CRICKET.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20458, 9 November 1934, Page 11

CRICKET.

New Zealand Council Reviews Year. INTERNATIONAL POSITION. Many matters concerning the tvelfare of cricket In New Zealand were discussed at the annual meeting of delegates to the New Zealand Cricket Council, held last night. The arrangement of tours by overseas teams, the provision of more first-class cricket in New Zealand, and other means of fostering the game were given long consideration. The president, Mr J. M. Frater, was in the chair. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet (as published), the chairman congratulated Auckland, the winners of the Plunket Shield; Taranaki, winners of the Hawke Cup; and H. G. Vivian, winner of the Redpath Cup. The batting standard had been good, and there were some good fielders, but the bowling had shown no improvement. If the New Zealand team was to do well in England in 3 937, some new bowling talent would be required. The financial position was satisfactory. Mr Frater paid a tribute to the work of the management committee. Mr A. T. Donnelly seconded the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. He said that representatives of major associations had consulted on the question of providing more first-class cricket for the best players, in the event of no Australian tour pventuating. International Cricket. ” The international cricket situation iB pretty delicate,” said Mr Donnelly. “ and we have to remember that our standing is not first-class compared wltii such countries us England and Australia, and we have to depend upon negotiation. An English team will visit us, in 1935-36, of about the strength Gilllgan brought here. In 1936-37 the English test team may visit II L,°J its re turn from Australia. In addition. we have an offer from Duleepsinh jl's brother, the present Maharajah, to bring a strong team here in that year.” The matter of alterations to rules, said Mr Donnelly, had been considered by the management committee, and the course advised was that another conference should be called in April and, in the meantime, all associations could consider the proposed amendments. Motion Withdrawn. Mr P. P. Broad (Wellington) withdrew the Wellington motion, which read: That the management committed should consist of the honorary secretary, the honorary treasurer, a* delegate permanently resident in Christchurch who shall be elected at the annual general meeting of the council, one member appointed from time to time by each of the major associations, and one member representing the minor associations.” Mr Broad explained that, as Mr Donnelly had stated, conferences had been arranged between representatives of the major associations, Wellington’s purpose had already been met. To Kelp the Game. Mr D. E. Wnnklyn, for Wanganui, moved a remit urging that measures should be taken for the encouragement 3'oung players and the Improvement of the stai.dard of piny. The remit also advocated that ” the New Zealand ( ricket Council negotiate with the cricket officials of Australia, a New Zealand official to be sent across for the purpose, to gain the assistance of the Australian cricket world to help us to overcome our difficulties.” The greatest educative force available for New .Zealand cricket, said Mr Wanklyn, was an understanding whereby Australian sides could visit New ZeaMr Donnelly explained, in connection with the negotiations with Australia, that the council’s record with regard to games with overseas teams was a creditable one. There was an important point that had to be remembered with regard to Australia. All negotiations had to be made now with the Australian Board of Control. For several years the council had been negotiating with the Australian authorities. The •Sheffield Shield matches kept on so late that it was well-nigh impossible to semi a team <of shield players to New Zealand. In a recent letter to the council the Australian Board of Control said it would be impossible to send a team to New Zealand this season. After a long series of international fixtures It was thought advisable to build up InterState games in Australia, which hud suffered of late. Wanganui's motion, said Mr Donnelly, did not seem to take the matter any further. The motion was defeated. More First-Claes Games. Mr E. E. Xalder (Auckland) reported on the conference of representatives of major associations, which was considering home and away matches between all major provinces each year. “We feel we must 'do something to help ourselves.” said Mr Naider. ” l don’t, mind telling you that Auckland Is E® to Play a second match against Wellington this year and will invite Canterbury to play a second game. To get the full arrangement this season would need some kind of gentlemen’s agreement. The only difficulty will he between Auckland and Otago, which are so far apart.” Mr P. B. Broad (Wellington) said a provisional scheme had been drawn up, entailing three-day matches instead of four-day games, and the playing of all matches in February. It was decided to leave alterations to rules till the April conference. Election of Officers. Officers were elected as follows: Patron, his Excellency tho GovernorGeneral: president, Mr J. M. Fraser; Management Committee, Messrs H. M. Taylor, A. T. Donnelly, E. R. Caygill, J. Ramsden nnd Dr P. S. Foster: treasurer, Mr D. E. Wanklyn; honorary secretary, Mr W. H. Winsor; honorary auditor. Mr A. E. Byrne. A resolution advocated by Taranaki, that tho Hawke Cup competition should be played with the larger wickets, was carried. Tour of Minor Associations. Mr T. \V. Reese moved, on behalf of the West Const, that a New Zealand team should tour the minor associations, those of the South Island one year and the North Island the next vear. The motion was seconded by Mr P. D. Mantel!. On the amendment of Mr H. M. Chrystall (Manawatu) the matter was referred to the conference of major union representatives to be held to-day. Mr Broad moved that the Management Committee should he urged to arrange a North Island v. South Island match this year. Island teams. Mr Broad added, should be pitted against visiting overseas teams. Mr Donnelly said that failing an overseas visit or home and away jpiunket Shield matches, the suggestion could be given effect to. More first-class cricket was necessary this year, and major associations should give young players every chance, so that a good Dominion team could be built up. Veterans’ Club. A. match between the Veterans and Domain Gardens relief workers was won by Veterans by 4 1 runs. Scores: Veterans 165, Domain Gardens 121. Women’s Matches. Senior Grade—Mai Moa v. Beckenham, at Malvern Park No. 1; Argyle House v. Pukaki, Malvern Park No. 2: Hmrewood v. Technical College, at Malvern Park No. 3; Girls’ High O.G. v. Spreydon, at Malvern Park No. 4. Junior Grade—Mai Moa A v. Tohe B at Malvern Park No. 5; Technical College v. Mai Moa B, at Ensor’s Road; Tolie A v. Sumner, at Sumner oval; Beckenham B v. Beckenham A, at Beckenham Park.