MERRITT CANNOT PLAY

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1931, Page 7

MERRITT CANNOT PLAY

DOMINION COUNCIL’S EDICT CONTRACT SIGNED IN ENGLAND. BREACH OF AN UNDERSTANDING. . ; t ■ By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Dec. 21. An official announcement by the management of the New Zealand Cricket Council states that W. (E. Merritt will not in future be invited to play for New Zealand. This is in consequence of Merritt breaking his undertaking to the council by signing an agreement with the Rishton Club (Lancashire) to play for it in 1932 and 1933.

The committee says that Merritt, after signing the agreement with the -Rishton Club, did not inform the manager of the team or the council.

“He has admitted to the committee that he has broken the undertaking given to the council that he would not accept any engagement in England for a period of two year after his return to New Zealand,” adds the statement. “The committee has given careful consideration to the unfortunate position which has been created and with great regret has decided that the breach cannot be passed over.” '' Merritt will leave on February 28 to fulfil' his engagement with the Rishton Club., He will return in September, 1932. In the meantime the ban does not affect his eligibility for the club and province. Interviewed, Merritt made no comment beyond saying that he would abide by the council’s decision.