CRICKET AND CHEERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 230, 28 September 1928, Page 13

CRICKET AND CHEERS.

A.C.A. ANNUAL MEETING.

A CARE-FREE GATHERING.

RESULT OF GOOD FINANCE.

With assured finance, and a record of events in the report which bespoke a rise of the gaue last year in public favour, such as had not been enjoyed for many years, the annual meeting of the Auckland Cricket Association last night was a care-free gathering of about fifty delegates and members. Starting out with a moment's standing silence in tribute to the memory of the late, Messrs. Norman T. Williams and W. I&binson, the meeting soon became enthusiastic under the skilful narrative by the president, Mr. Fred Earl, K.C., of the achievements and advance of the past year, and concluded with cheers for Mr. Earl in recognition of his election for the 25th successive year as president. Mr. Earl opened the meeting with some words of cordial appreciation of the services rendered to Auckland cricket by the late Messrs. Norman T. Williams and W. Robinson. It was unfortunate, he said, that the "Star," in mentioning the matter that evening, should have confused the late Mr. W. Robinson with Mr. jW. W. Robinson, one of the earliest representative cricketers of Auckland, and one of the firest cricket spirits ever known in the province. But players of a date older than the present generation would be glad to be assured that Mr. W. W. Robinson was still alive and well in England, and still took a keen interest in Auckland cricket. Finance and Coach Fund. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet the chairman congratulated the association on its financial position. The year had shown a profit of £226, and there was still to come £30 as a dividend from N.Z. Cricket, Ltd., representing 250 shares. The credit credit balance was unprecedented. The balance-sheet showed £750 in hand, of which £400 was earmarked, he believed, for a foundation fund, the purpose of which was the institution of buildings in accord with the dignity of the A.C.A This good financial position was largely due to the very fine response of the Auckland public to an appeal to remove the reproach cast at Auckland that it could not interest its public in cricket. The response for the Test match last season constituted a record cash takings for such a match in New Zealand, and certainly removed any cause for reproach in that respect. In regard to the coach fund, Mr. Earl stated that the fund had been instituted for three years, and was now in its third year. The funds, he remarked, were safe for the third year. But if the system of coaching were to be carried on further, the association and cricket in Auckland would have to face the problem. Personally he felt it was very necessary to carry on the present coaching system, and exhorted the clubs, the players, and the game's supporters, to do their part towards making the coach system permanent. A very high standard had been set by E. H. Bowley and J. Langridge as coaches and exemplars of young England on the field and off it. Valuable Records. A glowing tribute to the work of Mr. E. C. Beale was paid by Mr. Earl, in speaking of the historical records of Auckland cricket, which had been incorporated in the association's annual report. In this valuable work Mr. Beale had done a service for Auckland cricket, and had earned the warmest regard of all old players as well as present and succeeding generations, who are thus made aware of their progenitors and development. Cricket Prospects.

On the Plunket Shield record, the president remarked on the grit with which the Wellington public and cricketers had risen after twelve years to the place of strongest cricket province, and on their fine win last year against Auckland. Speaking on local cricket, Mr. Earl congratulated the clubs and players "who had won trophies. He added that he had been struck by the consistent form in rep. games of I. W. Cooper, and he proposed to donate a bat to that player. He was glad the association had taken more interest than previously in country cricket, by assisting tours organised by Messrs. E. C. Beale and P. C. Furley, and he hoped the association would be able to assist country clubs to get good matting wickets. Good wicketß were the foundation of cricket development, and the executive stressed the need for getting the authorities to make good wickets on the public grounds. The need for more grounds was also stressed. Auckland cricket prospects this year were bright, and he especially looked forward to the Auckland-Wellington match, which should be a thriller. He hoped to see Auckland win, but if Wellington were sufficiently strong to win on their merits, and after another record "gate," he hoped that he and all other Aucklanders would give Wellington full credit for their win. The report and balance sheet were unanimously adopted. Office-bearers.

The following office-bearers were elected:—Patron, Sir James Coates; president, Mr. Fred Earl, K.C.; vicepresidents, same as last year; management committee, Messrs. E. C. Beale (Eden), H. Horspool (Grafton), G. Jackson (North Shore), R. W. Dow (Parnell), N. C. Snedden (Ponsonby), W. J. Smeeton (University), J. H. Miller (Y.M.C.A.), A. Aitken (United Suburbs). J. W. Bennett (Secondary Schools), D. V. Moore (Primary Schools). E. E. Nalder, C. W. Garrard, and R. B. Lusk (elected vicepresidents) ; hon. secretary, Mr. N. H. Hockin; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. H. Watts; hon. auditor, Mr. P. R. Fraser. Presentation of Trophies.

On behalf of Devonport friends of the late Mr. Robert J. Clark, who had donated a magnificent silver cup, to be known as the Robert J. Clark Memorial Cup. Mr. Gaynor Jackson formally handed over the trophy to the association. He stated that the late Mr. Clark had been for many years secretary and moving spirit of the North Shore Club, as ■well as the club's delegate to the association. The cup was presented in the hope that the happy spirit that Mr. Clark had radiated during his lifetime would be perpetuated in Auckland cricket. A few minutes later Mr. Jackson, on behalf of the North Shore Club's Senior B colts, took charge atrain of the cup as the first winners of the trophy. "It is singularly appropriate that the trophy should go for the first time to the North Shore Colts," remarked the president, in handing over the trophy. The various trophies won during the season were presented by the chairman, and votes of thanks passed to the officers of last year, to the Umpires' Association, and the Press. The meeting closed with an expression of appreciation by Mr. C. W. Garrard of the service* rendered

Auckland cricket by Mr. Earl during his 49 years of connection with the game here as an official. Mr. Earl feelingly responded, and stated that his association with cricket was one of the greatest pleasures of his life. At the request of Mr. E. C. Beale three cheers were given for Mr. Earl.

WAIKATO ASSOCIATION.

A SUCCESSFUL SEASON. HAMILTON, this day. The annual meeting of the Waikato Cricket Association was held last evening. The annual report stated that the past year had been most successful. There has been an improvement in the general standard of play, mainly due to daylight savins and a fine summer. The association had been fortunate in securing matches with the touring Australian team. Other prominent matches during the year were those against Canterbury and Mr. Beale's eleven from Auckland. Success has attended the competitions held by the association for interhouse play, eight teams being engaged. Considerable improvement to pitches has been effected by the grounds committee. The application of Port Albert soil, although costly, was exceptionally beneficial. A motion was passed inviting two members from each of the sub-associations in the area controlled by the Waikato Association to attend a conference to consider redrafting the present constitution and formation of rules governing the competitions for the South Auckland Shield.

The balance-sheet showed a small credit balance.

It was decided that one senior selector should be appointed.

Considerable discussion centred around the question of dividing Hamilton into areas, thereby creating district clubs. The matter was referred to a later meeting.

The following officers were elected: — Patron, the Hon J. A. Young: president, Mr. J. Reid; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Fraeer, R. Madill, C. N. Rabone. R. Stewart, R. C. Fowl»r. H. N. Howden, C. W. Armstrong. R. Johnston, C. Morris, A. E. Manning. D. Hay, E. Wilson. A. Taylor and D. Johnston ; secretary, Mr. A. E. Gibbons; treasurers, Messrs. E. Whiting and R. Johnson, jnn.; delegate to the New Zealand Council, Mr. M. O. Sinclair; s<::ior selector, Mr. J. Reid.