MR. J. B. HOBBS’ RETIREMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 89, 16 April 1935, Page 6

MR. J. B. HOBBS’ RETIREMENT

_ ’pHJi decision of Mr. J. B. Hobbs to retire from first-class cricket will be regretted by most followers of the game. His personality has given a great deal to the game, for he has charm. An excellent sportsman, a brilliant bat and sound fielder, Jack Hobbs has given good service to cricket, but he wisely heeds the calls of age and makes his bow before it is too late. It is fatbetter for men to realise their own limitations when once they have passed the middle milestones of life and accommodate themselves to their own limited conditions. It has been written by a wise American author that Life begins at Forty. So it does for those who can make the right accommodations, but it is foolish to assume that one is underthat age when one has long since passed if. Life is to be lived in its richness in the years of maturity, but it is not to be enjoyed in its vigour. Jack Hobbs refuses to listen to those who would tempt him to go on and pursue the aim of a couple of a hundred centuries, and in that be shows much wisdom. Of what avail the attainment of such a record and the plaudits of the crowds, if it be bought w’ith a definite impairment of the general physique? Jack Hobbs has made records enough, and he has had applause aplenty. With his name and fame unimpaired he goes to his retirement with a full measure of approbation, and what is more, with a groat goodwill accompanying him.