CRICKET

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20538, 2 October 1936, Page 14

CRICKET

SOUTH CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION

MORE SUPPORT FROM CLUBS

The necessity for increased contributions from clubs to cater more adequately for wickets was realised by delegates to the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Cricket. Association last night, when it was unanimously decided to substantially increase club levies to meet the largest item of the Association’s annual expenditure. It was explained during the discussion that nowhere in New Zealand did players obtain their cricket so cheaply as in South Canterbury. There were present: Mr A. E. Lawrence (president) , Mr B. R. Macdonald (patron), the Ven. Archdeacon H. W. Monaghan. Mr W. Thomas (vice-presidents), Messrs F. S. Cave (hon. treasurer), Mr J. Angland (hon. secretary), W. Gow, W. Roundhill (Umpires’ Association), R. C. M. Sunley, E. Lee (Old Boys), S. D. Mason (Celtic), V. Hahn, J. Rodgers (Star), L. M. Inglis, R. Wilson (Timaru), L. Johnson, E. Reynolds (Temuka), B. R. Macdonald (Geraldine), A. G. Simmers, R. C. Wilson (High School), A. E. Fawcett (Fairview), J. Averts (West End), H. King (Washdyke) , D. F. Gillespie (Pareora), and M. Wills (Railway). The president expressed gratification at the large attendance, including the

patron and vice-presidents and said that the interest displayed augured well for the coming season. President Reviews Year In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet (previously published) the president said that it had been an interesting year’s cricket. The Association, like any other organisation, had experienced its trials and tribulations but had come through with flying colours and had fully maintained interest in the game. The competition had proved interesting, and considering the difficulties with which the Association was confronted in the matter of grounds, it had done well. The Association appreciated the interest of the clubs which took part, especially those who did not win. It was regrettable that the Bristol Cup match did not take place but that matter would be gone into by the incoming Management Committee so that the arrangements for the fixture would be placed on a definite footing so that no misunderstanding would occur in future. He expressed a hope that the match would be played early this season to determine the possession of the cup.

“The M.C.C. tour of New Zealand resulted in a substantial national loss,” said Mr Lawrence. He had yet to hear of any association that had made a profit in a match against the visitors. The Englishmen were good fellows but it had been said that the reason for the financial loss on the tour was because there were no star players in the visiting side. South Canterbury should feel proud of the splendid showing made by its representatives, in batting, bowling and especially fielding. The representative matches were full of interest and credit was due to the selectors for their good work. He appreci-

ated the interest that had been shown in young players. On one occasion a young team captained by Mr S. D. Mason was given its introduction to representative cricket under very happy circumstances, and the encouragement the players received gave them the confidence necessary for entrance Into big cricket. The question of grounds was a perennial one and the Association was grateful to those who had assisted. The relations with the Municipal authorities were in every way satisfactory, and the Association was met at all times possible by the curator. The committee apreciated the co-operation of the High School. The Board of Governors, the rector (Mr A. G. Tait), the masters, groundsman and the boys were always willing to assist in every way. The Association was indebted also to country supporters for assistance in the provision of grounds. Interest in the country had been well maintained. Thanks were extended to members of the Umpires’ Association who sacrificed their time in the Interests of the game and who did their work well. He had received every support from the officials of the Association. Altogether the body had operated like a welloiled machine and although there had been problems, the officials could look back on the season with the knowledge of having done their best and having accomplished something in creating more interest in the game.

The motion was seconded by Mr Cave, who reviewed the balance-sheet. The income was not sufficient for an Association of its size and in his opinion ground fees should be increased, otherwise it would be difficult for the Association to carry on. The balancesheet revealed a credit on the year’s working of £l9. Assets were shown at £lO4/19/10, and liabilities £79/3/6, including a loss of £75 on the M.C.C. match.

During a general discussion on finance it was mentioned that clubs would have to do more to provide for grounds this year. It was considered that in the past the income for this purpose had been much too small. The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

Election of Officers In vacating the chair Mr Lawrence intimated that he did not seek reelection after two enjoyable terms as president. He had hoped to see the financing of grounds placed on a sounder basis, but unfortunately the clubs had not been prompt in their payments and did not seem to realise the difficulties under which the Association laboured in assuring them of their cricket. This season there would be more players and more grounds to be secured, and in view of the fact that maintenance costs had increased, the officials felt that it would be difficult to carry on under the existing contributions from clubs and the system of payment. Mr Thomas said that Mr Lawrence had aroused a new and greater interest in cricket during his term as president, and he would like him to reconsider his decision. He felt sure that clubs would be prepared to make the lot of the Association a happier one by increasing their contributions. Archdeacon Monaghan and other speakers paid a tribute to the president’s good work, and on reconsidering his decision on the understanding that more support would be forthcoming from clubs, Mr Lawrence was unanimously re-elected. Other officers elected were: Patron, Mr B. R. Macdonald; vice-presidents, Mr W. Thomas and the Ven. Archdeacon H. W. Monaghan; hon. treasurer, Mr F. S. Cave; hon. secretary, Mr M. J. Angland; assistant secretary, Mr C. Reid; management committee, Messrs R. Wilson, R. C. M. Sunley, W. Grant, L. Johnson, B. R. Macdonald, A. G. Simmers, S. D. Mason, W. K. Roundhill, D. F. Gillespie, M. Wills, H. King, and A. E. Fawcett; delegate to New Zealand Cricket Council, Mr H. E. Lawrence (Christchurch); hon. auditor, Mr L. E. Eaton. On the motion of Messrs Sunley and Macdonald Bruce’s Club was granted

