N.Z. CRICKET MANAGER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1937, Page 6

N.Z. CRICKET MANAGER

MR. T. C. LOWRY FAREWELLET GATHERING AT TAIHAPE (Own Correspondent.) TAIHAPE, March 18. Mr. T. C. Lowry, manager ot' the New Zealand cricket team to tour England, was farewelled by members of the Otaihape Club last evening and presented with a companion set. The presentation was maoe during an interval of a snooker tourney held at the club in honour of Mr. Lowry. Mr. H. A. Belk, president of the club, wished Tom ”oon voyage” and the best of luck at Home, ne congratulated Mr. Lowry on being appointed manager of the New Zealand cricket team and added that the honour was well deserved. Nobody was more entitled to the position than Mr. Lowry, who possessed the necessary qualifications for the job. The position was not an easy one to 1111 and called for a lot ot tact, and in this respect Mr. Lowry was the right man in the right place. 'I expect him to collect the 'Ashes,' but it may be difficult now tha; they have been scattered about by the Aussies. (Laughter.) ' "Mr. Lowry was captain of the last New Zealand cricket team to tour die Old Country. Now he is manager, and we wisn him and his team ewry success,” concluded ' the speaker, amidst applause. The next speaker was Mr. A. James, who said that it was an honour to say a few words on an occasion such as this one. The Otaihape Club wholeheartedly wished Mr. Lowry and his men success no. only in winning matches, but in promoting goodwill between England and New Zealand. "I am not a cricketer myselt, but, nevertheless, 1 like to visit the local cricket ground and see lorn Lowry hitting sixes over the pine trees. I am sure that we will hear of his putting on the pads and doing his bn on lhe cricket fields of England. X think that his team will win more matches than they will lose, and f know tnat they will leave a good impression behind them, wherever they go,” dedared Mr. James. (Applause). Mr. R. C. Schofield, in paying his tribute to Mr. Lowry, said in<w lie (the speaker) had played with Tom for a number of years and felt a great respect for him both as a cricketeg and a gentleman. (Loud appiau.e,. "I ar.i very sorry that he is going as manager ms.cau ol skipper, nes the best skipper we have ever had. (Applause), ine present skipper is lucky to have as manager a man ot Mr. Lowrys calibre anu experience, which should prove ot inestimaole value on the tour. We cricketers m t'ainape are lucky to have a man like Mr. Lowry playing wnn us, anu ue wish him the best of luck on tne tour and hope that he will score a can.ury.” (Loud applause).

At this stage *vir, H. Ldk presented Mr. Lowry with a high quality companion sei on behalt ol tne members of the otaihape club, who then urank Mr. Lowry's health and sang with great gus.o "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.'

Loud and sustained applause greeted Mr. Lowry as he rose to respond, rte returned thanks for tne nanu.onie gift and expressions of esteem and goodwill accompanying it. He recalled that it was jus, six years ago when lhe Otainape duo larewci.pd aim on the eve oi his departure with .he 1931 New Zealand cricket team as captain. He did not think that there was anyone in New Zealand keener on cricket than he was, and needless to say he lelt honoureu at ■icing appointeu manager ot the 1937 New Zealand team to tour Lngland. There had been a lot oi criticum ot .lie team but he did not know why. Some of the critics had never even played cricket and yet tney had seen lit to criticise. In his opinion tha team was a good batting side but one critic had lacetiously remarked that he doubted if the team would get a. bat. Mr. Lowry went on to say that he had seen Wallace and Carson, o£ Auckland, bat and had been most impressed. While it was bombastic to suggest that New Zealand would beat England, he felt sure that New Zealanders would not be disappointed with the batting ot their team. Thera were more opportunities for cricketers in England, where about 40 county matches were played in a year, whereas in New Zealand only! about four big matches were played during the season. "I thank you all for turning up lo« night to wish me good luck, and I will value this presentation and expressions of goodwill most highly,’! concluded the speaker