NEW ZEALAND TEAM PRAISED

Southland Times, Issue 23377, 8 December 1937, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND TEAM PRAISED

HELP FROM AUSTRALIA SUGGESTED The New South Wales and Australian Test batsman, J. Fingleton, has made a suggestion, in his capacity as a journalist, which should be of keen interest to followers of cricket in New Zealand. Writing in The Sydney Sun, Fingleton said: “New Zealand in a Sheffield Shield competition! That suggestion was made during conversation in the New South Wales dressing room after the game against New Zealand. It is an idea to which Australian cricket officials might well give serious consideration.

“There has been a deal of talk concerning Australia’s obligation to New Zealand. It is an obligation more honoured in the breach than the ob-

servance, but the brilliant cricket of the New Zealanders in the series of Australian games has brought the subject to a stage where talk should finish and action should commence.

“Would it be possible for New Zealand to be incorporated in a competition with Australian states? It was pointed out that it takes no longer to cross the Tasman than it does to journey by train between Adelaide and Sydney. It might be possible for New Zealand to play the winners of the Australian competition in a final here one season, and the next season the Australian leaders could cross to New Zealand.

“One difficulty to overcome would be the lengthening of the season and the fact that Australian first-class cricketers already have large inroads made on their business time. I am probably treading on dangerous ground now, but consideration might be given' to whittling down an occasional game between the other states.” Mr T. H. Howard, a former member of the Australian Board of Control, and who is the representative in Australia of the New Zealand Cricket Council, considers that the board can do much more toward developing New Zealand cricket than it has done in the past. “It seems to me,” he said, “that the board does not show sufficient initiative in its relations with New Zealand. It was disappointing that the board at its last meeting should have decided against the suggestion that the Australian team should return from England by way of New Zealand and play matches in Auckland and Wellington. “I believe that the board should go thoroughly into the question of regular visits to New Zealand, perhaps every second or third year, and of arranging for Nev. Zealand teams to come to Australia when circumstances are favourable. There is a silver lining for New Zealand, as the board has agreed that an Australian team shall tour New Zealand late in the 1939-40 season. This will be a big thing for New Zealand in every way, especially if Don Bradman makes the trip.”