CRICKET PLANS FOR COMING SEASON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 230, 27 September 1940, Page 10

CRICKET PLANS FOR COMING SEASON.

ANNUAL MEETING STRESSES DEBT TO FORCES.

"Some people are of the opinion that institutions suck as the Auckland Cricket Association should suspend operations during the war," said Mr. W. R. Fee, chairman of the association, at its annual .meeting last night. When he expressed his disagreement with this contention it wits obvious that the chairman had the general support of the delegates. It was cricketers' duty to carry on and maintain the game and its privileges so that members of the Forces would find it on a sound .basis when they returned. Mr. Fee paid a tribute to all members of the Forces. ,

Mr. Fee advocated a cautious financial policy so as not to endanger the loss of the association's greatest asset—Eden Park. Congratulations were extended to M. W. Wallace and his Plunket Shield team on retaining the shield for the fourth successive season. In congratulating the junior representative team on its success in winning both the Brabin Cup and New Zealand Provincial Shield, Mr. Fee remarked that the standard of cricket, as indicated by last season's successes, was a little stronger in, Auckland than in other parts of New Zealand. '

The enthusiasm of the Wellington Cricket Association, whose veterans' team Journeyed to p.ay Auckland, was much appreciated, said Mr. Fee, and as a result of this match a cup, to be named the Centennial Cup. has been presented for competition between Auckland and Wellington Associations on a home and away match basis each season. The association was grateful to those citjr clubs who took teams to country districts for- .friendly matches'. This to t.ie_ country players had manifested itself in the undoubted success of the-, interprovinclal and country tournaments hejd each year.

The Auckland Cricket Association considers it unwise to continue Plunket Shield matches during the war, but will fulfil its obligations if necessary," said Mr. Fee.

In view of the depletions that will be caused in the playing strength of clubs during tne coming season, it was proposed to find the four leading teams and play semi-finals and final in order to nnd the champion senior team. Games would be found for all teams not participating in finals.

•j »f pr 2, 'on last seasons activities. £211 2/4," said Mr. Fee, "would in normal circumstances be spent on a southern tour this season, but I am the opinion that if we have any money to spend it should be kept for reinstatement at the end ol the war, when both clubs and players will need assistance."

Mr. c. Kissllng, a member of the old Gordon S„ a cup won outright by the Gordon Club in 1891 to the association for allotment to one of the association's competitions. A iramed photo of the Gordon Club's senior and ,ho'°i tean l s , wa , s also Presented. In thanking the donor, Mr. Fee said that the photo would be hung in the pavilion at Eden Park. tr T 4ff l o, a f Vlsab i lUy J of suspending championship trophies for the duration of the war was suggested by Messrs. H. E. Warneford and E R Sutherland. The contention of the speakers was that, with some teams depleted and others at neatly lull strength, it would not be in the ™i^ e ??. °/ the game for the trophies to be competed for. Opposition to the proposal was voiced by Messrs. R. B. Lusk. A. J. Postles and ?f .Si Cleverley. who felt that the suspension ol the competitions proper would lessen interest management committee to consider the question in the game. It was • decided to request the Jto'EEtSFXaSS. trophies duf^l

,)J^V au 2 ble w ; ork which Mr - Earl, K.C., presl- £° n ? !?* cr »cket. not only in Auckland but throughout the Dominion, was referred to at relr P a .fe^ I hu° meetin ß by several speakers, who Mr Ea?r th?rfvl^^ owing to This is Aw™. s fhirty-sixth year as president. Officers elected:—Patron, Mr. O. Nicholsong" H Mr ' F ' Earl; honorary auditor Mr d' R. Garrard; management committee, Messrs. W. k. tee. E. E. Nalder, N. c Snedden (three A 6C M d M V ff-Praidents),' A. J. Postles (Eden) A. M. Matheson (University), W. J. Coates (North Sh °re)' s. C. Hay (Parnell), H. T Pearson (Middlemore) H. E. Warneford (PonsontoBalmoral), C. C. Burke (Grafton) F» i U r,^, land ™ <Y ' M ' C - A '>' D V. MoSrV' (Primal Schools), W. Lewis (Umpires' Association).