CRICKET CONTROL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 265, 9 November 1945, Page 7

CRICKET CONTROL

NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING POSSIBILITY OF VISITING TEAM The possibility of an overseas touring team visiting New Zealand in the present season Was referred to by Mr. D. E. Wanklyn, chairman of the management committee of the New Zealand Cricket Council at the annual meeting recon.ly in Christchurch. Steps had been taken by the management committee which, if successful, would mean a tour of New Zealand this sea.on, Mr. Wanklyn said. Tentative negotiations had been entered in o. and they had been confirmed, but there still remained the question of transport. Mr. Wanklyn said he was unable to give details, at this stage, of the proposed tour. “If the plans go forward, we will have an international side here this season.” he said. “There are a fearful number of ‘ifs,’ and nothing more can be said because the arrangements may fall down, and that would cause a great number of disappointments.” Mr. Wanklyn also referred to the proposed international fixtures for the next few years. The Australian Board of Control had suggested that England send a team there in the 1946-47 season, and the management committee suggested that the English team, as before, extend its tour to New Zealand. It would depend on shipping. At present there was no hope, but the normal shipping services might be more or less restored in the next 18 months. Then if the pre-war plan was adhered to, a New Zealand team would visit England in the following English season, and that would be followed by an Australian visit to England. The arrangements were far from definite, Mr. Wanklyn said, and the decisions would be made at the forthcoming International Cricket Conference.

A remit, presented by Mr. W. J. V. Hamilton, for the North Olago Association, recommended that the Physical Welfare Department appoint coaches to the minor associations. After considerable discussion, an amendment that action be deferred for 12 months was carried. It was decided to reinstate the Plunkct Shield series this season. The Hawke Cup matches would also begin again, but no defending team will be allowed to play more than three challenge matches. Mr. E. J. Price (Auckland) moved that a recommendation be made to the management committee that three selectors be appointed to pick a New Zealand team each season, even if no international matches were to be played. He referred to the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, which produced a ranking list each season. He thought that the selection of such teams would give a fillip to the game. Mr. D. A. Colville said that if the three selectors appointed were not “happy together,” they would be saddled together for three years. Mr. Wanklyn supported Mr. Colville’s contentions, and said that the financial aspect of the suggestion should be considered. The motion was defeated.

In seconding the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, Mr. Wanklyn appealed to cricketers to practice. This was particularly necessary for bowlers, if New Zealand was to justify its existence in the international field. A visit to England was possible in the future, and huge scores would be run up against teams in which bowlers sent up two or three bad balls every over. He also emphasised the need for physical fitness. Odicers were elected as follows: Patron, his Excellency the GovernorGenera] (Sir Cyril Newall); president, Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. Philips (Wellington); vice-presidents, presidents of all affiliated associations; treasurer, Mr. E. R. Caygill; secretary, Mr. E. E. Luttrell; management committee, Messrs D. E. Wanklyn, J. L. Kerr, H. M. Taylor, I. B. Cromb, and D. A. Colville.