CRICKET NOT ENOUGH GROUNDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23316, 27 September 1945, Page 7

CRICKET NOT ENOUGH GROUNDS

Annual Meeting Of Association Mr W. G. Tweedy Elected President “Timaru is ill-equipped with playing fields,” said Mr A. E. Lawrence, president of the South Canterbury Cricket Association, in presenting the annual report last evening. "There are acres and acres of parks and gardens usually catalogued as recreational reserves, but it is doubtful if there is another provincial centre of the size and potentialities of Timaru which makes such poor provision for field games and pastimes. Had it not been for the generosity and consideration shown year after year by the rector and the authorities of the Timaru Boys’ High School in making grounds available, cricket would have made a poor showing over the years behind us. “Linked with the problem of providing adequate playing fields is the urgent need for a comprehensive system of coaching,” said Mr Lawrence. "Every year the game of cricket loses hundreds of prospective good cricketers who do not come into the game at all, or who do not stay in, because they are early discouraged by the absence of a scheme for sound coaching. “The war years brought difficulties to all associations connected with organised games and pastimes, and the Association did not escape,” continued Mr Lawrence. “Thanks, however, to the co-operation of players and friends the game has been kept very much alive and the foundation laid for the incoming season which promises, with the men coming back from active service in large numbers, to show a remarkable revival.” The president said that last season Star won the only competition played. Representative matches were played against at Ashburton and Timaru. The Association paid its way during the year, and showed a small credit balance. Cricket suffered a severe le s in the death of the patron of the Association, Mr W. Thomas, and Mr F. S. Cave, who acted as treasurer for more than 30 years. “After more than 11 years as president, I feel that retention of office too long would not be in the interests of the game,” said Mr Lawrence in vacating the chair. Members paid a tribute to the work of the president and expressed regret that he would not stand again for that office. Election of Officers Tire election of officers resulted:— Patron, Mr A. E. Lawrence, president, Mr W. G. Tweedy; vice-presidents, Messrs A. L. Hudson and A. G. Tait; hon. treasurer, Mr W. Grant; hon. secretary, Mr A. W. Fawcett; management committee, Messrs L. K. Murray, V. Hahn, A. Souter. N. Gould, B. Fountain and a representative from Temuka; delegate to the New Zealand Cricket Council, Mr A. E. Lawrence. After discussion it was decided to form a postponement committee of three and the following members were elected: Messrs A. Souter, N. Gould and L. K. Murray. The grounds and match committee comprises Messrs V. Hahn, A. Souter, A. W. Fawcett and N. Gould.

A suggestion was made by Mr N. Gould that the Association play two day cricket. “One day cricket never gives the young player long enough to settle down. In the time available he can just go out and hope to make runs quickly,” said Mr Gould. Mr A. Souter: Two day cricket is putting cricket on a proper basis. One day cricket is not to the advancement of the game. It was left to the management committee to present a report on the proposal. Nominations for the competitions will close on October 6.