PEACE WITH AUSTRALIA

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1935, Page 7

PEACE WITH AUSTRALIA

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CLUB UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION BODYLINE CONTROVERSY NOISY CRICKET MEETING By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. London, March 21. The Nottingham County Cricket Club at its annual meeting unanimously carried a peace resolution approving of the advisory committee’s definition of the direct attack. The committee, in making the rule, considered there was evidence of cases of the bowler directly attacking batsmen on various occasions last season, and in order to remove any misunderstanding of what constituted a direct attack, and therefore an unfair attack, on a batsman, the committee ruled that it consisted of persistent and systematic bowling of fast short-pitched balls at A. batsman who was standing clear of the wicket.

The Nottinghamshire annual meeting was attended by 1500. Mr. McGraith said the peace motion had been described as unnecessary in view of the so-called conciliation meeting, which, however, comprised onlj six members and was not authorised to bind the Others. The controversy was now ended, but the necessity of playing the spirit of the game in addition to the letter was as great as previously. Mr. Adams, leader of the non-con-fidence group on January 16, in seconding the motion, said he thought something in addition to the motion ought to be done to allay the miserable unrest. “If Bowes or Clark try bodyline, resulting in the M.C.C. wishing to act, the M.C.C. will find the strongest support in Nottinghamshire,” he Said amidst cheers. “We possess the binding links in the sport. Let us forge these links as hands across the sea.” - SHOUTED DOWN BY CROWD. Mr. Adams was shouted down by the restless crowd. While the clamour continued. Mr. Adams concluded: “It is evident that you do not want to hear my . suggested peace message to Australia. I cannot continue amid such a noise." Mr. Whitby in supporting the motion, said it gave the rights of the matter once and for all. A member speaking from the balcony said it seemed unfair that Nottinghamshire, which had never supported’ bodyline, should be singled out to support . the M.C.C.’s resolution. r < Another declared that Nottinghamshire had been made to appear like the bad boy of cricket, but Nottinghamshire had never been that. The motion was enthusiastically adopted. A motion was next put rescinding the non-confidence resolution and expressing regret at the unjustifiable reflection on the personal and professional honour of Dr. Gould. An interruption followed, whereupon interjectors were told to sit down and “let bygones be bygones.” Mr. Whitby opposed the motion, and Dr. Hogarth declared that the allegation that Dr. Gould’s report was a subterfuge was unjustifiable. ; A voice: He was certainly unfit. The speaker said Voce complained' on Saturday all day about his legs and was specially treated for them. He added that Dr. Gould was justified in withdrawing him on Tuesday to avoid a breakdown. Mr. Whitby then apologised, and Dr. Hogarth added the hope that the memfoers would apologise to Dr. Gould and invite him to rejoin them. (Cheers.) The motion was. carried by a large majority. Sir Julian Cahn was elected president. A member protested while the audience was departing that the committee had not referred to the services of A. W. Carr, the former captain, but the chairman announced the meeting closed.