CRICKET

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 427, 29 September 1898, Page 8

CRICKET

[By

Stonewaller.

The annual meetings of the whole of the senior clubs under the Association have now been held, but so far as I can see, very little new blood of note will be found in any of the elevens this season, the constitution of the various clubs remaining much the same as last season. Several clubs had a practice on Saturday last, but did not set down to work in earnest. The coming Saturday should see a large number out, and several club matches —first elevens v. remainder —will be played. The Marylebone C.C. has given a ruling that “ retired through illness, injury, or unavoidable cause shall not count as a complete innings.” The proposed New Zealand visit to Australia is still in an unsettled state, due to the fact that the Victorian Association has not yet submitted terms. The terms of the Tasmanian and New South Wales Association are satisfactory. According to an exchange to hand, no very prominent men have taken up their residence in Christchurch this season —at least up to the present stage. The committee appointed by the Australian Cricket Council to deal with the selection of the next Australian eleven, has recommended that the players in each colony who have taken part in one or more test matches of last season, shall appoint one of them to represent such colony on the selection committee, the manager to be selected by a minimum of seven players; the selection of the manager to be submitted to the Council for approval. The players to take part in this selection are to be elected before January Ist, 1899. At a recent school examination in English history in the Old Country, a youngster, upon being asked to name the greatest achievement of The Black Prince, promptly replied : “ Beating W. G. Grace’s record, and carrying his bat for 154 against the Australians in 1896! ” The friends of Harry Trott, whose name is legion, will be pleased to hear that he has so far improved as to be able to go up to Woodend, where it is hoped that pure country air and perfect rest may have the desired effect upon his health and strength, writes “Midon” in the Melbourne Leader. He was accompanied by a loyal friend in Harry Graham, who, during his old comrade’s severe illness, has spent many hours watching by his bedside. At the best it is expected that Trott’s complete restoration to health will be a work of considerable time, and meanwhile his friends in all directions are pushon the testimonial started last week. The death is announced of John Platts, the well-known Derbyshire cricketer and umpire, at the age of fifty. He was a man universally respected, and held engagements at Lord’s, and subsequently with various clubs in Lancashire. Early in his career, when playing for M.C.C. against Notts, he bowled a ball which, rising quickly, struck George Summers on the temple, the result being fatal. The unhappy occurrence so affected Platts, who was a man of singularly kind {disposition, though blunt in manner, that he could never be persuaded to bowl on Lord’s ground again, and altered his pace from fast to slow.

Cricketers, tennis players, and all patrons outdoor sports can now obtain their requirements from the-old-established firm at H. E. Partridge and Co., at prices that are within the reach of all. This firm has now the largest and best assorted stock that we have ever seen. Purchasers would therefore do well to inspect their goods before buying elsewhere. One special line in bats is Cobbett’s “ Above All,” which has given great satisfaction in the past, and is sure to do so in the future, being perfect in every particular. Orders have been received for them from all parts of New Zealand, where they have become very popular. Messrs Partridge and Co.’s temporary premises are opposite “ The Old Mill,” Queen Street.