CRICKET.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 850, 21 June 1906, Page 11

CRICKET.

There z seems every likelihood of a team of English amateurs touring New Zealand next summer. The last visit of Warner’s eleven did a lot of good, and another such tour will tend to put further life in the game. * * * * The latest news as to the cricket embroglio in Australia is that the Melbourne Club is showing signs of backing down from its quite untenable position. In the interests of the game it is to be hoped that the matter at issue will speedily be arranged. * * * * A movement is on foot in England to present “ Sammy” Woods with a handsome testimonial in recognition of his abilities as cricketer, footballer, and general athlete. Subscriptions, varying in amount from 100 guineas down to 50 each, have already come in. * * * * The testimonial to Archie Maclaren was presented by Mr. A. A. Hornby on behalf of the Lancashire County Cricket Club and the many other subscribers. The amount raised exceeded £l2OO, and there was also a very handsome clock, with suitable inscription, and a diamond and pearl necklace and pendant for Mrs. Maclaren. The inscription on the clock set forth That the subscribers to the presentation included many friends and admirers in both Australia and New Zealand. -x * * * The Marylebone Cricket Club has arranged for three “ test” matches with the South African cricket team which will visit England next year. The matches will all be played to a finish. * * * * The Marylebone Club has altered law 54 as follows: —“That in a twoday match the captain of the batting side has power to declare his innings at a close at any time, but such declaration may not be made on the first day later than one hour forty minutes before the hour agreed on for drawing stumps.” The old rule allowed an innings to be closed only on the second day. * * * * The Right Hon. Walter Hume Long, P.C., J.P., D.LL., M.P for South Dublin, the new president of M.C.C., was educated at Harrow, and on the eve of completing his nineteenth year figured in the eleven against Harrow at 'Lord’s. He had the satisfaction of playing on the winning side, the Harrovians, after leading by a run on

the first innings, proving successful by five wickets. He was a free hitter, and his 36 in the first innings was most useful, he and F. L. Shand (36 not out) sharing the distinction of top score. Among his colleagues were W. H. Grenfell (now Lord Desborough), H. Leaf (the captain), P. F. Hadow, and A. J. Webbe, whilst the Eton eleven included the brothers, the Hon. Edward and Alfred Lyttelton, F. M. Buckland, and W. F. Forbes, who whilst at Eton created a record by throwng the cricket ball 132 yards. Mr. Long was also a fine cover-point. He afterwards proceeded to Christ Church, Oxford, but did not gain his “blue.” Another favourite recreation has been hunting. In the late Unionist Government he filled the posts of President of the Board of Agriculture, President of the Local Government Board, and Chief Secretary for Ireland.