BLUFF CRICKET CLUB

Southland Times, Issue 21197, 25 September 1930, Page 8

BLUFF CRICKET CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING. (From Our Correspondent.) The annual meeting of the Bluff Cricket Club was held on Tuesday evening, Mr T. Stewart presiding. There was an encouraging attendance of more than 20 members and keen interest was manifested in the business of the evening. In his report the chairman, who acted for the president, Mr IV. T. Walker, who was unavoidably absent through illness, stated: “We have again to report another satisfactory season. The treasurer’s report will show that all accounts have been paid and we still have a small credit balance. Even though at times it was found difficult to get enough players, and although our teams were not very successful from a match-winning point of view, a maximum of enjoyment was got from all the games. Friendly matches were played against Mataura, H. and J. Smith’s and crews of visiting ships, and were enjoyed by all. Such games give excellent practice to say nothing of engendering that spirit of goodfellowship which is one of cricket’s features. Congratulations are extended to Messrs R. Woods and A. Driscoll on attaining representative honours. As the office of president was not filled at the last annual meeting, the committee elected Mr W. T. Walker to the position, and also added Mr G. Griffiths ■to the list of vice-presidents. Owing to illness the club was deprived of the services of Messrs Crozier and McKenzie, two valuable members, for part of the season. All will be glad to see these players fit and well again. The fence recently erected along the southern boundary of the ground has had a most beneficial effect on the condition of the playing area. An extension of this fence is necessary, however, before any further improvement can be looked for. It may be mentioned that the ground has never been in better order at this time of the year, and with a little attention it will be in capital trim when the season opens. In regard to the ground, we must mention the work of our club captain, Mr E. McKenzie, particularly in connection with the pitch, and repairs to the mower. Two other young players, Messrs Burtenshaw and Phillipson, are to be commended also for their enthusiasm. During the winter they have made a scoring board and this will be ready for the start of the season. In conclusion, I would appeal to members for their interest and co-operation. There is quite a lot to do and the incoming committee is entitled to the support of all.” In his report the treasurer, Mr Roy Wods, stated that the club owed a debt of gratitude to the secretary, Mr D. Parry, to whose untiring and methodical work their satisfactory position was due. It was therefore only right that, all members should do their utmost to assist him in the coming season. Thanks were also due to the club’s vice-presidents for their very acceptable financial support and the borough council for a picture benefit. Receipts for the past season totalled £4l 0/6. The club had to face considerable expenditure for repair work, improvements and purchase of equipment, besides the paying of an account, overlooked the previous season; but it still had a balance of £1 4/1. As it had gear' on hand to the approximate value of £5O, and no liabilities, the position was quite satisfactory. The election of office-beares for the coming season resulted: Patron, Mr J. R. Hamidton; president, Mr T. Stewart; vice-presi-dents, Messrs AV. B. Dixon, R. V. Weir, R.

McDougal], 'E.- Fordham, H. Holden, G. R. George, Dr. J. Torrance. Messsrs Guy Waddel, G. V. Edge, W. T. Walker, J. A. Hamilton, H. C. Romans, H. Campbell, A. Crocket and Captain D. F. Smith; secretary, Mr D. Parry; treasurer, Mr R. Woods; committee, Messrs N. Porter, W. Crozier, C. Phillipson, W. McDonald, W. Burtenshaw, T. Johns;* club captain, Mr W. McDonald; deputy captain, Mr G. Carswell ; auditor, Mr H. C. Gimblett; delegates to Southland Cricket-Association, Messrs E. Bradshaw and G. M. Corbet. Selectors, Messrs W. Crozier, J. Forde and C. Winter. Subscriptions were fixed at £1 for members over 20 years of age, 10/- from 16 to 20, 5/- under 16.

Messrs T. Stewart and A. Crocket were appointed to act as coaches, and it was decided to enter a senior and a junior team in the competition. The club’s opening day was set down for Saturday, October 4. The appointment of team captains was left till the start of season.

The secretary was instructed to forward a letter of appreciation to Mr W. T. Walker for his valuable services to the club. (Mr Walker is now in hospital and progressing well after an operation.) The local school teachers were given permission to use the club’s ground and material for coaching the boys in the evening. Members expressed themselves as being in -complete agreement with the proposal.