time to come.” “It was necessary to make a prompt decision in view to the fact that the secretaries of English County Clubs were meeting in London on July 1 to arrange a programme for the season 1927.” “The two outstanding difficulties in arranging this tour surround the question of finance and leave of absence for players. The committee as you will now know decided to accept for the season 1927.” “I am unable to give you full details of the terms which will be arranged at the other end beyond stating that as regards county matches we will be offered 50 per cent of the gross gate (this is important as against a higher percentage of the nett gate). Such matches as Universities will have to be on some other basis. My Committee appreciates the importance of this project as being the biggest enterprise cricketers of this country have undertaken and feels that it- should solicit the opinions of all affiliated Associations as to the best means of carrying out the proposed tour. The method of financing comes first and I submit to you three proposals which have already been discussed in Committee. (1) That a Company be formed along similar lines to that with which the City of Dunedin recently financed its great exhibition. (2) That funds be raised by guarantees to cover the required amount. (3) The issue of debentures as was done by the New Zealand Rugby Union to finance the 1905 An Black team to England. This money was found with no interest attached to the debentures but the tour was so successful that the New Zealand Rugby Union was able to refund the money in full and generously hand out interest as well. Scrip issued by the Company has a definite status but guarantees or debentures issued by the Council against the tour would not have much face value unless. the New Zealaiffi Cricket Council was registered as an incorporated body and accept responsibility, in which case the assets present and future would be pledged. The latter in the event of the tour not being a financial success might impoverish the Council for years to come but it would protect those assisting the scheme now.”

“It is certain that, many cricket supporters would be prepared to stand in for the purpose of the English tour only and the risk, whatever the result might be. It is the opinion of my Committee that if all affiliated associations would undertake a share of the scrip the guarantees or debentures issued then cricketers of the Dominion could confidently appeal to the public for the necessary’ further support.” “The question of leave of absence for players would be best handled by the associations from which members of the team were selected. I shall be glad if you will bring these matters before your committee at your earliest convenience and give your oninion on the various schemes outlined above and any other advice you care to place before the Council.”