Cricket Team for England.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20172, 26 February 1931, Page 10

Cricket Team for England.

It is pleasant to be able to announce to-day that our cricketers will definitely sail for England before the end of next month. Although we Cannot add yet that the cost oil the tour has been subscribed, mote than six thousand of the necessary eight thousand Shares have been taken up for tho preliminary expenses, and that is enough for confidence. It is something also for which Canterbury may fairly applaud itself that far more than half of these shares have been .taken up in its own territory. There can be little risk in saying that when the other districts have btjeli thoroughly canvassed the Council will have security as well as confidence. In any case it has acted wisely in acting boldly* and it is to be hoped that others than those actively interested in cricket will show their appreciation. IV- the tour is far more now than a tour of cricketers. Until the llawkc's Bay earthquake came it would not have mattered much to others than cricketers whether the players got away or stayed at home. Now it matters very much to everybody. If it had been necessary to say to England, and to the world, that the earthquake had left us without the eight or ten thousand pounds necessary for the travelling expenses, without a team, and without the heart to go on playing, the effect would have been disastrous. On the other hand nothing could be a better dispells of gloom, and of the fantastic notion# jnAhy overseas people still have of New Zealand, than the fact ihat tho most terrible earthquake we Have ever experienced Has neither spoiled cricket at home nor delayed the departure of a team for the Other side of tho world.