BIG CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1924, Page 6

BIG CRICKET.

TARANAKI DIVIDED.,

TWO ASSOCIATIONS.

SHOULD THEY COMBINE? U hy should not the North and South *Taranaki Cricket Associations join forces for the purpose of playing big repres'entative matches, such as that pending between North Taranaki add New South Wales at New Plymouth? This is a question that has been exercising the minds of cricket enthusiasts, in South Taranaki, for some time, and no good reason has been assigned for the separation, writes the Hawera reporter of the Daily News. Everyone in Taranaki agrees that, separately, either North or South Taranaki has little choice of extending the Australian cricketers, while it is generally agreed that the best eleven selected from the whole province would, at least, make a creditable showing, and give an exhibition that would attract a good gate and save the province from an inglorious defeat. The proposition that the two ends of the province should combine for representative matches was referred to an eminent authority on cricket in Hawera, Mr. B. McCarthy, president of the South Taranaki Association. Mr. McCarthy said a combination would be a very wise move, and would enable Taranaki to compete in Hawke Cup matches and such competitions with a good chance of success. Divided the province was not strong enough to successfully compete in high-class company. The division took place about ten years ago, continued Mr. McCarthy. Some difference arose, and the North end formed a separate association. South Taranaki was the home of the original association, and, since the North broke away of its own accord, it was felt that a move for a re-union for representative matches should come from the north end. The most cordial relations appear to exist between the two associations, and amazement has been frequently express* ed amongst the public that a combination has not already been effected, so that the best team the province can produce might be seen in action against the best from other parts. Such a display of cricket would inevitably have a great influence in popularising the game, and would give the public the class of cricket which they naturally expect to see occasionallv_from the material available throughout Taranaki. At the present time only one or two matches between the two divisions are played in a whole season, and th« players of the two associations are practically strangers to each other, which does not aid the essential unity of the province or the interests of cricket generally.

Playing in factions, Taranaki is unable to put forward a team that demands attention from the outside cricket world, and so the province misses many good matches that might otherwise come to Taranaki.

Cricket in New Zealand is undoubtedly improving in popularity and quality, this feature being especially noticeable during the present season, and many good cricketers in Taranaki believe that, to keep pace with the times, Taranaki must put forward her best team to meet invaders seeking honours. “Provided there is equal representation, and the controlling body is a live ind active one, I do not see any reason why there should not be one association n control of cricket in Taranaki.” said Mr. E. Whittle, president of the North Taranaki Cricket Association, when the question was referred to him yesterday. Mr. Whittle said that since the North and South Associations had been formed. relations between the two bodies had always been most amicable, and up to a few years ago they had combined to put representative Taranaki elevens in the field. He was not sure why this practice had not been put into operation during the past few years, but thought that it would be in the interests of cricket in the province if it were revived.

FUTURE OF-THE GAME .- VISITS OF OVERSEAS TEAMS. AUSTRALIAN’S ADVICE. Christchurch, March 1. At a meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Cricket Council this afternoon the question of the English teams either going to. or coming from. Australia and of Australian teams either going to. or coming from England, and playing matches in New Zealand was discussed.

Mr. C. B. Cochrane, manager of the New South Wales cricket team, was present, and made a statement on the matter.

Mr. E. Heathcote Williams, president of the Cricket Council, stated that the matter had been discussed before. So lar nothing had been done. REPRESENTATIONS MADE. However, representations had been made to the Australian Board of Control, and M.C.C., England. If the scheme was carried out it would bring New Zealand into direct participation in international cricket, and would be the means of improving the standard of the game in this country. Mr. Cochrane said that he had no authority to speak on behalf of the Australian Board of Control, but personally he was in entire sympathy with the proposal with regard to English teams playing here. There would be difficulties in the way of these teams playing in New Zealand on their way to Australia, for it was more convenient L r an Australian tour for English teams to come via Suez, so that they could play in Western Australia first. A NEW ROUTE. However, he saw no reason why English teamr- should not go home via Panama or Vancouver, and play matches in New Zealand. As for Australian elevens they should be able to go to England via Panama. International players to whom he had spoken. agreed that the scheme was an excellent one. for it would gi~e Australian elevens a chance of piokrng -ip some combination before their English tour, and it would also serve to improve the standard of New Zealand cricket. It would be better to arrange for the Australians to play here on the." way to England, for on their way back they would be tired of cricket and would Dot be so keen. He would do all in his the proposal that an

A'liFtralian team would be leaving for England about February, 1926. ENGLISH TEAM. As far as the visit of the English cricket team to Australia next s?:;son was concerned an itinerary had been arranged, the first match being agauv.t Western Australia. The team would therefore come via Seuz, but he did not see why it should not play on its way home about March. 1925. That, of course, was a matter for the English cricket authorities, and not for the Australian Board of Control. In reply to a question from Mr. Cochrane. Mr. Williams said that if an English or Australian team visit New Zealand they would try to arrange for two matches under the control of the council.

Mr. Cochrane urged the executive to get in touch at once with the English authorities, but to wait until hi? return to .Australia before approaching the Boar/L mrain.