WAIKATO CRICKET ASSN.

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14770, 8 October 1921, Page 6

WAIKATO CRICKET ASSN.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Waikato Cricket Association, held in the Library last evening, was presided over by Mr B. Wilson. There was a large attendance of delegates. Annual Report.

The secretary (Mr Barnett), in his report, slated: “The past season was, from a playing viewpoint, a very successful one. We had a visit from the Australians, and although beaten by an innings, our players put up a very creditable showing. In addition, a team was entered for the Walker Shield, and though beaten in the second match, were unlucky not to reach the final. Other representative matches were played against Lower Waikato, King Country, Tc Awamutu, Morrinsville, and Papakura Valley, the local men suffering defeat on one occasion only. In the local tournament the Warwick team were again successful in carrying off the honours, going through the season undefeated, Old Boys being runners-up, with the loss of two matches. There was great difficulty in getting wickets, and il was found impossible to start the junior competition last year, but some means must be found to give this a starl for tho coming season.” The treasurer ..Mr R. Johnston), in his report, staled: “Last season was one of the most extensive undertaken by the Association for years as far as finance was concerned . At the beginning of the season the Management Committee engaged a qualified groundsman at £4 per week. Mailing was also purchased from Sydney, and mowers for I lie ground. These items, added to the groundsman's wages, were responsible for the fact (hat the Association shows a debit balance of

£25. In regard to subscriptions am affiliation fees, it was pointed onl

1 I Hint it, was the duty of Hie clubs to ' see that these fees were promptly ‘ paid. In regard to ground fees* the custom was to make a charge of Is ' per match. As this was one of the sources of the Association's income, lit was incumbent, 11.1*11 club secretaries to .see that Hie dues were paid ; to the Association. The report 1 thanked Mr D, Hay for the assistance : which lie had so readily given the Association last year in collecting £47 towards the funds. The opportune assistance afforded in this direction was very much appreciated by the cricketers of the town.” The motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet was moved hy the chairman, seconded by Mr W. B.' Pomeroy, and carried. Election of Officers. Tile following office-bearers were elected President, Mr P. Hawke; vice-presidents, Messrs W. Goodfcllow, F. Jones, A. E. Manning, A. H. Thompkins, Q. Edgecumbe, E. Wilson, D. Hay, R. C. Fowler, W. Dimmock, J. Bain, Dr. Rogers; secretary, Mr P. J. Melville; treasurer, Mr E. S. Senior; audiitor, Mr R. Johnstone.' Appreciative votes were passed to the retiring president and secretary, and the important work both had performed on the Association in the interest of cricket was heartily referred to. The practical aid that Mr D. Hay had rendered in the game of cricket was ihe subject of special comment, and a hearty vole of appreciation was passed to this gentleman for his assistance towards the game. General. The meeting gave very full, discussion to the auction of what was the best to do in regard to making the playing area at Peddnn Park suited to playing , needs, and the point as to whether a groundsman’s services should be engaged again this season. While 'it was the concensus of opinion that such latter provision was desirable it was held to all be a question of financing the project. The lateness an making a start was recognised as against 'he very best results, but it was the general feeling that the services of a groundsman were essential if the proposal could be financed. Eventually a committee consisting of Messrs Hawke, J. Pomeroy, Melville. Beveridge, Hawkins, Shepherd and Lenlfcr was appointed to inspect the area, and report on Hie most advisable course of action to a meeting of the management committee, representative of ail club delegates. This meeting will be held at Messrs Hawke, Pear- , son and Go’s office. Ward Street, on j Wednesday next at 5 p.m. An instruction to the management committee was in the direction of considering the best means of wiping off the £25 deficit before the Associa- j tioh is committed to any further ' material expenditure. The management committee of the Association was also deputed to consider the question of securing further , grounds for the ever-growing needs of ’ cricket in Hamilton, 1 Other matters which the Manage- . ment Committee will discuss are the | annual affiliation fees of clubs and the : promotion of cricket, in the second grade. It wis hinted that affiliation ! fops, which now, stand at £2 2s, ' would require i.o tie raised to meet 1 the liability which would be incurred ' in preparation of ihe grounds at I Scddon Park. < Mr Sneddon drew attention to the ' question of affiliation with the Aurk- ( land Suburban Association in the ' competition Jor ihe annual Walker 1 Shield games at Easter, and which i would entail a levy of Is on members. This subject is one .which will also receive the attention of the Manage- ( ment Committee.

THE HAMILTON CLUB, The Hamilton Crieket Club issues a special invitation to former members and enthusiasts in the game to be in attendance at the adjourned annua' meeting, which is to he held in Messrs Hawke, Pearson and Co.’s office, Ward street, on Monday evening. The meeting called for Thursday evening lapsed for want of a quorum, but in the interests of the. game it is to tie hoped that the response to the invitation on Monday evening will be snrli that, the colours of the Hamilton Club ran be kept aloft. There is surely sufficient talent in the town, not already absorbed in other directions, to guarantee « strong senior team being placed in Hi a field by Hamilton this season. ‘ I