SYDNEY

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1703, 28 February 1862, Page 5

SYDNEY

(From the Daily Times Correspondent.) February 3rd, 1862. Cricket has been the absorbing topic durin the whole of the past week. It was the themo of every one's conversation much to the annoyance of those who did not take any particular interest in the game, as well as others, who would far rather have been occupied in commercial matters. But business was completely at a stand still. Most of the shops were closed during the first three days of the matoh, and it was evident the whole of the population had made up their minds to witness the play as long as it lasted. During the four day9 there must have been from 80,000 to 100,000 people on the Domain, so you will gather from this some idea of the excitement that had been created. A very commodious grand stand, capable of holding about 3,000 persons had been ereoted on the ground, and if you were unfortunate enough to be later than twelve in the morning when you made your appearance, there was no possibility I of your procuring a seat, as long before that, all were occupied. Next to this was a smallsr one, fitted up on purpose for the Governor and his suite, who honored it with their presence eaoh day. It has always been a point of courtesy to allow the Legislative Council and Assemlby a position for themselves; on this occasion, however, they were not satisfied with the accustomed tent, but made the country put up a very large and expensive staud, capable of holding nearly 1,000 persons, and they introduced a sufficient number of strangers to cause it to be completely filled. It will be a matter of no little curiosity for one to know from what source the funds are to be supplied to pay for this buildiug, but will also remain as a lasting disgrace to both Houses of Parliament that they were maiuly instrumental in keeping from the pockets of Messrs. Spiers & Pond the money they and their friends must otherwise have paid for admission. There was also another matter which gave considerable umbrage to a portion of our community. It has never been usual for the Governmental departments to enter into competition with private enterprise, but on this occasion they did so, as the Superintendent of Electrioi Telegraphs notified in an advertisement, published in both the dailies, that a branch line had been carried to the ground, and that they would forward messages to all or any of the country papers during the continuance of the game. If this thing is to last what must become of the telegraphic agents that have been, residing here, aud following the profession for years. When their messages are sent to tho office for transmission, they actually become the property of the department. They kaow the contents, and can, if they consider it desirable, use it for their own purposes, The information is thus obtained without any trouble on their part, while the unfortunate mam who has been for hours collecting the intelligence he has just despatched, cannot dispel the idea that others will benefit from that which was specially intended for the journals he was corresponding with, I speak from experience when I state that the working of the department is of the most unsatisfactory nature. Messages unable to be forwarded are not returned till days after, accompanied with the most absurd reasons for their nou- transmission. An immense amount of time is wasted between the delivery of messages at the office, and their receipt by the persons for whom they were intended. Carelessness of the grossest nature is always oeourring, and mismanagement appears to reign supreme. It is much to be hoped that a Select Committee will next session b,e appoint ed, to ascertain the oaaee of suoh dis-

organization as is now existing. Witnesses could be brought forward to prove the necessity of remodeling this department and until that is done it will be hopeless for any newspaper proprietors to anticipate punctuality in the arrival of their telegrams.

But to return to the crioketers. By previous arrangement the Melbourne bnat eutered the heads at six o'clock on the morning of the 27th, and the Kembla steamer having been chartered by the Cricketers' Association, met them at that time. When they landed at the Circular Quay there must have beenj nearly 10,000 persons assembled, who greeted them most enthusiastically. Two ,of the tramway cars took them to Tattersell's, where the host, Mr. O'Brien, gave them one of the most sumptuous breakfasts that ever has been seen in the colony, tie also invited about 150 gentlemen, and this liberality on the part of a siagie individual deserves the highest [ commendation. Mr. Arnold the Minisj ter for Works, took the chair, and proposed the health of the English Eleven iv a very complimentary speech. They afterwards went on board the flagship at the Anniversary Regatta, and in the latter part of the d gw^orue of them practiced on our groulnHr In the evening, they were, invited to dine with the Victoria Club; and a very elegaut repast having been prepared, ail passed off with great eclat. The following day, play was to have commenced, but for some reasons which no one thoroughly understands, it was postponed until the following Wednesday. It is needless for me to enter into the particulars of the game, as your Sydney files will give you full details. We may, however, congratulate ourselves upon the result, which shows we have done better than any of the other Colonies.