UNKNOWN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12629, 15 November 1910, Page 3

MARTON NOTES.

Many interested in cricket are asking questions about the Hawke Cup mentioned in our notes last week, so that a further word should not go amiss. It seems that Lord Hawke presented the New Zealand Cricket Council with a cup for competition, and it has been decided to offer it for competition to the second grade Cricket Associations. There is always a certain amount of difficulty in beginning anything of this nature, and at first it was thought that it would be fair the first year to draw for the honour of defending the cup for the first time. Naturally there were many objections to this mode of procedure, and it has been decided to hold a series of in-ter-association matches in each island, the respective champions to play off for the Cup. This seems a reasonable way to commence, and as the minor associations extend only from Taranaki to Wairarapa, a great deal of travelling will not be necessary. The Rangitikei Cricket Association has existed only in name for some years, but now it will have some definite aim in view, and we should see big things in cricket this year. Both the local clubs have top-dressed match pitches, but practising has been of rather a desultory nature. Budding cricketers fail to understand that only constant and regular practice will effect any improvement as players: perhaps they have no desire to win a Hawke Cup for the district !

Last week pleasure-seekers were well catered for, there being no less than four forms of amusement in as many days. Wednesday found a large crowd in the park to see the balloon ascent of Mr Suratura Eastwood, and except for a slightly delay in starting the management gave an attractive exhibition. According to the aneroid the 'chutist is credited with rising to 4,100 ft. in the balloon, a wonderful performance for the time taken in the ascent. The chute descent was a "triller," but some would have preferred a double parachute display. Nothing less than an up-to-date funeral will satisfy the present generation. Wednesday afternoon and evening saw the skating-rink again well patronised, notwithstanding the counter attractions. In the Opera House Price's Pictures were shown to a full house. There is not the slightest doubt that good pictures and good music will draw an audience anywhere. On Friday and Saturday night two old favourites, in "The Fatal Wedding" and "Robbery Under Arms" were staged by the Rolfe-Dampier Co. and the names of the principals were a good enough guarantee that a firstclass drama would be staged. Lovers of the drama are strong here, and so good houses resulted both nights. The star attraction, the moving theatre, was unfortunately not brought here, a fact that was a disappointment to many who fancy everything new.