application as a junior club, fielding a third grade team. The delegate, Mr J. Allen, was welcomed. Earlier Starting. On behalf of Old Boys Mr Sunley moved that as most shops and offices were now observing shorter working hours, matches be commenced at 1.45 p.m. In the past, said Mr Sunley, the official starting time was 2 p.m., which usually meant about 2.30 p.m. In his opinion a firm stand should be taken in the time of starting so that the extra time would be available for cricket.

The motion was seconded by Mr Macdonald. Mr Roundhill said he considered that the idea was a good one providing it was carried out.

Mr Wills, said that the alteration would not suit Railway players. Mr Inglis suggested that a penalty should be imposed on a team not ready to commence at 1.45. He considered that any team not ready should be reported by the umpire to the management committee.

The suggestion was put forward as the motion and unanimously adopted, it being explained that the committee would consider the difficulties of country teams who might not be able to commence at the prescribed time. A proposal by the Washdyke Club that there be no cricket on race days, was withdrawn by Mr King when it was explained that the match committee would probably give consideration to a club which was unable to field a team on race days by allowing the game to be played later. Points for Competition. The Timaru Club submitted a remit “That the competition points for the first grade competition be: 8 points for and outright win, 5 points for a win on the first Innings, 4 points for a tie, 3 points for a loss on the first innings.” Mr Inglis said that the 8-5-3 system was used by most of the larger associations and had a tendency to maintain interest in matches over the two days. The motion was seconded by Mr Cave.

Opposition was offered by Mr Sunley, who said that under the 3-2-1 system interest was still keen during the two days. There had been a close finish to the competition during the last two seasons but on the 8-5-3 basis there was scope for a team running away with a big lead early in the season.

In the opinion of Mr Hahn the present system was preferable. The motion was lost by a large majority. Sports Protection League. The Star Club asked that the Association reconsider the question of forming a Sports Protection League. Mr Hahn pointed out that if such an association were formed an unfi.nancial cricketer could not play in any other sport and his name was posted in every aports pavilion as a defaulter. The president said that endeavours had been made to establish a League, but no one seemed very interested in it. The Association was keen in the matter but it could not secure cooperation. Mr Angland explained the difficulties in forming a League. The motion was seconded by Mr Johnson who said that the clubs’ finances were reflected in the position of the Association. If they had the Sports Protection League it would be of great benefit to the clubs. The motion was carried.

“That the system of filing a list of players be reverted to,” was a remit from the Star Club. Mr Hahn explained that the idea was to prevent a man playing for two clubs. The clubs would file players after the first match of the season. The motion was seconded by Mr Inglis and carried unanimously. Increased Contributions Contending that it was the duty of clubs to support the officials of the Association who were doing their best in the interests of the game, Mr Thomas suggested an Increase in ground fees. “We want to realise that in Timaru we are getting our cricket cheaper than any other sport and cheaper than in any other cricket centre in the Dominion,” said Mr Thomas. It was not right for the president and treasurer to have the question of finance for grounds over their heads all the time. He considered that an increase should be made and that the fees should be payable by December 1. The proposal was supported by Mr Sunley, who said that clubs would have six weeks to find the payment.

Mr Inglis considered that it would be difficult for all of the clubs to meet their liabilities in one payment as it would be a wide change after many years under the old system. He moved that the Association be empowered to levy the clubs up to an amount not exceeding £5 for each team entered, the fee to be paid by December 15, the penalty for non-compliance being the suspension of the club. Mr Inglis explained that this would give the Association a chance to budget ahead. The Management Committee would have the power to fix the levies of each club.

Mr Mason appealed for greater cooperation by players in the preparation of wickets.

Mr Johnson explained that the levy would not be excessive. The Temuka Club paid £8 last season for the preparation of its wicket. The motion was unanimously carried. Selectors Appointed Messrs C. F. W. Allcott, R- C. M. Sunley and L. M. Inglis were appointed senior selectors, Mr D. F. Gillespie junior selector, and Mr J. Halkett, third grade selector. On the suggestion of Mr Macdonald, it was unanimously agreed that an adjournment of 15 minutes be made each Saturday for afternoon tea, the matter to be optional for lower grades. In reply to a question by Mr Hahn, Mr Angland explained that it would be mandatory that the larger stumps be used in all grades this year. Dissatisfaction was expressed by several delegates at the condition of the Park wicket last season, and it was agreed that the management committee be recommended to take any steps necessary to have it improved this

season. Thanks were extended to Mr Angland for the use of his office and to the Timaru newspapers.