OTAGO CRICKET.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1246, 5 March 1914, Page 21

OTAGO CRICKET.

RECENT TOUR OF NEW ZEALANDERS. ALLOWANCES TO PLAYERS. STRONGLY RESENTED BY ASSOCIATIONS. (By Telegraph—-Dunedin Correspondent) DUNEDIN, March 2. A bomb was dropped into the camp of the Otago Cricket Association when the financial statement in connection with the recent Australasian tour of the New Zealand team was read to the astonished assembly. When the New Zealand Council asked the Otago Association for a guarantee of £75 towards the expenses of the tour there was neither hint nor suggestion that the Council proposed paying the players five shillings per day throughout the trip to Australia, so that it is not hard to imagine the consternation that was created when the item “£2lO allowance to players” was read out at the meeting. No one dreamt that the Council proposed paying in addition to the ordinary expenses the out-of-nocket expenses of the individual members, of the team. ...Otago .was ignorant of the fact, otherwise it is certain that the guarantee, would not have been forthcoming. A complete search of the correspondence relative to the tour has failed to reveal anything that would lead the Association to believe that the Coun-

cil intended saddling it with the individual expenses of the team. If the Council had such intention it was of the utmost importance that _it should have acquainted the subscribing associations of the fact. By its neglect, wilful or unintentional, the Council had laid itself open to severe criticism, particularly in regard to such an item as £2lO allowances to players.

Not only was .Otago unaware of any intention on the part of the Council to pay the members of the New Zealand team ss. per day on tour, but the local association actually suggested that the players pay £lO each towards the expenses of the trip. After such suggestion the Council could scarcely plead ignorance of Otago’s views on the subject. Yet in the face of that the Council neglected to enlighten Otago on its real intentions. The Council may have considered by such revelation that it would have hardened the hearts of the interested associations, and the guarantees would not have been forthcoming. Otago would certainly not have guaranteed £75 towards the tour, and I doubt whether the other associations would have responded. Whatever the explanation may be for the item of £2lO allowances to players, the Council stands charged with failing to advise the associations on one of the most important matters in the negotiations for the tour. The matter was of such -importance that the tour itself might have been in jeopardy had the associations been aware that they were to be burdened with the expense of paying the players on the trip to such an amount as £2lO. The Council may reserve the right to do what it likes with its own funds, but it is

inexcusable that the guarantees or affiliated associations should be utilised in such manner as the payment of New Zealnd cricketers on tour in Australia without first notifying, and acquiring the sanction of subscribing associations. Otago takes strong exception to the Council’s action in regard to allowances to members of the New Zealnd team, and also desires an explanation of the £5O debited to “various gratuities” and £32, “Auckland players’ expenses.” Altogether there are some interesting questions for the Council to answer. A committee has been set up to go into the matter and to interview Mr. Raphael, the secretary of the Council, with a view to elucidation. Mr. Raphael arrives here in the interests of the Council in connection with the matter.

The question of securing a firstclass coach for Otago has been in mind for some time, and it is now announced that a number of gentlemen interested in Otago cricket have decided to take the matter up and. provide the necessary funds, provided a really good man can be secured. Present-day players are asked to assist but the bulk of the money will be provided by several leading followers of the game. The idea is to engage a coach for three years at least. Mr. Clark, president of the Otago Cricket Association, who is at present in Australia, will look out for a good man. If one is not forthcoming in Australia he will be sought for in England. Keen interest is being taken in the first test match, New Zealand against Australia, to be played here this week. Judging from inquiries a large attendance may be expected. The members of the Australian team, together with the North Island mem-

bers of the New Zealand team, arrive here on Thursday. The selection of the New Zealand team has given general satisfaction, but surprise is ex pressed at the inclusion of Wilson. The selection of the young Christchurch googly bowler was certainly unlooked for, and his inclusion comes as a surprise, particularly so when it is considered that there is a s mhar type of bowler in the team in Sandman. For the purposes of this review I am considering Wilson’s recent performances. They may be very good, but against Otago they were not so, and Otago is not the strongest batting province in New Zealand. Wilson possessed no particular terrors for the Otago batsmen, and unless bewitched I cannot see how he is going to distress the Australians. The Christchurch youth will serve no purpose in lending variety to the attack, and with Sandman on the side, a second bowler is unnecessary.

Otago is well satisfied in getting two players into the New Zealand side,, and no better could have been chosen from this province than Tuckwell and Condliffe. The former has proved his worth on various occasions, and is one of the most finished batsmen at present in New Zealand. When in his best form, Tuckwell is better than the best in the Dominion. Condliffe goes into the team by virtue of past form as a wicket-keeper, and possibly, .too, by reason of the fact that he had., been done an injustice when the New Zealand team for Australia was selected. In form, ithere is no better wicket-keeper in New Zealand than Condliffe. An injury kept him out of the recent matches against Canterbury and Southland, but it is hoped that he will completely recover for the test match. I had thought that McFarlane would have been given a chance in the New Zealand team, but how 'much' this batsman may have been considered, he was passed over. The Albion player is one of the few natural cricketers there are in the Dominion, and th 3 pity is that McFarlana does not realise this. If he fully dM so wo would not bemoan the fact that he is not in the New Zealand team to-day. It is a pity.

Lemus and Snedden, of Auckland, are unable to make the trip to Dunedin, but god substitutes have been found in Horspool, of Auckland, and Patrick, of Canterbury. Wellington probably feels hurt that it has only one represntative in the New Zealand team, particularly after that province’s first innings showing against the Australians, wherein Southall secured five wickets for 31, and was responsible for dismissing Trumper and Armstrong with successive balls. If another bowler had been wanted in the New Zealand team Southall might have ben given that chance in preference to Wilson, of Canterbury. In appointing Mr. Dan Reese to lead the New Zealand team against the Australians in the first test match the management committee of the Now Zealand Council has displayed no ignorance of the importance of the office. The appointment comes as no surprise, for it is generally recognised that there is no one in the New Zealand.team hetter...qualified to captain the side. The well-known Canterbury and New Zealand representative’s experience of the game and knowledge of the men and methods are possessed by few in these Islands, and under his leadership the best that is in the New Zealand team will be brought out.

Mr. Watson, the gioundsman at Carisbrook, has been at work some time preparing a wicket for the first test match. He spent days on one wicket, which did not roll, oat to his satisfaction. Now he is always at work at another,, which he hopes to get as nigh perfection as possible for the big engagement. Mr. Watson has made more than a local reputation for his wickets, and it may be expected that the wicket for the test match will be well and truly laid. The new grandstand, erected by the Otago Rugby Union at Carisbrook, will be used for the "first time in connection with the-test match. The stand is broadside on to the wicket, offering a fine target for Trumpet Armstrong, and Co-

In view of the test match, it is good to know that Tuckwell, the exAustralian and Otago representative batsman, is in good forrii. He played a perfect innings of 52 against Canterbury, and on Saturday compiled 81 in best style. If he gets a start I expect Tuckwell to make runs against the Australians, as he has now become used to local wickets.